Lots of flat diapers have been featured on the blog this year! Today’s review features a unique, made-in-the-USA diaper: hemp jersey flats from my affiliate, Geffen Baby. Geffen flats are available in one size, with light green stitching around the edges. Each flat diaper retails for $8.50. I’ll also share my experiences with Geffen Baby cloth wipes, which come in packages of 10 and are made of the same jersey fabric but with darker green stitching.

Stock images courtesy Geffen Baby

Hemp Jersey Flat

Made of 60% hemp and 40% organic cotton, this flat measures about 24.5″ by 26.5″ before washing. It’s not an exact square, but that is typical with many natural fiber diapers. After washing, my Geffen flat shrank to about 23″ by 25.5.” The serged edges do curl up after washing and drying and don’t stay flat; this may bother some but it’s not a concern to me.

Pad folded, the Geffen Baby flat diaper measures about 11″ by 4.75″ inches.

 

It’s very close in size when folded to the Geffen Baby hemp jersey prefold – size small. So the size range for the Geffen flat diaper is roughly 0 to 6 months.

A Boingo or Snappi works “ok” with the smooth hemp jersey, but doesn’t grip as tightly as I would like. A diaper pin is ideal. However you decide to fasten, the Geffen flat will only work for a small baby. And since I don’t have a newborn or small baby right now (Ingrid is over a year old), I’ll demo on a baby doll. 🙂

We didn’t use fasteners at all. I mainly used our Geffen flat diapers pad folded in Ingrid’s newborn covers and small covers. When she reached “medium” size, the flat was too small to give adequate coverage and absorbency. Since it’s only offered in one size right now, I will definitely say that a larger size is on my “hope” list. However, I know that increasing the size while keeping the price affordable is a delicate balance.

We really love the softness, smoothness and absorbency of these Geffen flats; as a bonus, they wash and dry more quickly and easily than the multi-layered Geffen prefolds. And of course, we love supporting a USA-made product!

Since Geffen flats do run small, you can repurpose them as a doubler, burp cloth, lovey, etc.

If you want a much bigger flat, the new Geffen Baby Fladdle (hemp fleece diaper/blanket) is about 30″ square. I personally prefer the smooth jersey over the fleece, however. The Fladdle is also priced a bit more at $12.48 each.

Hemp Jersey Wipes

I also purchased a pack of single-layer Geffen Baby hemp jersey wipes to try out. They are made of the same fabric as the flat diaper (a smooth hemp/cotton blend). After washing and drying they are about 8″ by 7.5″ inches, so again, not a perfect square. They are $12.34 for a package of ten, which is a really great deal.

Since they are one thin layer, these hemp jersey wipes are easy to store and don’t take up much room like bulkier/thicker wipes do. The hemp-blend fabric is super durable. They get most jobs done just fine, but for big messes I prefer a wipe with a nubbier texture. If you also like to have some cloths on hand with a little bit of scrubbing power, Geffen Baby does have a hemp/French terry wipe. It’s on my “to try” list.

Please share your thoughts and questions about Geffen Baby below, and enter to win a flat diaper and package of wipes for yourself! This giveaway is open to USA residents only. Good luck!

 

 

 

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Note: Funky Fluff diapers are no longer sold.

It’s time for another review, this one courtesy of Funky Fluff diapers. I received a complimentary Bamboo Lux diaper in the Maritime print. This new design (3.0) design replaces the current 2.0.

Here are the basic features of the new LUX line:

• One-size shell/cover adjusts to fit from 7 to 35+ pounds
• Double row of wing snaps allow for both waist and leg adjustments
• Crossover snaps for a snug fit on newborns, plus hip snaps to keep the diaper from sagging
• Waterproof PUL strip on the inside front of the waistband for extra protection against leaks
• Available in two styles: Stay Dry (lined with suedecloth) for $14.95 and Bamboo for $15.95
• Use with Funky Fluff bamboo terry LUX soakers, available in a set with small and large

The major changes in the new LUX line are:

• The complete retirement of microfiber as an absorbent material in Funky Fluff inserts.
• A new shape for inserts: they are now contoured
• New insert options: choose LUX bamboo or deLUX hemp.
• Wide across the front to better accommodate the contoured inserts, and to make stuffing easier
• The back of the snaps are now lined on the inside with PUL for extra protection
• The elastics are softer and more durable

The diaper is lined with bamboo terry. There are openings at both the front and the back, if you want to use it as a pocket diaper. If you want to opt for the AIO or AI2 style, use the snap at the back to secure the soaker. Or, just lay the soakers in the diaper and don’t bother with snapping or stuffing at all. It’s a very versatile system.

These photos show the different ways you can use it. Inserts inside, snapped in, or just laid on top:

The bamboo terry pads are are made of a silky soft fabric blend of 80% bamboo and 20% polyester. You can use solo or snap one onto the other, to double up for more absorbency. Small is 5 layers of fabric and measures about 12 inches long;  large is 6 layers of fabric at about 14 inches long. The edges are double-stitched for durability.

The previous (2.0) soaker is shown below, to illustrate how the shape has changed from rectangle to hourglass.

Performance: As with the previous bamboo Funky Fluff diaper we reviewed, absorbency is stellar. When a diaper is lined with bamboo that gives you one bonus layer of material within the diaper itself. Add to that a 5 and 6 layer soaker snapped together, and you have 12 layers to absorb. It can definitely work as an overnight diaper. For a trimmer fit and the same excellent performance, use just one insert in the day time. I also think the new contour shape is great, since there’s a bigger area for absorbency.

The softer elastics are perfect for Ingrid’s chubby legs. I have noticed they are more gentle than the previous version. The PUL strip at the inside front of the diaper is a bit bigger now, and that’s great news for tummy sleepers.

Care: Bamboo is one of my favorite diapering fabrics. It’s easy to prep (usually just takes 1 or 2 washes) but is very thirsty AND soft. Bamboo does stain more easily than microfiber or microfleece, however.

If you choose to snap in the boosters, good news! They will stay fastened in the wash (at least mine did). So this is a diaper that will function like an AIO, if you want. I like keeping the boosters attached at all times; it’s one less thing for me to search for and match up when diapers come out of the dryer.

Sizing: With 4 sets of snaps on the rise, Funky Fluff LUX has a more generous size range than many other “one size” diapers. We’ve always been able to use our Funky Fluff diapers from birth until potty training, with no problems in terms of fit OR absorbency. It’s one of the few diapers that I find myself recommending for both chunky AND skinny babies, because it’s highly adjustable. Not only do you have the 4 sets of rise snaps, but with double snaps on the wings, you can adjust both legs and waist separately to get a better fit.

When I said it fit great on all ages and stages, I wasn’t kidding! Erik will be 3 in December and it still fits just fine.

Ingrid is now 13 months old and just taking her first steps.

My only issue with Funky Fluff’s design, as mentioned in a previous review, is that a 3rd row of rise snaps would be nice. This would help the front to lie flat and not pucker out, which tends to happen more as my baby starts moving around.

Imagine and Nicki’s diapers are both part of the Planet Wise family. Nicki Maynard is the super smart and innovative lady behind these brands, which continue to gain a following year after year. You can find these brands, with free shipping, at my affiliate, Nicki’s Diapers.

Today I’m going to review and compare the Imagine pocket diaper with the Nicki’s pocket diaper, since they are “sister” brands. And I want to thank you all again for making today’s review (and giveaway!) possible in part, because whenever you shop using my affiliate links at Nicki’s Diapers, I earn a small commission that can be used for purchasing review diapers and prizes. It’s a win-win for us all, and I truly appreciate your support! I’m also really grateful to Nicki’s for allowing me to be a part of their affiliate programs.

Both of these are one-size diapers which adjust to fit from 8 to 35+ pounds. The outer is waterproof PUL with a microfleece lining and pocket opening. The Nicki’s print at left is called Spring Rainbow; at right is the Imagine diaper in Indigo. Both have 2 sets of snaps on the rise, which gives you 3 size settings (small, medium, large).

Here are the diapers opened up:

And here are the inserts. With the Nicki’s pocket you get one standard 5×15 microfiber insert. With the Imagine pocket you get an adjustable microfiber insert. Snap it back to make the insert smaller. It adjusts from 11 to 12 to 14.5 inches.

Both diapers are very similar in terms of size and cut. Here are the shells laid one on top of the other to illustrate. The main difference I see is Imagine pockets are wider across the crotch.

Here’s a quick recap to compare the features of the two diapers:

	Imagine	Nickis
Snap Colors	Colored to Match Diaper	Colored to Match Diaper
Insert	Adjustable Microfiber	Standard Microfiber 5×15
Lining	No Pill White Microfleece	Color-Coordinated Microfleece
Colors	8 Prints/Colors	20+ Prints / 8 Colors
Wings	Double Snaps	Double Snaps Plus Crossover
Openings	1 Back Opening	1 Back and 1 Front Opening
Branding	Designed Exclusively for Imagine	Designed Exclusively for Nicki’s
Shipping	Free	Free
Price*	$12.95	$12.95 Prints and $11.95 Solids

*Prices updated for 2016

Performance: With both pocket diapers, you can expect typical absorbency for a 4-layer microfiber insert. Two or three hours is max for us. The microfleece is very plush and soft and resists pilling.

Both are easy to stuff, but Imagine has the edge with a back pocket opening of 6 inches wide. The Nicki’s diaper has both a front and back opening but the one at the rear is 4.5 inches wide.

If you don’t like microfiber, either of these pocket diapers can be stuffed with something else – bamboo or hemp inserts, flats, prefolds, etc. But you’ll still get the “stay dry” effect of the fleece lining against your baby’s skin.

For hiding stains, the colored fleece inside the Nicki’s pocket gets huge bonus points. Plus, the coordinating colors look so beautiful!

The only improvement I would suggest is a PUL strip at the front of the diaper for tummy sleepers.

Fit: Imagine and Nicki’s diapers run slightly large. For their one-size line, we start getting a good fit around the legs at 3-6 months, depending on how chubby their little legs are. With his skinny legs, Erik wasn’t able to wear this one until 6 months. However, as a bonus, all our toddlers have comfortably worn both brands. I love to recommend both Nicki’s and Imagine to mothers with toddlers, or babies with chubby legs/thighs.

There are no hip snaps on the wings of these pocket diapers, and both are prone to “wing droop.” That means you may have to readjust every so often, and also change the diaper before it starts sagging from the weight of wetness or poo.  For some reason, I notice more wing droop with the Imagine vs. the Nicki’s, but I’m not sure why this is, since they are similar in cut.

As mentioned above, the Imagine pocket is cut slightly wider across the crotch (you can see this illustrated in the photos below).

Although some like dual pocket openings, I would prefer that the Nicki’s pocket not have a front opening at all. The fleece flap will roll up and over the waistband unless I take extra care to smooth it out and sort of tuck it down as I put the diaper on.

And now let’s look at the fit!

 

If you are curious to try one of these pocket diapers on your baby, today’s giveaway is for you because you can pick your prize! Choose a Nicki’s or Imagine pocket diaper from in stock colors and prints PLUS a pair of Imagine or Nicki’s baby leggings.

*GIVEAWAY CLOSED*