The Smart Bottoms 3.1 all-in-one diaper is designed to be a trim-fitting option for natural-minded families. It features a waterproof outer and 100% certified organic cotton inside.
Mary Kate was given the chance to review a complimentary Smart Bottoms 3.1 in the vibrant new “Highland” print from our friends at The Green Nursery.
Basic Features:
- Waterproof PUL outer, a 100% organic cotton lining and a 100% organic cotton attached insert
- Ten absorbent layers in all
- Four different size settings via the snap-down rise (approx. 10 to 35 pounds)
- Attached insert is extra long so you can fold it to customize absorbency
- Made in the USA, retail price $29.00
Fit: It took some time to get the right fit on Mary Kate. I had to double check that the cotton fabric was completely rolled in not just at the legs, but also where the legs meet the wings (see picture below). Any exposed fabric can allow moisture to sneak out.
So I found myself doing a lot of tucking and tightening, around the legs, with the wings and under the rise snaps. But once I got it all down pat, I think it looks great on 18-month-old Mary Kate and I love how trim it is.
We also tried the diaper on Katie’s Evangeline, who is about 6 months old and very chubby. One of the best things about this diaper is the snug but gentle fit around the legs.
This diaper has a generous size range, because my toddler still has one rise snap to grow into.
Performance: After prepping our diaper about 8 times, Mary Kate leaked right through the legs before she had finished a 1.5 hour nap. She’s not what I would call a heavy wetter, so after feedback from other mothers who’ve tried this diaper, I did 2 more washes. This time, she made it 2 hours in the diaper before it started to leak a little bit from the legs. The inside was not saturated. After 10 washes, we now get somewhere between 2 and 3 hours of absorbency, but that’s all. I think what’s happening with Mary Kate is she’s flooding the diaper all at once, and organic cotton is just not as quick to absorb as other fabrics like bamboo and microfiber. Adding a small bamboo insert from my collection on top of the organic cotton stopped the leaks.
So the prep time for this diaper is a drawback. I’ve been so spoiled by diapers that require only a wash or two for maximum performance. I would definitely recommend 8 washes for the 3.1, but be aware that you may need a few more beyond that.
Care: Since it’s just one piece, the Smart Bottoms 3.1 comes out of the laundry ready to wear. You don’t have to hunt for inserts or snap in soaker pads. I did find that the super long insert can be a bit clumsy to dunk and swish in the toilet when soiled; if you have a diaper sprayer, this task will be easier. Also, be aware that organic cotton stains very easily. In my testing, this diaper dried in one cycle on medium/low, which is great for a cotton all-in-one.
As mentioned above, you may have to prep this diaper many many times before it reaches a good absorbency level for your baby. (Note: The Smart Bottoms Dream Diaper is a less-prep option).
Summary – Pros:
- Trim fit
- Vibrant and imaginative prints and colors
- Made in the USA
- Certified organic cotton
- Gentle leg gussets
- Limited 12-month warranty
Summary – Cons:
- A lot of prepping
- Higher price range
- Tricky to dunk and swish
- Heavy wetters will need an additional insert/booster
Why you should shop at The Green Nursery:
Save on cloth diaper bundles
Get FREE shipping on orders over $35
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I’m a Green Nursery affiliate! Shopping through my link helps my blog,
and that means more reviews and more giveaways!
Giveaway: The Green Nursery is generously giving away a 3.1 diaper to one lucky reader! Choose from in stock colors and prints. US only. Good luck!
I’d love to get the Reef or Horizon print!
I like the Leland and Horizon.
I really like Reef and Jolly Drawers!
I love Reef and Highland! I’ve been dying to get one of those.
I love your smart bottoms doctore print😊
I like highland.
If I would win I would choose Doc! My husband is a medical student doing his clinical rotations! This diaper would be a perfect one to add to our stash!
The red striped. 🙂
My favorite print would have to be jolly drawers. Love the holidays!
I would love Reef!
I totally agree they are hard to dunk and swish! A sprayer helps immensely though!
Such a hard choice! It’s a toss up between Leland, Chasing Rainbows & Sprinkles.
I’d love Reef or Horizon! ❤️
I would pick Leland or Highland print diaper
Love the leland print!
smart bottoms have been our favorite for 6 years!! they are AMAZING diapers. I so need Chasing Rainbows in my life
I think I’d probably get reef, although I like highland, too.
I like the Chesapeake Bay, and Concord.
I really love the “fixer upper” print! So fun!!
I love Horizon, gorgeous colors! Sprinkles print is on my list for a while 🙂
I would pick Doc! As a medical student I would love to have this print for my little one due in Jan!
Reef
Thanks for the tip on tucking the inner fabric up by the legs. I had this diaper and was having that problem. I will try this next. I love fixer upper!
I like the reef print/color!
So many choices… I like Fixer Upper, Leland and Doc!
I love Leland and Dublin!
Sprinkles, Highland and Reef are my favorites! It would be really hard to choose between them!
I like the Chasing Rainbows.
The under tank tops are cute
Would love the reef print!
I would love the donut print! It’s cute and fun.
Donuts, please!
I’ve been eyeing Sprinkles for a very long time; hope I win!
I’d loveeee Fixer Upper or Leland!!
I really like the Rumparooz OBV One Size in the Spike pattern.
I didn’t go the cloth diaper route with my kids. Certainly that industry was not as developed as it is now.