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One of the very first diapers I reviewed on my blog was GroVia, but I felt 2016 was a great time to publish a new review AND offer a fun self-sponsored giveaway to go along with it.

GroVia diapers are everywhere, so it’s very easy to find them at your favorite retailer. I purchase mine from, and highly recommend my affiliates, Diaper Junction, Nicki’s, and Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique (more free shipping!).

Today I’m featuring the GroVia Hybrid diaper, which includes one-size covers or “shells” and various styles of snap-in soakers. GroVia diapesr are made ethically in China.

The Holland print is one of GroVia’s very newest releases, named to celebrate the arrival of founders Kim and Duane Ormsby’s newborn. Drift was released a few years ago and has always been a favorite of mine.

GroVia’s hook and loop is different than what you might typically see. The receiver fabric is not the usual rough and scratchy white stuff you see on other diapers; it’s smooth and softer, and color-coordinated to match the diaper, as you can see in the picture of Holland above. There’s also a little fabric loop you can tuck the laundry tabs under, so they stay extra secure in the wash and also not start curling back after a lot of usage. The hook and loop also stays very securely fastened at the waist (esp. nice when diapering an intrepid toddler). As with any hook and loop diaper, however, the closure gets weaker after much use and washing; it also starts to pill after time. GroVia does offer a snap conversion program so you can convert your diapers later on and get more life out of them.

GroVia snaps also have a unique look, as you can see in the picture below. I find the GroVia snaps to be very strong, and yet easy to open and close. They are larger than other diaper snaps, however, so they are only compatible with GroVia inserts.

Here’s a look inside the GroVia shell. It’s made of TPU, is fully waterproof and has a polyester mesh lining inside. There are snaps at the front and the back to hold inserts; you can use both, or just one, or none (if pairing the shell with your own prefolds, flats, etc.).

There are 2 rows of snaps on the rise, which gives you three size settings – small, medium and large.

GroVia offers a number of different insert options:

• No Prep ($16.95 for a pack of 2) – Four layers of miroterry with a microfleece topper and a waterproof TPU backing – High level of absorbency. They measure about 13 inches long and 5 inches wide in the middle.
• Stay Dry ($17.95 for a pack of 2) – Four layers of 55% hemp/45% cotton with a microfleece topper and a waterproof TPU backing – Basic level of absorbency. They measure about 12 inches long and 4 inches at the narrowest point.
• Organic Cotton ($18.95 for a pack of 2) – Five layers of 55% hemp/45% cotton and a waterproof TPU backing – Moderate level of absorbency
• Boosters ($9.50 for organic cotton and $10.50 for stay dry) – Trim, three layer inserts without snaps, that you lay in a GroVia diaper for a boost of absorbing power. They measure 12 inches long and 3 inches wide.
• BioSoakers ($19.95 for a pack of 50) – Disposable inserts made from certified natural 100% Ingeo spun bound non-woven fabric. The core consists of wood pulp fibers, and the waterproof backing is made of Bio-film (fecula). They have sticky tabs which help keep them in the shell.

GroVia inserts stand out from the pack because they have gussets (elasticized edges) and a waterproof back. Both features are meant to give an extra layer of protection by confining wetness and messes to the inserts only. This can really come in handy because it improves your chances of reusing the shell/cover multiple times before washing.

Each of the inserts has its pros and cons.

The No Prep inserts can be used right away because there aren’t any natural fibers, so that saves some time and hassle. They the most absorbent of the bunch but are also the bulkiest. The microfleece is very plush and soft and doesn’t hold onto stains. They are fairly quick to dry.

The Organic Cotton inserts are a small step down in absorbency, but are trimmer. The jersey fabric is very smooth and soft but stains more easily. However, cotton and hemp are less prone to buildup and odor. These inserts take several washes (3 or more) to prep and a noticeably longer time to dry. Over time, I’ve noticed tiny holes appearing in the cotton inserts around the edges; this is normal, especially with a natural/organic fiber that has been washed many times; it has happened to other organic cotton items in our stash. But it doesn’t affect performance or absorbency. The cotton will also lose some of its softness over time; you can try Ecover fabric softener and see if that helps with recovery somewhat.

The Stay Dry inserts offer a basic level of absorbency and combine a natural fiber core with a microfleece top, so you get the advantages of both natural and synthetic fibers. In the photo below, you can see there’s some puckering on the top layer; this is caused by the 2 different types of fabric shrinking differently when washed.

The Boosters are narrower and very trim, easy to lay top of any of the soaker pads. I like that you can position them anywhere you like. This is perfect for placing some more absorbency up front for a boy, because the snap-in inserts do not completely fill the front of the shell when on the largest setting, especially after you stretch it up to wrap around your baby:

Here is a picture of one soaker snapped into the shell, and then a soaker snapped in plus a booster on top (the diaper is on the medium rise setting).

I haven’t tested the BioSoakers yet, so don’t have any personal experience to share on those.

Performance: GroVia diapers are very versatile since you can choose just the right insert, or simply use the shells as covers with diapers you already own. They work great as is as a daytime diaper; for naps I would suggest the No Prep inserts or adding a Booster.

I did test our GroVia hybrid diapers overnight with 1 extra booster, and they will hold Ingrid, who is an average wetter, until morning. However, they are not my first choice for an overnight diaper. For those poos they often do upon first waking, we have better luck with a double-gusset cover. Secondly, I often use a well-stuffed pocket diaper overnight because entire inside is lined with soft fleece, which is comfy over an extended period of time. This being said, however, many families happily use GroVia Hybrids and AIO diapers overnight, usually with the addition of a booster. Something you might consider for night time are the GroVia bamboo/cotton prefolds; we used these on newborn Erik, but I haven’t reviewed any of the larger sizes.

I do like that the mesh lining in GroVia shells is easy to clean (I didn’t have any problems with dunking or spraying) and it gives you a layer of fabric between your baby’s skin and the TPU fabric underneath.

The gussets on the inserts help keep poo from getting on the cover underneath, but they aren’t bulletproof. So sometimes we do only get 1 use out of a GroVia shell before having to wash. Your experience will depend on what kind of child you are diapering and what their “habits” are like. Erik was fairly regular as a young toddler and we could get 2 uses (sometimes more) out of 1 shell. But Ingrid is more unpredictable, especially since she’s still trying a lot of new foods, and is also teething again (which makes output messy and loose).

One way to get more usage out of GroVia shells if you’re on a tight budget is to pair with a prefold or flat; you get more coverage that way.

Oh, and GroVia shells make nice little swim diapers with that neat mesh lining!

GroVia recommends washing diapers on warm and line drying/flat drying the shells.

Fit and Sizing: In our experience, GroVia’s hybrid diaper tends to run pretty true to size (i.e. they don’t run small or big). Ingrid is 18 months and small for her age and wears her GroVia’s at the middle/medium setting. Erik is a thin 3-year-old toddler and can fit into them quite well at the large setting. They are most trim when used with the Organic Cotton insert, and on the bulkier side using No Preps. Overall, however, the crotch is narrower than our other diapers and this always gives a nice trim fit between the legs.

The hook and loop closure is terrific when it comes to getting a perfect fit at the waist. Because the receiver strip is so large, you can pretty much position the wings wherever you want, even angling them up or down to tighten or loosen the leg openings a bit. In fact, I do this often for Ingrid when there’s an extra booster inside, because her legs are pretty chubby. For Erik, I use the snap shells.

Speaking of wings, I really like that the wings are long and have a lot of give. Ingrid has a round, fat tummy and short wings with very little stretch don’t work well around her waist.

Although GroVia shells/covers do have a crossover snap to allow for a very tight fit at the waist on a smaller baby, there are actual newborn GroVia diapers that might fit better. We used GroVia Newborn AIO’s on Erik and loved them!

Giveaway CLOSED

One lucky reader will win a GroVia Holland package, which contains a hook and loop shell, wet bag and 2-pack of No Prep Soaker Pads. This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. Good luck!

Diaper Safari released an updated pocket diaper in 2014 with some new print options, including hippos and lions. Just in time for the new year, they’ve added more designs! There are SIX new color combos now available in both pockets and covers.

And right now they are on sale for BUY 2 GET 1 FREE, but only for a very limited time.

Diaper Safari sent us two complimentary pocket diapers to review in Flamingo (pink with lime snaps) and Spidey (red with black snaps). Unlike the covers, the new pockets only have contrasting snaps but not leg trim. The new color combos are lots of fun and very eye-catching.

For my review, I used the Diaper Safari brand inserts already in our stash (microfiber, hemp and bamboo).

As previously reviewed, the Diaper Safari pocket retails for $9.95 (without inserts) and features:

• One size design which fits from 10 pounds to 35 pounds (2 rows of snaps on the rise)
• Choice of hook and loop or snap closure
• The snap version has crossover snaps on the waistband for small/slim babies
• Pocket opening at the front and the back
• Waterproof PUL on the outside with a microsuede inner pocket
• Waterproof PUL strip on the inside top of the waistband
• 90 day warranty

The two rows of rise snaps allow you to adjust to three sizes which are (roughly) small, medium and large.

The dual pocket openings allow you to stuff and empty the diaper from either end. I really love this feature, because when faced with a big messy diaper it can be tricky to ease a bulky insert out of the pocket when you only have 1 opening and that opening just happens to be covered in poo.

When you purchase a Diaper Safari pocket, you have the option of choosing an insert to go with the shell – either microfiber, hemp or Trifold Bamboo. Or, you can just purchase the shell alone and use whatever you already have.

I tried out this diaper with all 3 of the Diaper Safari inserts we already own, in addition to prefolds and padfolded flats. The pocket opening is big enough to accommodate whatever you prefer to stuff inside.

And because the pocket opens at both ends, most inserts will agitate out in the wash on their own. (The only time this didn’t always work is when I folded up a prefold or flat and stuck it in the pocket).

Just in case you missed last week’s review, here’s a quick look at the exclusive Diaper Safari Trifold Bamboo Insert. It’s a flat diaper made with several layers of highly absorbent bamboo/cotton, and then 1 layer of stay-dry microsuede. Fold it in thirds like you would a prefold. You can have either the microsuede or the bamboo cotton layer facing upwards. For just $5.99, I think it’s a really great deal compared to other bamboo/cotton trifolds on the market. Stuffed inside the pocket diaper, it’s a great nighttime solution for an infant or even an average toddler who doesn’t wet heavily.

For just $9.95 with free shipping, I think the Diaper Safari pocket is an affordable and highly customizable diapering solution. If you’d like to try it out….here’s your chance to win a free one!

Giveaway

Diaper Safari would like to send one Zephyr Hill reader a free pocket diaper shell! Winner chooses color and closure (snap or hook and loop). Open to US and Canadian residents. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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: 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: 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