SoftBums has been on my “to try” list for a while. In fact, many of you let me know on Facebook that you were very interested in a review on the blog. Well, wait no longer! SoftBums offered to let us try their diapering system in exchange for an honest review. They are also sponsoring a giveaway of the new print that was just released today, so see below for more details!
There is a simplicity about the SoftBums system that I really like. You have 2 styles to choose from. Omni functions as a pocket or AI2. Echo is exclusively an AI2. Both feature a waterproof outer shell and a white fleece-lined interior. SoftBums shells are made in the USA.
In the pictures below, you can see the more generous cut of the Omni diaper. It has a very large pocket opening and is wider across the front. Both styles have a snap inside for holding SoftBums Pods (inserts).
SoftBum inserts are called pods. Here are the choices:
- Small and Large DryTouch (microfiber/microfleece) Pod
- Small and Large Bamboo Pod
- One Size Bamboo DryTouch Pod
- One Size Bamboo Super Pod
- Small DryTouch Mini Pod (for newborns)
- H-Pods (disposable)
You can also use diapers or inserts from your own collection with SoftBums shells.
We received a One Size Bamboo Super Pod, which is a combo insert. The long Pod has snaps on the underside, so you can adjust to small, medium or large. It’s also contoured to fit better inside the Omni pocket and also to give more coverage at the back of the diaper. The second Pod is a size small and can be used alone or with the larger one for naps, nighttime or heavy wetters. The bamboo fabric is very soft and smooth to the touch.
SoftBums also sent a DryTouch Super Pod set, which functions in the same way, but is composed of microfiber with a “stay dry” microfleece top.
We also received some of the disposable H-Pods which come in packs of 20. They look and function a lot like a very large sanitary pad. They are ideal for when we’re away from home or using a rash cream that isn’t cloth compatible. It’s large in size but is trim enough to fold under for a smaller baby.
SoftBums diapers come in both snap and hook and loop closure. The latter is actually very popular, which may surprise you. But it’s what helps give SoftBums their highly customized fit. With hook and loop you never get stuck in between snap settings. And compared to other hook and loop we’ve tried, SoftBums is of excellent quality. That being said, a toddler can pull it loose, so you might want to opt for snaps later on. You can also keep hook and loop diapers looking good and functioning longer by not putting them in the dryer. Hook and loop is also really easy for caregivers or adults with conditions like arthritis or carpel tunnel. It’s super strong and durable and will likely last much longer than other types of hook and loop, but yes, snaps will last quite longer. In our testing both SoftBums laundry tabs stayed fastened both in the washer and in the dryer about 75% of the time. If you want to keep Pods snapped in, they do stay put while washing and drying.
You might be wondering where the rise snaps are on these diapers. How do you adjust SoftBums to fit both a newborn and a toddler? The answer is a clever internal system called Slide²Size.
There’s a small opening in the front of each shell. Reach inside and you’ll find an elastic strip with a plastic toggle that slides back and forth to tighten or loosen the leg bands (and shorten or lengthen the rise). I was actually able to adjust the leg elastics with the diaper on my child, so that was a pleasant discovery. I also didn’t worry about getting each band 100% the same on each leg; eyeballing them was good enough for me. However, SoftBums does have a handy size chart if you want to adjust and measure each leg band before putting on your baby. Once the leg bands are snug but comfortable, you don’t have to fool with the toggle until your child grows again. I haven’t had any issues with the toggle not staying put.
I also found that the toggles can be adjusted from the outside of the diaper by locating them and pinching the fabric. It’s easier than reaching your fingers into the little hole at the front.
Using the Slide²Size elastic, you can adjust the leg openings of Omni or Echo from 4″ to 14.” It’s a very generous sizing system and can truly fit your child from birth (even if he/she is smaller than average) to potty training.
Performance:Â SoftBums are very versatile. You can choose to stuff inserts, snap them in, or just lay in the shells if you’re really pressed for time. With lots of insert options, plus the 2 different shell designs, you can easily find what works best for your baby. The bamboo Pods are slightly more absorbent but take considerably longer to dry. I like bamboo a lot as a diapering fabric, but I have had proven success with the SoftBums Dry Touch because they wick away wetness faster than bamboo. This is especially important at the leg openings where you don’t have double gussets.
The one time we had a leak with our SoftBums was when Ingrid wore the bamboo Pod during a long nap. The leg gussets were damp and moisture had crept onto her sleeper from her left side. I think this was a combination of her sleeping on her left side and putting pressure on it; also, she tends to wet all at once. So the next day I tried the Dry Touch Pod for her nap. She saturated the Pod, but her sleeper was dry this time. Microfiber is really great at locking away wetness fast if you have a baby that tends to flood a diaper.
Both Ingrid and Erik have worn their SoftBums overnight. Once again, the microfiber Dry Touch Super Pods worked best for us, and we didn’t have any compression leaks.
I noticed that after many weeks of use (and washing), the bamboo Pods are now absorbing better. But I still do like a DryTouch Pod always on top. A tip from Softbums is to use both together (bamboo underneath and microfiber on top).
Are Softbums shells reusable? At first glance, a fleece-lined shell might seem like one use only, and that’s how we’ve used our Softbums. But the answer to this question depends on your baby’s age and output. With a newborn and very loose movements, you’ll be changing out shells often because most messes will not be contained on the Pod alone. And my toddlers tend to wet a lot at once, so I haven’t been able to change only the inserts out. But with a young baby, you might be able to refresh (hang up for a while) and reuse shells if you simply lay or snap the Pod in and don’t use the pocket. And then change right after he/she wets the Pod. While other “All-in-Two” diapers do have the advantage of a wipeable (PUL) inside, they are not quite as soft or cozy. The white fleece inside a SoftBums shell is especially nice for babies like Ingrid that have very chubby thighs, or are sensitive to PUL right up against the skin. The fleece lining is doubly nice overnight when wearing for extended periods of time.
Although not included in our review today, I do have 6 of the SoftBums MiniPods that we used for newborn Erik and Ingrid. They are perfect for adding a little bit of absorbency when your newborn starts to saturate his or her tiny diapers but isn’t ready for the next size up. I’ve used the MiniPods with newborn fitteds, flats, prefolds and pockets.
Fit:Â Two words that best describe the SoftBums system? Perfect fit – thanks to the hook and loop waist closure and Slide2Size leg elastic). When cloth diapering, fit is crucial for both comfort and mess containment.
Since Omni is a roomier cut, and has a large pocket that easily accommodates extra inserts, it’s a really good choice for larger babies and toddlers. However, thanks to the leg elastics, you can adjust it down to fit an average or larger newborn. Echo is more trim and ideal if you’re just starting out with a small to average newborn baby. Sizing starts at about 5 pounds, which no other “one size” diaper I’ve tried yet can beat. Echo will continue to offer a customized, trim fit as your baby grows to 25+ pounds. Since Echo is trimmer across the front, you’ll need to make sure that when doubling up on inserts it doesn’t cause the leg or waist to gape open, allowing possible leaks to escape.
Another advantage of the toggle system is that when you eliminate a snap-down rise you eliminate bulk at the front of the diaper. The result is a trimmer, smoother fit compared to typical “one size” diapers.
If you have two in cloth and are interested in SoftBums, you will save yourself some time by using separate diapers for each child. That way, you won’t have to adjust the toggles constantly when going from one to the other.
Which do I like best between the two? For our needs, the Echo is my first choice for several reasons. (1) I don’t like stuffing diapers that much so I don’t really need the pocket option offered by the Omni. (2) Ingrid is small and short and I like the trimmer fit of the Echo on her. (3) Erik has shown interest in the potty; he’s less in diapers and more in trainers, so we don’t have much need right now for a diaper (i.e. like Omni) that has a more generous size range.
I’d like to have a small stash of SoftBums for Ingrid. The velcro waist makes for super quick changes, the diaper fits beautifully and we’ve had great success with the Dry Touch Pods. In fact, you might say I got TWO surprises in my testing, because I almost always prefer snap closure and bamboo or hemp inserts. But I’m really happy with the SoftBums hook and loop closure and with the microfiber Pods.
I just picked up a Bubblegum (pink) shell for her on Cyber Monday.  At $21.95 each, the shells will undoubtedly be cost-prohibitive for some families. And you’ll need to purchase more of them as compared to a stash of PUL covers that can be re-used more often. I’m glad that the inserts I prefer, the Dry Touch Pods, are more moderately priced. Over the years, loyal SoftBums customers have been happy to support a company that is helpful, produces quality made in the USA diapers, and backs them with a substantial warranty:
- 2 years on the toggles
- 6 months on hook and loop and snaps
Now let’s see some pictures of SoftBums on babies!
Ingrid was ready to get on her feet while I was putting on the Echo, and this resulted in one of the wings being crooked!
And now it’s time for a giveaway! One Zephyr Hill reader will receive the new Kaleidoscope print in either Echo or Omni, plus a SoftBums Pod. This giveaway is open to US only – good luck!
If you can’t wait and want to grab Kaleidoscope NOW, you can purchase it in Echo or Omni directly from my affiliate, SoftBums, or from your favorite retailer. New SoftBums prints go FAST so don’t wait too long!
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
I’ve never tried these before but they look amazing!! I hope I can try it out!
I’ve never tried softbums, but I love how comfy they look with the fleece interior!
I have not tried softbums yet but I love this print.
Great review, I really liked the fit pictures. I have never tried this brand, although they seem so popular, because of the hook and loop. I didn’t even realize they had snap options. I love this print though, so maybe it is time to try one out!
We have our first one on the way! I can’t wait to try it with our arrival due soon. Love the new print too!
An adjustable leg elastic like that would be AWESOME for my skinny kid! Man could I have used that when she was smaller…those newborn chicken legs lasted a good 6 months for us!
These Softbums are so versatile in every other way except having snaps along with the Velcro (similar to Grivia ONE). So far, I haven’s been a fan of Velcro, but would be willing to try
We use softbums Omni almost exclusively for my 9mp! I love them. I use them as an ai2 with flats/prefolds and then I stuff a handful of them for hubby with flats so it’s perfect for both of us. I switched to all velcro diapers with my LO cause he’s just way to wiggly!!
This rainbow chevron print is gorgeous! I haven’t tried softbums yet, but they seem worth a try!
I’ve never tried Softbums before but have always wanted to so fingers crossed!
I LOVE SoftBums! My favorite diapers
Great review especially for someone brand new to cloth and looking to expand the stash! Love the idea of the drawstring to change the rise and thigh holes. Would be great for my LO with chunky thighs but a slimer waist.
I love the slide to size on softbums shells! I dislike microfiber so only use the bamboo pods but since those are so pricy I stick to FST as my insert.
That’s a great way to use SoftBums and save a litte, too! ~Anne
I have not tried softbums yet but would love to.
I’ve been wanting to try soft bums for a while now, and this is the perfect reason to because I loveeee this new rainbow print!
I haven’t tried Softbums yet, but I’d love to. I like the idea of a pocket and ai2 in one shell.
I have never tried softbums. I have a few question about the sizing system. Does it stay in a compartment when washed or does it come out in the wash and you have to tuck it back in? and do you have to adjust it after washer or does it stay put?
After you adjust the toggle, tuck the ends of the elastic back inside that little hole at the front. Sometimes they do sneak back out in the wash and you have to push them back inside. Once adjusted, our toggles have stayed put. If they don’t, I assume this would be a defect and covered under the warranty mentioned in the post. Thanks for your questions, Sherry! ~Anne
I’ve not tried Softbums yet but I’m always on the lookout for a trim fit to try. These will have to go on my wish list to try!
In 2+ years of cloth diapering I still have not tried a SoftBums! But it’s at the top of my list. I like their pod options and slide2size system
I haven’t had the chance to try SoftBums yet but really would like and be pleased to try these diapers <3
I personally have not tried a SoftBums cloth-diaper before…But it is Definitely something that I would Love to try 🙂
I’ve been a little nervous to try them, but I would love the chance to 🙂
Ive never tried these but I thought they looked like a nice system.
I have not tried Softbums yet. I would love to try Softbums with my next baby,.We are TTC. If I win I would use them overnight on my youngest.
Prayers that you are blessed with a baby, Kari! I also wish I had been able to try these on mine when they were newborn. ~Anne
No we have not try these yet but want to
I haven’t tried Softbums yet because they are a more spendy brand. I’d love to try them though! That new print is adorable!
We have never tried Softbums. We would love to add to our stash- the one we JUST started up as LO is only 3 weeks old. She loves CD already 😉
Softbums are one of my favorite diapers. I would love to win another. I love the DryTouch pods. They hold quite a bit. Thanks!
I love SoftBums. We get our best fit in the Omni shell. This would be s fantastic color to add to our stash. Especially for my rainbow men!!!
We love Softbums here.
Softbums are awesome!
I’ve really liked using this brand for awhile but it seems that the elastics have basically rotted away and stopped being stretchy after a year. Which is pretty disappointing. But overall the shape and size have worked really well for us
Kait, it’s difficult to say why the elastics wore out after just 1 year since there are so many variables when it comes to how the diaper is used, how often and what the wash routine is. I did see on their website that an elastic replacement kit is only $1.00, and it’s simple to fix. Have you considered trying the kit? ~Anne
We love SoftBums!
Hope to win as I haven’t had the chance to try one yet. Love the prints though#
I haven’t tried softbums yet, but this is the cutest diaper to start with I think. 🙂
Love Softbums
Would love to try this! And the print is amazing! Thanks for the giveaway
They look so soft!
I love the new print! Great for any season and very gender neutral, great for those of us who are expecting and don’t know what baby’s gender will be!
I can’t wait to try softbums!
I would love to try the Omni! I didn’t know they had that style of sizing. I’m curious to see it first hand!
I haven’t tried them yet, but they’ve been on my list for a looong time! They look awesome!
I’ve never tried these but would love to. That print is beautiful.
I love softbums, especially with a hemp insert! One of my favs for sure!!
I was also surprised at how absorbent the micro fiber is!! I actually purchased a ton of extra pods and use them to snap into other covers. I love Softbums Echo, but I had already purchased some other covers before I realized how awesome Sodtbums are. Luckily for me, the snaps can be used with other diapers. I get the awesome absorbency of the Softbums pods while saving some money. I highly recommend SoftBums, and when I am able to purchase more, I will be getting another Echo (or two!).
Great to know they snap into other systems, Julia! Thanks for sharing your experience with SoftBums. ~Anne
I’ve never tried SoftBums, but I have heard good things about them! I love that chevron print!!
I think I would go with the omni since I have a toddler and a large baby. I love the new print!
I have never tried softbums. I love the idea of the slide to size elastic. I have Charlie Bananas with the bra strap system I like the fit you get but sliding seems much easier than the bra strap. Though I am not a fan of AI2 that are not wipe able they might be nice to use more like AIOs. Thanks for the review
I’ve tried the SoftBums inserts but never the outer shell and would LOVE to try this one on my rainbow baby 🙂
I haven’t tried Softbums, but I’ve read a lot of really good reviews about them.
Really wanting to try these . Especially with your review . I’ve never had one of their diapers .
I haven’t used Soft Bums yet but would love too– the friend who helped me get into modern cloth diapering uses them and thinks well of them.
I haven’t try SoftBums yet..but they seem so soft! I want to try!
I love soft bums omni! We have a few of them. I want really a fan of the bamboo super pods, I prefer to use other inserts.
I’ve never tried Softbums before. Would love to try them!
I haven’t tried softbums yet, but have always wanted to since my bub is a tough fit.
I haven’t had the change to try SoftBums yet but I really like the slide 2 size adjustments. The hook and loop is really cute too!
never tried these before, but would love to 🙂
Love Softbums!!
I have not tried Soft Bums yet! I am on baby #2 in cloth and have always wanted one just never found it practical to purchase one.
Haven’t tried yet but I love this pattern!
These have been on my list as well! I LOVE cloth dipes made in the U.S and I love the new print!!!! I’ll have to definitely add this one to my Christmas list! Great review, as always!
I love Softbums! I got our first Echo before our first baby was born and was amazed at how well it fit her right from birth, love the adjustable legs! Softbums Omni (stuffed as a pocket) are our favorite diaper to seen to nursery or to a babysitter since there’s no rise snaps to possibly confuse / come undone. The H&L is nice, but I really wish they would release some of the prints with snap closure. Thanks for the chance at winning a new Softbums for our stash!
I haven’t tried SoftBums yet but am curious about their toggle system.
I have not tried Soft Bums yet. I love the patterns but I’ve been sticking to covers and prefolds for my daughter.
I’ve never even heard of these but I like how they look!
I have never tried this type (or any type) of diaper just yet. I am due with my first baby in Feb. and am trying to learn all I can about cloth diapers. I am super excited to start this (adorable) journey!
I adore the diapers thanks for teaching me!!
I love the new print!
I purchased some softbums used. the covers are kind of my back up diaper but I use the inserts in ALL of my diapers. i love their inserts. they hold a lot, have lasted well and wash up nicely. i love the new kaleidoscope print. the colors on it are great.
I’ve been wanting to try SoftBums also. We are about to have another baby, so I thought the leg sizing thing was really neat!
they look great!i d love to try one!
I definitely like that they are USA made and have a good warranty!
I had a few Softbums Omnis for my boys and loved the customized fit. With my skinny child, it was difficult to get most “one-size” diapers to fit right, especially around the leg area and when he was very little. These diapers can be adjusted to fit a very small baby…in fact, he liked putting them on his stuffed Mickey Mouse (whose bottom was just a little bigger than my fist) and they fit pretty well 🙂
Awww, that’s a cute story! lol
We haven’t tried the SoftBums brand yet.
Does anyone else have a preference between Omni or Echo?
I definitely like the wide H&L; one of the major selling points for us with GroVia. I won’t buy thin velcro.
I’m supper excited to try a SoftBum diaper…. Our first one is currently on the way to us.
I haven’t tried Soft Bums yet but would really love to! You’re review was definitely thorough and helpful and a great read! Thanks so much! I love your site! 😃
Thanks, Madison, that’s so nice of you to say! ~Anne
I’ve never tried SoftBums before, but they look great! I love the print!
I loved the in-depth review! I’ve never tried Softbums but I really want to!
I haven’t tried any yet as we’re in the adoption process now. I’m open to trying any brands / types.
I’ve never tried Soft Bums but I would love to put my 6 month old in one.
I haven’t tried softbums yet, at this point they are out of our price range. But I hear so many awesome things about them!
I would love to try SoftBums diapers. They look so comfy for baby! Thank you for the giveaway!!
I have not tried Softbums diapers yet but would love the chance, they look so comfortable on baby.
I would love to give Softbums a second d try. I first tried them when my LO was born, and I couldn’t figure out the fit, and the whole concept lol it looked too big on him. It might be a different experience now that I’ve been cloth diapering for a good while!Thank you!
I’m very curious to see what it’s like to diaper a newborn in SoftBums. So many moms swear by them. Thanks for sharing your experience! Did you try Echo or Omni? ~Anne
That’s the reason I got a couple to try out; they were recommended to fit a newborn like a glove! I’m not sure which one I tried. :/ those couple months I was out of it hahahha
I’m dying to try these! More and more interested the more reviews I read.
Never had SoftBums. Would love to try it!
I would really like to win a couple pair of these to give to 2 pregnant ladies in my life, both due around the end of February. My daughter & a close friend of the family. I think they are both going to be using plastic diapers but I want them to have choices since both are having first time lil ones. Thank you for the opportunity & Happy Holidays =)
Melinda, that’s so thoughtful! And thanks for entering the giveaway! ~Anne
I’d love to try and Echo. My babies tend to be too big for newborn diapers, but just a touch too small for most one-size. The Echo just might be perfect 🙂
I have trouble getting through the night with our 6 month old in cloth without her soaking the bed. How does your cloth diapers do with absorbancy?
What are you using right now for her overnight, Grace? And is she a tummy sleeper? ~Anne
We are using Thirsties pockets, which worked for a long time, and also Just Baby pockets during the day. Everything leaks now. She’s a back sleeper.
Grace, leaks could be caused by any number of things, including diapers that are repelling, improper fit or even just a need for more absorbency as your daughter grows. Have you tried adding a hemp or stay dry doubler to your Thirsties pocket at night? We’ve used our SoftBums overnight with success, as long as the fit is snug around the legs and 2 of the stay dry inserts are used together. ~Anne
I have yet to try them, (our little guy isn’t here yet), but I would love to try the Omni. We are most interested in trying AI2s, and this would be awesome to help start our stash. 😊
I haven’t tried Softbums, but I’d love to give them a shot with my soon-to-arrive bundle. It’s nice to see that it comes with a pretty good warranty.
I have tried the omni I like the snap in pod. The Velcro is great, though I haven’t really played around with the slide to fit yet… and it it’s one of my go to night time diapers.
I like how you showed them on 2 different littles of different ages. I like how the Echo is more trim.
The softbums look so comfy,
I love Softbums!!! My fave brand!!!!
I used the Echos on a newborn (7-8lbs) and they were the best fitting of any smaller one-size diapers I had tried. They actually do fit small babies as they claim thought Omins are a bit too bulky but fit wll on my 2 yr old. Unfortunately my little was unable to use any microfleece so we sold but I am looking into using these again on my next. I’ve heard they changed the velcro and that was my only complaint about the diaper that the velcro did not last well. Otherwise I highly recommend the shells/covers for infant or toddler.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience diapering a newborn in SoftBums! ~Anne
I have tried Soft Bums before but they were very well-loved and I don’t think I got the excellent Soft Bums experience I’ve heard people talk about. I absolutely love this print and would love to try a brand new Soft Bums!
Softbums is our favorite out of all diapers!! I always thought snapping down the from rise snaps on one size diapers was so ugly. Not with softbums!!