Sheila, the creator of Hiney Lineys, first got in touch with me to ask if I could add her diaper to my directory of Made in the USA (and Canada) diapers.  This was the first time I had heard of her diapers so we talked about a review in the future.  Well, the future is now!  It has been an absolute pleasure working with Sheila.  She really has a passion for cloth diapers.  The idea behind the Hiney Lineys System intrigued me.  The concept of an AI2 with a snap in stay dry liner (versus a lay in fleece liner which can bunch up) made sense to me and I knew there was a demand for this system in the marketplace.  I’ve done a video review and my usual written review.  I am playing with a new editing software (first video using Final Cut Express) so please forgive the strange aspect ratio.  It does look better in HD.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ The Versa System looks pretty intimidating. Still, I think many people have wanted something exactly like this, a way to reuse a shell while still having a stay dry liner next to the baby. I had to read instructions and study the video before using the system to ensure I was doing it correctly. Actually unsnapping the liney when it was dirty took some fumbling around, because the snaps are under a flap it requires a little forethought. Snapping lineys in is the same situation. I have to study to make sure I have the right side where it should go, and it is easy to get it into position then realize it needs to be flipped. So not exactly a “simple” system but it does work.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ You can buy multiple Liney’s (9.50 for two) to replace inside of your Versa Cover, you’ll need one per change since the liney will always get dirty. You’ll also need your insert of choice, which could be as cheap as Free or 1-2$ each if you are using Flats or Prefolds. Then there is the option of buying the All-in-Lineys with an insert attached (15.50 for two). The Cover alone is 16.75 and is Dual Size so it lasts longer than a Sized cover. You can probably get away with owning as little as 4 covers and 12-18 Lineys and Inserts. Per size you are looking at around 200-250, so around 500-650$ for covering a baby from birth to potty learning exclusively with this system. That is definitely money savings over disposables.

Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ I only had a leak with this diaper overnight (not always though), so for me it was more of a Daytime diaper. During the day we never had leaks with either the All in Liney or the Liney with my insert of choice (usually a prefold).

Fit ✩✩✩✩ Ev is a big guy and is busting out of the smaller range OS diapers so it doesn’t surprise me that he is on the highest rise of the Toddler Infant Size Versa Cover. (My mistake, I was reviewing the Infant size, not toddler. He should have plenty of room in the Toddler version then!) I’m really hoping he slims down when he crawls. I don’t know that he will grow out of this diaper before potty learning since his body shape will change so drastically but it is a possibility. Waist wise he is VERY close to running out of room. He is high on the growth charts FYI.

Overall: I totally get this system. In fact, it is something I thought of before and wondered why it didn’t exist (it did, I just didn’t know!). A lot of people love pockets and the suedecloth lining but prefer AI2‘s for drying or cost reasons. The Hiney Liney System meets those needs. The downside is that it does require more steps in prep and pre-washing. The most frustrating part was removing and replacing inserts. It did get easier as I used them longer but the learning curve can be high. The WAHM behind the diapers is always there to help and she is super sweet. I think if anyone buys this system they should know that Sheila stands behind her products!  Before trying the diapers I had a hard time processing everything so don’t feel bad if it is a little confusing at first.  Even in my video I trip over explaining it!

Where to buy: HineyLineys.com or EverythingBirth.com

A Hiney Lineys Versa Cover, set of Lineys and set of All in Lineys were provided for the purposes of this review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own and genuine.

Mo Dia is an Etsy brand that combines stylish designer prints, colorful snap combos, and PUL solid colors to create a gorgeous cloth diaper!  The diapers are made my two Mom’s who obviously have an eye for style!  I would say this is a WAHM diaper but these ladies have day jobs and make diapers, plus they are moms!  They definitely stay busy!

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ Like many snapping diapers, this one has 4 snaps to close, two on each tab.  If you have the velcro version it would go on just like a disposable.  It is a pocket so it has to be stuffed before being used, and unstuffed before being washed.  An added step will be folding the insert before inserting it to the desired size.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ A Mo Dia will run about 20.00, including the hemp insert.  I find that to be a more than fair price factoring in labor, quality materials, and an awesome insert.

Performance ✩✩✩✩ Ev has tested this diaper pretty thoroughly, including overnight.  The hemp insert is very absorbent, one of my favorite features of the diaper.  I underestimated my son and began using the diaper on the smallest setting but after a couple of leaks went to the middle rise and this solved the problem.

Fit ✩✩✩ In the rise the fit was great for my son once we went to the middle setting, and we have room for growth in that setting as well as once the diaper is unsnapped.  Waist wise I think the diaper could use more width.  Now that I have a chunky baby I see how he could outgrow this diaper in the waist at some point.  In the video I show you where the diaper snaps and that the male snap ends would hit skin if done any wider.  If they added an inch or two to the waist that would help.  The waist elastic is a good idea and I am seeing more diapers adopt this design. (FYI, the velcro version would not have this issue)

Overall- The combinations of prints and colors that these women come up with for their diapers are pretty fabulous!  You won’t see diapers like this that are mass produced.  Their velcro tabs look awesome but I haven’t tried them.

Where to buy: Mo Dia Etsy Store or Z Bears

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

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

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

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

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

First, what are Microfleece and Suedecloth?

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

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

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

I tried testing a few varieties.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Synthetic liners do have some serious drawbacks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The Multi Fit uses a snap down rise.  There are 4 possible sizes.  You will have to snap 3 snaps, 1 on each side and 1 in the middle, to change the size, but after that you don’t need to resize until the baby grows.  There are 2 snaps on each tab to affix when putting the diaper on the baby, so 4 in total.  The pocket opening is generous enough for even larger hands, and is easy to stuff and unstuff.

Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩ The Magic All Multi Fit runs 29.99, which is a pretty penny!  There is a limited edition print which makes it a little more pricey, as well as the fact that it is a minkee diaper.  If you really love the unique style of this diaper and the print you might want to dish out for it!  It is more of a collector diaper than one you would make up the bulk of your stash with.

Performance ✩✩✩✩ I have always had great luck with Baby Beehinds products and this is no exception.  We found the right size setting right away for my toddler and used the multi fit insert without the booster.  This was plenty of absorbency for us.  I love the bamboo insert!

Fit ✩✩✩✩ The diaper won’t begin fitting until around 11 pounds.  I am guessing this is because it is wide in the crotch, since the waist does snap down very tight.  Even though it is minkee there isn’t alot of added bulk when you have the rise snapped down, but because it is minkee it is going to be bulkier than a PUL one size diaper.

Overall- I LOVE the new print on this diaper.  It is very mod and gender neutral.  Their girl print is girly, but the boy print can go either way I think.  The lining is very soft and the ruffled elastic looks very comfortable for my son.  It comes with lots of absorbency options too.  The only negative is that it looks like some of the minkee might be wearing down near the rise snaps.

Where to buy: Global Enfant

A Baby Beehinds Multi Fit was sent for the purposes of this review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own and genuine.

One of the benefits of researching all of the cloth diapers made in the US and Canada was that I came across brands I was not familiar with.  Let’s face it: there are tons of diaper brands out there, big and small, and I don’t know them all!

Bella Bottoms, a brand of diapers made in Austin, TX, only recently added the Incredibellas One Size pockets diaper to their lineup.  This diaper has snap closures, a fold over and snap down rise adjustment, and pocket openings in the front and back so no unstuffing!

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ The Incredibellas sizing adjustment was very intuitive for me.  As shown in the video, the rise folds over on the top of the diaper, and snaps down.  Then  snaps facing the correct direction are exposed that you can use.  There are two settings of the fold over/ snap down rise, and the third setting is completely unfolded.  For every day use it is very easy to put on and take off.  There are a total of 4 snaps to affix, two on each tab.  When you are ready to take the diaper off you don’t even need to remove the insert because it agitates out in the wash.  You can stuff from the front or back of the diaper as well, the front opening is very wide and good for Daddy hands.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰✰ This diaper is a great deal!  The diaper sells for 15.00 on Bella Bottom’s website, but is currently on sale for 12.00!  This includes an insert and doubler.  This diaper has features often found on pricier diapers, such as an insert that agitates out.  The coordinating snap colors is another feature I loved on this diaper.

Performance ✰✰✰✰✰ I was very impressed by the Incredibellas.  It is obviously a WAHM made diaper when you look at it, judging my the styling and stitching.  That doesn’t mean it doesn’t perform well (or look good!).  There were no leaking issues of any kind, though apparently I was using the doubler and not the soaker.  I am unsure if I misplaced the soaker it came with or what!  I just noticed this today!  The doubler is 100% cotton and bi-folds, and the soaker is 100% cotton and trifolds.  Apparently the doubler is all I need so I bet the soaker is even better!

Fit ✰✰✰✰ The first time I used the diaper I felt there was an issue with fit around my son’s waist, as if the snaps were too far apaprt for me to get a tight enough fit.  The second time I used it there was no issue at all.  I never had a problem with that afterwards.  Most diapers have a learning curve to get a good fit and application on the baby, and even an experienced diaper tester can have trouble.  With snaps there is always that chance of having an odd fit when you are in between snaps.  These are a tinier bit farther apaprt than most so that may have been my issue. I have been reaching for this diaper a lot though, because it is really trim!  It gives my son a little less of a fluffy booty!  As for the rise adjustments, I can tell it gets very small, but with no newborn to test it on (yet!) I can’t speak to the fit.

Overall- I am very impressed with this diaper.  I had never heard of it before, but I hope after my review that you give it some consideration.  It is very well made (the label tag started fraying but the label was not made by the same folks making the diaper… so don’t fault it for that!) and you really can’t beat the price on these!

This review has been a long time coming.  For some reason I kept pushing it back.  I have been reviewing this diaper since mid September, so I have used it for a very long time!

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ Putting a Rocky Mountain OS diaper on a baby is very simple.  There are 4 snaps to affix, 2 on each tab.  You don’t have to fiddle with hit snaps versus waist snaps.  The leg elastic adjustment was hard for me at first.  I struggled to find the snaps buried within the casing.  The trick is to pull the fabric down from the outside while pulling the elastic upwards.  I do think changing the size of the elastic is easier for smaller hands. I imagined my husband’s hands working on pulling the elastic out and I think he would have some trouble.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ The price point is 18.95, right on target for a one size with these features.  The Fuzzibunz is the same price.  Most stores are selling this diaper with an insert now, but when I first started reviewing them they were not.  I think they must have realized their price reflected a diaper with an insert.  As I understand it the insert is the one I used in the video, a long one size microfiber insert.  I like the sizing of this, and think the price is well worth it!

Performance ✰✰✰✰✰ Never a leak in the RMOS.  I have used more stuffing for the overnights because the insert that came with it seemed thin.  I added a Bum Genius microfiber doubler and between the two it has held up.

Fit ✰✰✰✰✰ I have gotten a great fit!  The legs fit my son beautifully thanks to the elastic sizing, and the snaps are placed close enough to always get a good leak free fit there as well.  There haven’t been many red marks, and if any they were on the back, not the legs.

Overall-  The fact that this diaper has most of the features I look for makes me wonder why I don’t think about it more often when talking about one size diapers.  Maybe because the brand name isn’t as present on the internet… I don’t know.  I had a very pleasant experience testing this diaper and I reach for it often.  The suedecloth releases poop easily when it is shakeable, a nice feature!  I love the fact that the inner suedecloth lining is a coordinating color to the PUL.  Even though I don’t normally go for the pastels, these always catch my eye.

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

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

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

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

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

I have been thinking about cloth diaper leaks lately.  I always get asked when one size diapers fit, and my answer from personal experience and the testimonies of other moms is “11-14 pounds”  Why?  Because they leak before then.  For a while, I didn’t even know my diapers were leaking.  I asked my pediatrician why my son was so sweaty!  I thought his back was soaked with sweat, not pee.

The error was my fault and the diapers.  The diapers weren’t tight enough around him, and his penis wasn’t pointed down.  My bad!

That is the kicker, most new to cloth parents experience lots of pee  leaks.  Up the back, out through the legs, and up the front of the diaper. “Why are my diapers leaking so bad?!?!” If it continues to happen, it might make them stop altogether and go with the virtually leak proof disposables.

Since I have been leak free for a loooooong time, I wanted to look back at some of problems I have faced.  Maybe I can help someone who is troubleshooting their own leak problems.

All leaks can be caused by repelling, not enough absorbency, or inserts/ diapers that have not been fully prepped.  If the diaper is saturated, you need more absorbency.  If the diaper is saturated and it is relatively new, make sure you wash it a few more times before you write it off.

Scenario: My diapers are leaking out of the back.

Possible Reasons: If you have a boy, make sure his penis is pointing down!  If not, he is peeing up and it is running to the side and pooling at his back.  Babies at this stage are laying on their backs the majority of the time.  They are sleeping a lot!  With babies laying down so much, leaks are more prone to happen.  Once they begin sitting up, the pee will have more time to absorb before getting the chance to escape.

It could also be that your diapers are repelling.  This happens to diapers with synthetic liners like suedecloth or microfleece.  Your detergent is probably the culprit.  Even if you have a “cloth diaper safe” detergent, it is still possible.  Your water type (hard water/ soft water) reacts differently to different detergents.  Your friend in Texas loves ______ detergent and it works great.  You live in New Jersey.  Your water is totally different.  Texas water has a high mineral content and is very hard where I stayed.  This is when you need to experiment.  So far, I have had the most success with detergents made FOR cloth diapers.  Tiny Bubbles, Crunchy Clean, Rockin’ Green (coming out with a hard water formula soon!), and even soap nuts have all worked for me.  To fix the repelling, you need to strip your diapers with Dawn Original Blue dish detergent (I use one full tablespoon) and bleach (I only use half a cup).  Wash on HOT, rinse, wash on HOT (then check for bubbles.  If you have bubbles, you need to rinse and wash on HOT again, and again, until the bubbles are gone!)

Opinions differ on whether or not the eye dropper test works for testing repelling on diapers.  I personally believe it does if you do it correctly.  Take a bulb syringe or eye dropper full of water and add drops to your diaper.  If they roll around forever and never soak in, you need to strip your diapers.  If they roll around briefly, then soak, you are fine, that is normal.  If they soak right in you are even better!

Other reason: If you are using a pocket diaper, check the back flap.  If you did not follow the instructions properly it could be user error.  Some flaps roll out, like Happy Heineys.  Some tuck in, like Tiny Tush, and some are just a slit.  If it isn’t used properly, your diaper could leak.

Scenario: The legs around your baby’s onesies are wet with pee.

Possible reasons: The most probable reason for this is simple: the thighs are too big for your baby at this time, and pee is leaking through them.  I had this problem with Happy Heineys the most, whose leg holes are larger than most one size diapers.  I waited about 2 months, tried them again, and they worked well.  You can try affixing the velcro tabs pointing downward, which might take up some slack in t he legs.  If you still get leaks, sit the diaper aside for a few weeks.  I promise, your baby is going to grow into them!

Another reason could be that the onesie has crept up into the diaper, getting wet in the process.  Not the diaper’s fault, just something that happens sometimes!

Scenario: My baby is waking up to a wet tummy.

Possible reasons:  If you have a boy, check the pee pee!  Tummy sleeping, especially through the night, is challenging.  You will need to stuff your diaper differently than a regular day time diaper.  You not only need to add more to soak up a full night’s full of urine, you will need to stuff the diaper up front more.  Even girls might need some more stuffing up front since the pee could travel up a bit before settling in the inserts.  This is the case with lined diapers.  Fitteds and prefolds aren’t as nit picky about that sort of thing.

Other reason: You could have repelling.

Scenario: My baby wakes up with the sides of their clothing wet.

Possible reasons: This one is probably repelling or, if you have a boy, it could be that wee wee problem again!

Other reason: User error.  If you are using a pocket, check to make sure the insert is laying flat.

Scenario: My baby’s diaper leaked straight through!

Reason:  It probably needs a cover.  Some diapers look like they don’t need covers, like Goodmamas, but they do!  Either you weren’t aware and made an honest mistake, or your husband was in control and didn’t realize they needed a cover.  Guess what, my husband has done this before.  It happens.

Once babies become more mobile and are crawling/ walking, and even just sitting, leaks are going to slow down or stop.  By now, if you started using cloth diapers at birth, you know what you are doing.  Your washing routine has been figured out for the most part, you know how to put that diaper on, and the baby is upright, which give the pee more time to settle into the inserts.

Time is your best friend with cloth diapering.  The more you do it, the easier it gets!