Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

Bebeboo Cloth Diapers: The “Choice” AI2 + a Giveaway

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We’ve tried many styles of cloth diapers over the years, and one of my top picks is the All-in-Two because it’s versatile and user-friendly. Today I’ll introduce you to a work-from-home, mother-owned brand that’s gained popularity in this age of “gray market” diapers for being affordable, adorable and durable: Bebeboo Diapers! 

Owner Thea, who hails from Las Vegas, generously sent us an assortment of Bebeboo products to review; today’s focus is on the Choice AI2 and the Fine Bib.

The print you see below (Romeo’s Song) is a tribute to Thea’s father who was lost to Lymphoma. Music was an important part of his life, and naturally made its way into this lyrical design.

Features: You get a lot with this system for a price point of $17.95:

  • Adjusts to fit babies from 10 to 35 pounds
  • Includes a 5-layer snap-in bamboo insert, which is also adjustable
  • Pocket openings in the front and back
  • Crossover snaps (for a snugger fit at the waist)
  • Hip snaps (to prevent sagging)
  • Lined with soft athletic wicking jersey (poly knit)

Use the snaps on the insert to shorten the length for smaller babies. You can attach the insert at front or back, because there are receiver snaps at both ends.

Performance: I mentioned that an AI2 diaper is versatile and the Bebeboo Choice is no exception. The included insert can be stuffed inside the pocket, snapped in, or just laid in like you would a diaper cover. I tested the diaper all three ways and was happy with the absorbency and fit every time. As is, 10-month-old Camille can wear it 3 hours. Keeping it snapped in is my preference; the diaper basically functions like an “All-in-One” and the insert stays put in the laundry. Couldn’t be easier!

If you opt for stuffing inside the pocket, the insert does agitate out on its own in the wash, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty pulling it out.

Now, the drawback of a thick, absorbent bamboo insert is its dry time. That’s just the way of cloth diapers, though. Lots of thirsty layers mean you can change your baby less frequently….and wait longer for the diaper to come out of the dryer. There are ways around this, like if Bebeboo were to have 2 thin inserts in place of one, but then you’ve got more moving parts in the system. Honestly, I like the way Thea has kept it simple. Longer dry times are not a deal breaker for me.

Fit: The double snaps at the waist assure a neat and tidy fit across the front, which I really like. And if the leg openings are too snug or too loose, you can angle that bottom snap to suit your baby. That third (top) snap you see is designed to prevent wing droop; that’s what happens when a diaper starts to sag downward on an active baby. It doesn’t eliminate it totally (sometimes the bottom of the wings will sneak out a bit) but it certainly does help. Using these extra hips snaps is totally optional, by the way.

Camille is 10 months old and about 18 pounds now, so an average sized baby. The Bebeboo AI2 fits as expected, with 2 more rise settings to go. I see us getting a lot of use from this diaper well into the potty training stage.

Bebeboo Fine Bib: Here’s a practical and affordable way to enjoy some of the new Bebeboo prints, even if you’re maxed out on diapers! For just $7.50 the Fine bib features an easy-to-clean waterproof PUL outer and athletic wicking jersey inner lining. There are two snap settings at the neck and a roomy food catcher pocket.

The only thing I would change about these wonderful bibs is to make the tag a bit smaller, so it wouldn’t distract at all from the print. You can shop Bebeboo bibs here!

What sets Bebeboo Diapers apart from the rest?

  • The choice of materials is very forward-thinking. Bamboo is soft and highly absorbent; athletic wicking jersey is a superior lining material (in my opinion) to the typical fleece or microsuede. And not many inserts are adjustable.
  • Bebeboo colors and fabrics run the gamut and are sure to please just about any aesthetic. Some diaper brands have a “look” and they stick to it, but that can be very confining. Take a look at Bebeboo’s online shop and you’ll see that choices range from classic (Here Comes the Sun) to modern (Nature’s Gold) to whimsical (Arabian Nights).
  • Thea works with a small factory overseas to mutually support another small business. Her limited releases allow more oversight of product quality and result in less production waste.

You can buy with confidence because Bebeboo diapers are tested by a Consumer Product Safety Commission Laboratory. and have passed all relevant CPSIA standards.

I really love Bebeboo’s friendly approachable style, especially to those families that are learning the ropes. “New to cloth?” Thea asks on Instagram, “Let us help!”

Shop Bebeboo cloth diapers today
and check out the 30-day trial program

Use zephyrhill10 to get 10% off your purchase!

Visit Bebeboo Diapers on Facebook, and say “hi” on Instagram!

Giveaway: Enter to win a a shop credit of $25, courtesy of Bebeboo Cloth Diapers! Use the entry form below. Open to residents of US, Canada and Mexico. Good luck!

 

 

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SprayStand Cloth Diaper Shield Review and Giveaway

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Cloth diaper super fans tend to gloss over the reality of dealing with messy diapers. But it’s a real thing that holds many families back from ever trying them. So thank goodness for tools like diapers sprayers and shields. They are considered by some to be absolutely essential to their success with cloth diapers. This June, I was given the chance to try out a complimentary SprayStand by SimplyImagine.

Here’s their story, as shared with me by Trent:  “Our family wanted to use cloth diapers but the process of cleaning them almost made us change our minds early on. But we wanted to stay on point and not give in to disposable diapers. My wife stayed the strongest. But we knew with 2 young kids in diapers, we needed a better process and searched around for ways to get the debris off them before they hit the wash.”

They felt that there was still room for innovation in the market. “We tried a couple spray shield versions but there was very little out there that met our needs. As I thought more about what would help us, I envisioned more of a hands-free approach where you could pin the diaper up and have more freedom to clean without it being a big messy ordeal. With advice from family members, we sought out a designer who was able to take our ideas and bring them to fruition. Through many iterations, we came up with the SprayStand.”

At first look, you can see that the SprayStand has some obvious advantages:

  • The free-standing design means you don’t have to hold on to it, bend over, or find a place to sit while using it.
  • It’s highly durable and holds its shape.
  • Multiple clips make it easy to secure one or more items and spray all at once.
  • The wide open top makes it easy to secure your items before spraying.
  • It’s tall, so longer items won’t be dangling in toilet water.
  • It’s multi-purpose. Use it to spray things beyond diapers. It can double as a trash can later on.
  • It doesn’t go into the potty, but stays positioned above the dirty water.

The versatility of the clip system is a huge plus; you can position them any way you please. Clip multiple diapers or inserts and spray all at once to save time. Use them to secure bulky or heavy objects like boots or coats.

The hands-free concept is so dead-easy that my daughter, Susanna, can spray like a champ.

See how the SprayStand is positioned while in use? It doesn’t actually sit inside the potty, and end up resting in a puddle of poo water.

In our testing, the SprayStand did its stated job well – gripped diapers tightly, contained all back spray, and didn’t move or shift around.

Larger than its competitors, the SprayStand does not fold up for compact storage. For us, it wasn’t an issue, since our bathroom isn’t tiny. If you’d like to estimate how much space it would take up in your bathroom or closet, the measurements are 17x17x9. One storage idea for tiny spaces would be to set it in your tub or shower.

Also, because it’s not flexible, you can’t use to press the diaper and squeeze out excess water.

I underestimated the importance of the bonus drip tray until my first test. When you’re done spraying anything, there’s going to be dripping water. Because of this, a spray shield of any kind is always going to need a place to sit, or you’ll have water on the bathroom floor. Some people use towels or buckets; other stow theirs in a wet bag. With SprayStand, the handy drip tray fits perfectly under the bottom, looks very tidy, and it’s easy to keep clean.  TIP: The SprayStand will be dripping as you remove it from the potty, so have the tray handy and hold it underneath the SprayStand as you return it to the floor.

At this angle, you can see how tall the SprayStand is. It’s simply marvelous for those cloth diapers that come with “snake-style” soakers that love to hang down in the dirty potty water.

I’ve also used our SprayStand outside for cleaning muddy shoes this spring. The clips hold up even heavy boots with no problem.

I’d love to know what you think of the new SprayStand shield! What feature jumps out at you the most? Let me know in a comment below.

You can shop for the SprayStand on Amazon
with FREE Prime shipping

Use code SPRAYSTAND to get an extra 10% off!
until June 30th

Giveaway: CLOSED

 

 

 

Cloud Cloth Diapers Review

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Note: Cloud Cloth Diapers is no longer in business.

I came across Cloud Cloth Diapers this spring while looking for something unique and affordable for Camille. Nine children and living on one income have a way of making you really keep an eye on your budget!

Over the years, many work-from-home mothers have been featured at my blog, so naturally I wanted to share the Cloud Cloth Diapers story with you.

Owner Ari Cooper told me “I always knew that I wanted to run a business but could never figure out what. When I found out I was having my second child, I knew that I wanted to cloth diaper…One day I decided that I was going to sell them and that way people would get them in a few days instead of weeks [i.e. from overseas]…I wanted to give up so many times this past year and a half but the entrepreneurial bug keeps biting me and keeps me motivated.”

Cloud Cloth Diapers are imported from China, using several different manufacturers. With ethics and safety in mind, Ari assured me “They all have provided me with documents showing their chemical testing reports, CPSIA, and SGS reports. In addition I am planning a trip to visit them all later this year since I want to see for myself where the diapers come from. I have built relationships with all of my account managers so they are very comfortable with sending me photos and sharing information with me.”

I’m impressed that Ari is so forthright and conscientious about the products she sells.

And now for the diaper review!

For 7-month-old Camille, I bought three different Cloud styles: a cover, a pocket and an all-in-one. All three are one-size.

My order was beautifully packaged with a ribbon and hand-written name tag. I cut the dark blue satin ribbon in half and gave one to each of my little girls for their braids and ponytails. 🙂

To stand out from the crowd a little bit, Ari shared with me that she packages orders “like a gift, instead of just sending them off in the plastic bags. It takes A LOT more time, and little bit more money but I think it makes each customer feel a little more appreciative of their purchase.”

Cloud all-in-one diapers have either a microsuede (white) or charcoal bamboo (gray) inner lining; I chose the latter. For my pocket diaper, I ordered the cotton/bamboo insert for $4.50. Other choices include hemp, bamboo and charcoal bamboo.

For just $6.50, the one size diaper cover has several nice features: double leg gussets, double snaps at the waist and flaps at the front and back for either holding inserts or providing an extra layer of waterproof material.

Camille is 7 months old and about 16 pounds. There’s still a lot of room to grow in this cover. There are 4 size settings using the adjustable rise.

Cloud pocket diapers retail for $8.50 – adding on an insert starts at just $1.00. The lining is white suedecloth and the back opens for stuffing.

My bamboo/cotton insert shrank a little in the wash, as you would expect, and the edges don’t stay perfectly flat after that.

I really like the fit and look of the new square tabs on Cloud pocket diapers; they were changed in response to customer requests. There are double snaps on the wings, plus a double set of hip snaps. I’ve been only using one of those, though, and the diaper stays secure. As with any pocket diaper, the absorbency level depends on what you stuff inside. The bamboo/cotton insert I chose holds Camille for about 2 hours.

The inner lining of the all-in-one diaper hides stains really well, and is soft and fleecy. There’s a pocket opening at the front which allows you to add extra inserts. Note: If you opt for the AIO with microsuede instead of charcoal bamboo, the wing snap configuration will look like the pocket diaper pictured above.

Since 3 absorbent layers of microfiber are sewn into this diaper, it takes a little more time to dry as compared to the pocket style. Cloud Cloth AIO diapers are just $9.00 each.

The AIO and pocket are very similar in fit, but you probably already know I lean towards the convenience of an AIO, so that’s the diaper we’ve been using the most. I also like that the wings are a bit narrower. To my surprise, Camille can wear the AIO several hours easily without leaking, and there’s plenty of room to add an extra doubler on top.

I love all the prints we got: snails, bugs, iguanas. Cloth diapering certainly does not have to be a mundane chore in 2019! Have fun shopping Cloud Cloth and see the range of prints and colors Ari is offering right now. (PS: She also has some diapers on clearance for $3.75 – yes, you read that correctly!)

And last but not least, Cloud Cloth now has two styles of roomy, backpack style diaper bags available for pre-order. Ari carefully oversaw each design detail, and they are only $45, with a 1 year limited warranty included.

Diapering with Cloud Cloth is not just affordable, it’s fun, and you get personal service from a friendly and approachable WAHM. Ari cares a lot about quality and is very responsive to her customers. Just recently, a new payment option was added called Klarna. If you spend $35 or more, you can split your purchase in to 4 equal payments with no credit check, no fees and no interest.

Visit Cloud Cloth Diapers today, or just say “hi” on Facebook!

 

 

Wink Training Pants Review & Giveaway

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You never know how long the potty training phase will last, so it pays to find affordable cloth training pants from the very beginning. Today, I’m going to share with you a brand Katie and I both had a positive experience with: Wink Diapers. We purchased a couple of the new organic bamboo trainers to try out on our toddlers (ages 2 and 3).

Basic features of the Wink trainer:

Waterproof thermally bonded PUL (or TPU) outer
Sewn-in organic bamboo terry inner lining with 2 layers of microfiber underneath
360° Elastic for extra leak protection
Side snaps for easy clean-up
Rise snaps for three sizes
Fits 12 Months – 2T
12 month warranty

Performance: For Katie’s 3-year-old it holds a full accident and is easy to pull up and down. My experience with 2-year-old Mary Kate has been the same. Because the trainer opens up, it’s easy to spray (or dunk/swish) in the event that you’re dealign with number two. Dry time is on the long side since there are multiple sewn-in layers.

Fit: The suggested size range is 12 months to 2T, but it can work beyond that if your toddler isn’t too chunky/tall. Katie’s feedback on her 3-year-old: “Looks great on Roderick and was his favorite print because of the space theme!” One thing Katie would change is not having the plastic snaps exposed on the inside. This left red marks on his skin.

Roderick’s beautiful blue print is called Celeste:

Mary Kate, who’s small and slim right now, can wear the Wink trainer fully open OR snapped up once for a more “low rise” fit. Her unicorn print’s called Mystic. It puffs out a little at the front, but otherwise is a super cute pair of learning pants. The exposed snaps were not an issue for Mary Kate likely because she is smaller in the waist.

Other organic trainers on the market may cost $30 or more, but not Wink. They are just $15.99 each and the print/color selection (as always with Wink) is incredible!

Shop for Wink Training Pants
and get 20% off with my exclusive coupon code!

 ZEPHYR20

Giveaway: CLOSED My readers in the US can enter to win a pair of Wink training pants. Choose your print/color!

Nicki’s Overnight Training Pants Review & Giveaway

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There are now two different styles of washable trainers from my affiliate, Nicki’s Diapers – the daytime pants (reviewed here) and now a new night time option!

Nicki’s Overnight Training Pants feature:

  • A waterproof outer
  • A built-in microfiber layer for absorbency
  • A fleece lining to keep your toddler feeling dry
  • A separate foldable 2-layer bamboo insert
  • A retail price of $14.00
  • Size options of Small (16-21 lbs), Medium (22-30 lbs), Large (30-38 lbs), and X-Large (34-45 lbs).

Performance: Right off the bat, there were a few things Katie and I liked about these trainers. The stretchy side panels, the stuffable pocket and the free insert. As a bonus, you and your child can pick from some really imaginative colors and prints.

For Roderick, Katie picked Tree Friends (above). I grabbed Compass Stone (below) for Mary Kate.

The pocket opening is unique because it opens at one side, instead of at front or back. The foldable bamboo insert is easy to tuck inside for nighttime.

Value: This is one of the best deals on the market when it comes to a reusable cloth trainer. For $14.00 you get something that works during the day and possibly at night, too. Plus, the foldable insert can be used for newborns or young babies; I found that it fit great in a newborn cover. Laid flat, it measures 11×14 and doesn’t shrink.

Click here to shop for Nicki’s Overnight Trainers for just $14.00!

Fit: With no insert, the fit is nice and trim, and the trainers go up and down easily. Add the bamboo insert and it’s definitely more puffy. But that was at nighttime when fit and aesthetics don’t matter as much. As is, the trainer only has one set of snaps at the sides/hips. We both felt it would be a nice improvement to have one additional waist setting for more flexibility and comfort.

Here are the two sizes we tried, side by side. As mentioned above, you can also buy Small and Medium. Judging from the fit on our two toddlers, I’m thinking that only very tiniest of learners would be using the size small.

Here’s Mary Kate (age 2) wearing size large. She’s 27 pounds right now. This is without the extra insert. I think the fit is really cute, and the contrasting side and front panels add some pizzazz.

When I stuff the extra insert inside, the fit gets pretty puffy and the trainer sags a bit on her rear, especially when she’s on the move or goes from sitting/squatting to standing, and back again.

At 3.5 years old and 35 pounds, Roderick fits well in size large, with the exception of the waist being a bit loose (that second set of snaps would be helpful). Without the insert, Katie reported that it held a full accident. Tucked in the pocket it worked for all but the heaviest night’s sleep for Roderick.

Katie liked the peace of mind you get with a stuffable trainer like this. Whether it’s those first days when accidents are frequent, or sitting on the couch for a long time watching a movie, it’s nice to have training pants with some extra absorbency.

Giveaway: One lucky reader will win two pairs of Nicki’s Overnight Trainers – choose your colors and prints! Open to US and Canadian residents. Thanks for playing!

 

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