Update: There is a newer version of the One Size Charlie Banana.
Charlie Banana is a new cloth diaper brand to hit the scene. They already have an impressive line up of products. I was asked to review the One Size and Sized Charlie Banana pocket diapers, which are a 2-in-1 system since you can also use them with disposable inserts if you choose.
Charlie Banana Sized Cloth Diaper Review:
Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The Sized version of the Charlie Banana has snap closures. Each tab has 3 snaps, 2 at the waist and one on the hip. Total you have 4 snaps to close. After some practice the changes will go much quicker. Most people find snapping the bottom (hip) snap to be quicker, however I prefer to start at the top. The diaper stuffs from the front. You might find unstuffing to be harder from the front that a back stuffing pocket, but you will appreciate it when there is a particularly nasty explosion in the rear.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ You can find this diaper for around 18-19 dollars. Since these are brand new they aren’t carried in many places yet. This cost includes 2 super absorbent and high quality inserts, a longer insert and a shorter one. The diaper comes in very cute packaging as well. Great for baby shower gifts!
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ The Sized version of the CB has been working extremely well for us. Even though the size Large has a higher rise than we normally use (he is JUST at the weight limit for the large) the fit around the legs and waist has been great. We use one insert for daytime, both inserts for overnight.
Fit ✩✩✩✩ My son could have worn a Medium but he was right at the end of the weight range. I suspect it would have fit longer since he is tall/lean. The Large does fit but the rise is higher and it looks bulkier than a Medium would. Looks aside, the diaper fit well enough to have no leaking. The large is going to be great for bigger todders!
Overall- The Sized CB is nice to have around for your stash. In general, I like On Size better but a sized diaper is going to give you a nice fit for the time the baby wears the diaper. And, for smaller babies, sized diapers will be less bulky.
Charlie Banana One Size Cloth Diaper
Ease of Use ✩✩✩✩ The One Size Charlie Banana uses a slotted leg elastic adjustment. The elastic is numbered and a button is used to adjust. The elastic goes from 1-7, 7 being the largest setting possible. You only need to adjust each leg once, unlike the Fuzzibunz OS which you do on both ends. The excess elastic hides under the front stuffing pocket. Once the pocket is adjusted it works just like the sized pocket. Easy to use every day. 3 snaps on each tab, same as the sized.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ It looks like the One Size is the same, 18-19 dollars. However I am only seeing the OS being sold in packs of 6. A good price for a capable one size diaper.
Performance ✩✩✩✩✩ If I have to choose, I prefer the One Size over the Sized CB. Mainly because it looked trimmer on my son. Absorbency wise, there was no difference. The inserts are the same.
Fit ✩✩✩✩✩ I loved the way the One Size fit my son. He could be a 5-7, but 7 was a better fit on his legs without being too tight. The 7 setting on the OS is slightly smaller than the Large version of the CB. The fit in between the legs is also less bulky. The size chart says is should fit babies 0-36 months. I am going to guess it won’t fit a baby over 35, possibly less depending on the build.
Overall- I love that these diapers already have print options, some of which are very boy friendly. The OS is similar to others on the market, and it is easy to adjust.
Charlie Banana Wipes:
I was also sent Charlie Banana wipes to review. There are two types :Single Layer and Double Layer. The Single Layer wipes are one layer of organic cotton. To be honest, these were not my favorite. Even to wipe a pee it would be saturated from spraying. Since I fold my wipes a certain way there is no telling what wipe comes up for a BM, and if this one came up I had to pull the next out. However, I fell in love with the Double Layer wipes. One side is organic cotton, the other is fleece. I have never really like fleece wipes before, but this one gets a poopy butt really clean and is thick enough that I know my hands won’t be getting wet or dirty! I am seriously wanting to buy more because with 2 babies in cloth, I need more wipes!
Swim Diaper:
In addition to the 2 pocket diapers and wipes, Charlie Banana sent an adorable swim diaper to review. I was only able to use it once. He wore it outside while playing in our water table and the water hose. It has elastic all around to hold in those messes, and a small amount of cotton on the wet zone to hold a pee if they can’t make it between the swim diaper changing and the pool. This is nice to have I am sure! He looked adorable in this diaper! Very European!
Charlie Banana also has other items in their line-up including reusable menstrual pads, wet bags, baby leg warmers, changing pads, and more! A huge selection for a start up!
Where to Buy: Amazon.com
I received a goody package from Charlie Banana fro the purposes of this review, including 2 cloth diapers, a swim diaper, cloth wipes, and a changing pad. No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% my own.
*** There has been a bit of drama surrounding this brand. I was not aware of it when I agreed to perform the review. I would prefer you to make up your own mind about the product.
