PUL, or Polyurethane Laminate, is the waterproof layer of material often used in cloth diapers.  Pockets, All-in-Ones, All-in-Twos and Diaper Covers most often use this on the outer layer of the diaper as a more breathable alternative to the old Rubber and Plastic pants of the previous generation of cloth diapers.

Example of laminate inside and polyester outside (at top) of this Flip Cover

So what exactly is PUL? When you look at many diaper covers you can see that there is a “wipeable” side which is inside, and a cloth like outside, which is usually polyester or cotton.  The laminate side has been fused to the cotton or polyester side using heat or a chemical process.  Usually this process is permanent and the two layers stay together for the long haul.  However, certain chemicals and other mistreatment of this material can cause the laminate to separate from the fabric outer, in which case the diaper will begin to have leaks through those areas.  It will bubble up and appear like a peeling sunburn.

Cotton or Polyester? Pretty much any diaper you have seen uses polyester as the soft fabric side.  While cotton offers many options for cute prints, these wick more.  The bigger brands can afford to commission large quantities of proprietary prints in polyester PUL.  The reason you don’t see many prints is for that reason, they are expensive and require large orders.  Not to mention they need to be designed.  Remember, the fabric has to look good rightside up and upside down.  A lot of diaper makers who really want to have fun prints choose to use a regular cotton knit sewn over a hidden layer of PUL.  Some are successful in this (GEN-Y Covers have NEVER leaked or wicked for me) but other diapers end up with horrible wicking (moisture from the inside of the diaper migrating to the cotton, usually around the legs.)

1 Mil or 2 Mil? PUL has either a 1 mil or 2 mil thick layer of the laminate backing.  It is up for debate whether or not 1 or 2 mil is better.  1 mil certainly feels thinner, but 2 mil has an extra layer of protection.  It could be argued that 1 mil will potentially wear down quicker over time.  You could also argue that 1 mil would be more breathable since there is less waterproof laminate for air to come through.  I have not seen conclusive evidence of either.  Unless you are making your own diapers and buying PUL, most consumers don’t even realize there are different types of PUL being used.  If you are buying your own PUL, 1 mil is easier to find and less expensive.

Examples? Bummis covers are made with 2 mil PUL.  bumGenius! products use 1 mil, for a comparison.  The Bummis covers definitely feel thicker.  Understandably, some people do not wish to use 2 mil because it is harder to work with and sew.

Some of the larger brands commission their own PUL with distinctive brand specific colors (think Bum Genius) and patterns, (think Mother-Ease).  bumGenius! have stated that they do not use a chemical solvent process, and they also believe their PUL is made in an environmentally friendly way.

Many other brands and WAHM’s have been using a brand of PUL called Fabrite which I recently learned is considered the best for diaper making.  Unfortunately this brand stopped production.  Unbeknownst to consumers, diaper makers are scrambling to find a comparable alternative, of which there aren’t many.  Fabrite used a solvent process described as”The PU film and knit are coated with a solvent based adhesive that slightly liquefies the surface of the PU film and knit, then pressure is used to fuse the fabric together.”  source: Wazoodle

After speaking to others I have learned not everyone thought Fabrite was the best.  Many used to use it and later went with a heat solvent PUL.  Nifty Nappy prefers the heat solvent PUL also.

There is another term floating around regarding PUL and this is TPU.  TPU stands for Thermoplastic Polyurethane.  This is where it gets hairy.  According to Rumparooz, who uses TPU, they regard it in another category altogether.  Taken from Rumparooz’s Website:

In 2008 Kanga Care started using a biodegradable TPU waterproof material. Biodegradable TPU is solvent-free. Biodegradable TPU is a polyester fabric that has been laminated with a thermoplastic polyurethane using a heat bonding process. This process is low in toxicity and is better for the natural environment. Both the TPU laminate and the polyester fabric the laminate is applied to are biodegradable.  When composted they will biodegrade in 4-5 years.

However, the fabric distrubutors Wazoodle, who issued a highly informative breakdown of the different PUL’s, say:

TPU is the technical name for polyurethane film used to make all PUL, new and old.  A few vendors heard TPU for the first time and thought it would help them make their items sound different — just marketing tricks!

So if TPU is better for the environment why aren’t more diaper manufacturer’s using it?

It could just be that they are, and the TPU is just a fancy name for the heat solvent version of PUL that many manufacturers use.  It is all very confusing for someone who does not make diapers!

Bottom line?

It is near impossible to know exactly which PUL a diaper is using unless you ask.  Some makers are very forthcoming, others believe their proprietary PUL recipe should be kept secret.  I found both sides when looking into this post.  You will also see that some diapers source PUL from China, but other brands are still careful to use PUL made in the US.  I still believe PUL has made the cloth diapering revolution possible. I love my Pockets and couldn’t live without them.  Cloth diapers are better than disposables any day, no matter how the PUL was made, but it isn’t something you should keep your head in the sand about either.

What is I don’t want to use PUL but want to use cloth diapers? If you are concerned that PUL production is bad for the environment there are certainly other options.  Wool and fleece work just as well at keeping leaks at bay.  While it isn’t practical to expect every cloth diaper user to use these materials, if you really want organic and conscientiously produced diapers wool and fleece might be what you need.

For responsibly made wool I would recommend: Sustainable Babyish, Better for Babies (Little Beetle), and the WAHM’s out there who upcycle wool into soakers or hand knit them (Hyena Cart and Etsy will yield results).

If you prefer fleece (easier to care for overall and less expensive) I suggest Lollidoo, who use recycled plastic bottles to make their fleece!  Also, there are WAHM’s who upcycle fleece to make soakers as well.

Special thanks to the cooperative diaper companies I contacted: bumGenius!, Bummis, and Nifty Nappy, who were very helpful in answering my questions.

Images: Flip- clothdiapers.blogspot.com, PUL- www.zjgxdiaper.com

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 blue.  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?

Now, for my review of the diaper itself and the performance, since my color rant is over.  For those curious, they are bringing back the brights (my favorites) and will be introducing prints.  No date announced yet.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I was approached by Sprout Change to review their new cloth diaper.  I went to the website and looked at pictures and decided I would give it a shot.

Ease of Use ✰✰ Don’t get hung up on the stars too much.  This category reflects not only the size changing of a one size diaper, but also how easy it is to put on the baby and take off.  To adjust the size of this diaper takes a good amount of time.  First, I couldn’t even figure it out.  After I emailed the company I was still confused but did as she said.  Basically, the legs have slotted elastic to adjust the rise.  This can be seen in the Fuzzibunz One Size as well.  To change the size you reach into a small hole in the front of the diaper.  But how do you adjust the waist?!?!  I had a tiny rise and a giant waist.  There are only 3 snaps to choose from so it wasn’t going to snap tighter.  Instead, you have to reach into the inside of the diaper, into each tab, and find a button and the slotted elastic in there.  Getting in there isn’t the easiest thing in the world.  I would say only small fingers will do.  Daddy hands are out, unless Daddy has delicate tiny hands.  Having the size chart I was sent will be handy.  If you go by the seat of your pants and guess you might be upset when you have to do it all over again a few minutes later.

Now, once the sizing is DONE and correct, the diaper is easy to put on and off.  The point of the complicated sizing is to make everyday changes simpler.  Something I can appreciate.  Rather than having multiple snap options on the waist, you get none.  You have 3 snaps on each hip, one further in and one in line with the top snap.  That is your only choice.  I hear complaints with snap diapers that it is hard to know where to snap.  This takes to guesswork out so even a Dad or caregiver can use a snapping diaper instead of a velcro one.  It is an All in Two, and the inserts can be laid in easily and replaced with a new one.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰ The Sprout Change diaper runs 25.00.  This is definitely on the higher end of most cloth diapers.  It is a one size that should fit 5-40 pounds, which is a large range.  The materials of the insert are organic hemp and cotton.  And the diapers are made in the US.  This is a plus since many consumers want US made products and organic materials.  Each insert is 6.95 and that isa  great price for hemp/ cotton combo.  Plus it is really soft!

Performance ✰✰✰✰ This is the most important part, correct?  If a diaper works it will have consumers.  Well, the diaper does indeed work well.  Once you get it adjusted you are good to go.  You can use the prefold trifolded or put the prefold in the stay dry sleeve.  The sleeve is an extra step worth taking if your child need a stay dry material, but mine doesn’t.  The prefold was soft enough for me.  Hemp/ cotton is absorbent so it held the pees in well.  It is nice to use the prefold alone because you can fan it out in the back to catch the solid messes more.  If you use  the sleeve you ar emore at risk for having the mess get more on the cover than the insert.

Fit ✰✰✰✰ I really do like diapers that use elastic as their sizing system.  It is harder to adjust, but you only need to adjust it 4-6 times in a child’s diapering years.  Since the hassle makes everyday diapering easier, this is something I can live with.  I did get a very good fit for my son.  After shooting the video I had to adjust it one more time and make the rise higher, and that made it just right.  I can see this fitting a newborn, but am a little worried the waist doesn’t get large enough for bigger toddlers.  I only have one slot on each side left and this is on my skinny man.  I have 2 slots left on the rise, however.

Overall- Even though it sounds like I think this diaper is too complicated, I am just giving you a real review and my real experience.  Yes, it is hard to get adjusted.  Does  that mean you shouldn’t buy it?  Of course not.  Once you get it adjusted you are able to use it very eaily for everyday.  I would also think it should be good for daycares, even though most don’t like the snaps, there is only one choice to make for them.  I don’t think the fleece sleeve is needed, but some might.  And I would like the inside of the diaper to also be a fun color, to make reversing it worthwhile.  There are some with dual colors, but would love even more!  This diaper elminates ugly snaps in every form, on the waist and on the rise.  It give you a very clean look, something everyone should appreciate.

Where to buy:

The Willow Store

A diaper was sent for free for the purposes of this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own and not influence by the sponsor.

Bum Essentials Bumbino AI2 review.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ The Bum Essentials is an AI2 that has one soaker and a booster option.  The booster can be already snapped in or you can just use the soaker.  Either way you only need to snap in the booster at the changes if you have things prepared ahead of time.  The tabs are velcro and can be closed easily on the baby.  I will say that the front elastic does make it a little harder to put on than a traditional cloth diaper with velcro.  You have to make sure the velcro strip is flat when affixing the tabs.  You can do this by stretching the diaper pver the baby while putting it on.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ The diaper runs 19.99 for the shell and a soaker/ booster combo in the terry material.  The is slightly less than some other AI2′s but more than a typical pocket diaper.  I love the terry material used for the soaker.  You can also buy a bamboo soaker/booster combo.  For extra soakers (bamboo or terry) it is 9.50.

Performance ✰✰✰✰ The soakers are absorbent and made from a nice material.  I was sent both the terry and bamboo and I prefer the terry but the bamboo held up just as well.  I never had a leak with them and I think with the booster is a nice addition for toddlers.

Fit ✰✰✰ The tabs are very generously sized, giving even the widest waists ample room to grow.  I did have a good bit of leg gaping that I couldn’t seem to get any smaller.  If my son were a heavier wetter I imagine there would have been leaks.  His legs are on the smaller side so even an average baby or larger baby would have better luck.  The elastic on the front bunched the velcro strip so you have to be careful when you close the tabs.  (Again, stretch it over the baby first) I had an instance of the tab coming off because it wasn’t attached to all of the strip.

Overall- I like the ideas behind this diaper but would love to see a few thing tweaked.  The snaps for the soaker are only snapped in the microfleece.  This means it could rip easier than if it were attached through PUL.  I realize this is a design choice and ripping the snap can be avoided by unsnapping the soaker before washing and pulling it off close to the snap.  But, I am not always careful.  I already addressed some of the other concerns in different areas of the review.  I do like the colors the diapers come in, especially Rocket Red, and the soakers are made from good materials and very absorbent.  I also like the generous size on the tabs.  As with all diapers, there are features I love and some I don’t.

Bum Essentials Wet Bag- I was also sent a Bum Essentials wet bag to try.  The neat thing about it is that is is reversible.  When you wash if it flips inside out it doesn’t matter!  It is a good size for a longer day trip, but too big for an outing to the store.  It is a great size for swimwear or wet clothes and would be a good one to keep around just in case!

The diaper and wetbag were sent free of charge.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I was asked to review Real Nappies, a system that is fairly new to me and to the US, and was happy to do so.  After all, that is what I do!  The diapers came and although simple looking, they are effective and easy to use.  The diapers were developed in New Zealand and can be found in mainstream grocery stores there.  How exciting!  In the US they are pretty new to the market.

You can also view Real Nappies’ videos and different folds on their Youtube.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ I found the system very easy to use, but I also have experience with trifolding prefolds to put in covers.  It makes it easier that the cover uses velcro tabs so once the prefold is in the cover you can just put it on like a disposable.  To change, remove the old dirty prefold and place a new one in the cover.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ I am pretty happy with their prices.  If you want to simplify your life and order just one type of diaper, you can choose their Birth to Potty Package which is on sale for 500.00.  You can also get smaller packages for each stage since these are sized covers.  These run 69.00.  The covers alone are 12.00.  They are very well made and prefolds are notoriously durable so I do think they would last through multiple children.  Real Nappies also has a 2 Child Guarantee.

Performance ✰✰✰✰ While as simple as they come this is an effective cloth diapering system.  I personally always use a trifold, which is in the video.  Real Nappies has girl and boy specific folds which aren’t needed for me.  The prefolds are very absorbent and can hold quite a bit.  His poops are pretty solid so I couldn’t test the legs to see if they held in wet poops or not.

Fit ✰✰✰ The only issue I really had with the diaper at all was the way the tabs work.  The diaper feels stiff and I have to really work to get them where I want them, which is against the nature of the way they are sewn.  Does that make any sense at all?  Otherwise the diaper in the medium fit him well.

Overall- I quite liked the diaper.  I see the appeal of having a simple and easy to wash system.  Unline pockets which have a synthetic liner, prefolds are easier to care for and are less likely to get soap buildup.  They are easier to bleach if necessary also.  The cover is a thick durable PUL but doesn’t look as comfortable as others.  Plus, it doesn’t have leg gussets, a feature I like for younger babies with loose stools.  The covers come in a few other colors, and I just saw a very adorable swim diaper if you are in the market for one of those 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.

I was contacted about doing a review of the Tot Wraps diaper a while back.  The maker was very proud of her diaper, as she should be, and boasted that it was a one size that truly fit a newborn.  So, since I wanted to test that out I had DDL Contributer Kristen review the diaper.  Not only did she have an adorable newborn who could try it, she also has a toddler!  This review was written and performed by Kristen using DDL’s star rating system.  I was also sent a diaper so that I could film the video review.

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ The Tot Wraps Dream Diaper OS AIO Hybrid is a snap diaper, which in my opinion, makes it a little more difficult to use.  The first time I used it on either my toddler or my newborn, I had to figure out which snaps to use and then each subsequent time, I was trying to remember which ones to use.  But after using it regularly, I got accustomed to the positioning.  Aside from snaps though, it is super easy to use in that you don’t need to stuff it or figure anything else out in order to use it.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰✰ At $18, this diaper is very affordable, especially since you can use it from 8lbs up to 40lbs. I was able to use it on my newborn when she was around 8lbs and also used it on my toddler, who is around 21lbs and it fit both really well.  The rise is also high enough when unsnapped all the way that I think it really would fit a 40lb toddler.  Also, there are a few colors and prints to choose from, although I would like to see more offered.

Performance ✰✰✰✰  I had no problems with leaking with my newborn and it was able to contain her messy poops really well.  I love the inner fabric because it is so soft and I felt comfortable putting it against my newborn’s skin.  I was concerned that it might stain but I didn’t have any issues with that, even after I switched to a high efficiency washer and had to figure out a new washing “system”, so I was impressed

I did have a leak when I used this diaper with my 16 month old.  She is a very heavy wetter but I wanted to see how absorbent the Zorb soaker inside was.  She had pretty substantial leaking so the next time I decided to add an insert to increase absorbency and I didn’t have a problem with leaks after that.

Fit ✰✰✰✰✰ This diaper fit my newborn and my toddler very well.  I was impressed that I was able to get it snug on both of them, and it didn’t leave bad red marks like some of the other diapers I have used.  It is a pretty slim diaper, thanks to the Zorb soaker, so my newborn was able to fit in the regular clothes/pants that she would normally wear and even with the added soaker, my toddler was able to wear her regular sized pants as well.

Overall- I think this is a great OS AIO diaper!  It worked well for both of my kids and it dried faster than any of my other AIO diapers, which was pretty amazing considering the soaker is sewn in.  It is trim for them to wear under clothing and it follows through on what it advertises…it really can fit an 8lb newborn!  It contained messes well and did a good job absorbing for my newborn and held up well after I added an extra insert for my toddler.  $18 is a reasonable price to pay for a well made, well performing diaper that can last from newborn stage up to potty training!

This monday I am doing a video review of the GEN-Y couture cloth diaper cover.  These covers are fun and you can get them in designer prints.  I first learned about them while researching for my Cloth Diapers Made in the US and Canada list.  GEN-Y covers are made in the USA.  They also donated a cover to Fluffy Christmas. 

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ The GEN-Y cover is side snapping.  While some people find side snapping diapers to be harder than traditional diapers, it is a matter of practice.  Because these are sized covers, the snaps are closer together than a one size diaper, so you might have trouble picking the right snaps at first.  Your main job is going to be putting on whatever goes on underneath, be it a fitted, prefold, flat, or contour.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰ These covers are a little fancier than your traditional PUL cover.  The outer layer is a fun designer print (thus more expensive).  I’d also like to point out that the covers are made in the USA!  While you can certainly get covers for less, you pay a premium for the cuteness factor and the fact that these do not wick like many other cotton print outer covers!

Performance ✰✰✰✰✰ This cover is very leak proof.  Even after a few hours I never saw any wicking, something similar print outer covers do if left on for a while.  I still like to only use print outer covers during the day so I didn’t use this cover overnight.  I was still impressed with it!  You should note that you won’t be able to trifold a prefold and place it inside like some other covers.

Fit ✰✰✰✰ The GEN-Y cover comes in sizes, with 3 waist/ hip adjustment snaps for a variable fit within each size.  This is especially good if you need more room for larger thighs.  That extra snap or two can keep your baby comfortable and possible prevent red marks.

Overall-  I thought the cover worked extremely well.  The fact that it is loose fitting (but will squish under clothes) means a little more airflow inside the cover.  You can choose from designer prints not usually found on diaper covers and not worry about wicking.  The way the cover is cut reminds me a bit of girl’s panties…  Even with the manly tattoo print I couldn’t get the image of panties out of my head.  That is nothing against the cover, just a personal thing.  I  think I would rather personally use the cover on a girl. 

Wet bag review- GENY-Y also sent along a fun hanging wet bag for me to review.  This one is long with a cute handle (this one had skull and crossbones) and the PUL was a mint green.  I usually use a diaper pail, but for the purposes of the review I used a hanging wet bag.  A friend recently mentioned she was going to put a second wet bag in her bathroom for poopy diapers and I realized what a good idea that was.  This was the perfect wetbag for the job.  It isn’t large enough for days worth of diapers, but it would be good for 1-2 poopy diapers a day for 2-3 days.  I also used it on a few day trips, keeping it in my car and putting my soiled diapers inside.  I can tell you the smells stayed in well and I never felt moisture on the outside of the bag. 

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.