Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

Imagine Pocket Diapers

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Imagine pocket diapers are sold at Nicki’s Diapers and other select retailers. Each one-size diaper comes with an adjustable insert made of 4 layers of microfiber. The insert can be snapped up to decrease the size (like bumGenius inserts). The microfleece inner is thicker and more plush than typical microsuede and the pocket opening is very generous. And the PUL outer has a nice satin-smooth feel to it. These pockets come in 5 color choices (emerald, indigo, raspberry, marigold and snow) and with aplix or snap closure. The price? Just $13.95, although they are on sale right now for just $9.95!

 

My Imagine pockets fit best on Samuel and Susanna. They tend to run large and so the fit on 6 month old Erik is a bit loose around the legs. Here are some photos of all three:

The only problem we’ve had? When “Bonnie and Clyde” get really wild and start running, jumping or climbing, the wings start to sag down (i.e. “wing droop”). So I have to readjust every so often, especially as the diaper gets saturated. This doesn’t usually happen on 6-month-old Erik because he’s not as mobile. With the addition of hip snaps, I bet this minor issue would be solved. 

So overall, this is a good diaper with one fit issue. It costs less than many other pockets and may even fit longer.

Have you tried any of the Imagine products at Nicki’s? There are pockets, flats, prefolds, AIO’s, covers and more!

I’m not really sure just what they are doing in this photo, but I had to capture it!

 

 

Oh Sew Smitten Hybrid Fitted Review & Giveaway

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Thanks to Oh Sew Smitten for sending us a diaper to review!

Four years ago I had never heard of a hybrid fitted diaper, but they are getting to be a pretty big thing now, and for good reason. A hybrid fitted is super absorbent because a hidden layer of poly fleece inside provides extra protection against leaks. That means a hybrid fitted consists of three parts: the (super cute) outer fabric, a hidden fleece layer, and then a velour inner fabric. Because a hybrid fitted isn’t completely waterproof, it’s still a very breathable diaper.

Courtney keeps her hybrid fitted fans coming back for more at Oh Sew Smitten. And she was kind enough to send us a diaper to try out. My package contained this exquisite gray and yellow chevron creation!

The diaper includes a snake-style insert (heavy organic bamboo fleece with bamboo loop terry in between) and one extra 2-layer doubler made of the organic bamboo fleece. The bamboo fleece is super soft and plush.

The fitted I received was made for older babies around 10 to 40 pounds, so it fits the best on both 18 month old Susanna and 3 year old Samuel. But by folding down the rise, it looks pretty good on Erik, too. To cut down on bulk, I don’t use the extra insert for him.

I really love the fit on my toddlers!

And the fabric is just amazing in every way. Soft and smooth, and it looks and feels great even after lots of washing. The gray chevron is so chic!!

With superior absorbency comes a longer drying time. But that’s ok with me since I don’t have an entire stash of fitteds. I can dry this diaper with everything else, and then just hang it in the laundry room or on the line to finish it off. That way, an extra-long cycle is not needed and we save some energy.

Hybrid fitteds are so fun and fashionable that you might be tempted to let your baby go with out a cover. I say go ahead! A thirsty diaper like this will hold my toddlers for hours on its own.

And now, a few more pictures, so you can see Courtney’s range of talent! Oh Sew Smitten hybrid fitteds are available in an impressive array of designer prints. That smashing fox print on the left is an imported Euro knit.

And I spotted these weird and wonderful Dr. Who pocket diapers on her Facebook page recently!

If you’d like to order a custom fitted from Oh Sew Smitten, contact Courtney in advance because a limited number are done each month. Also, check her Facebook page for stocking updates (about every 2 weeks) plus occasional flash sales and giveaways!

One of you lucky ladies is going to win either a custom or in stock fitted of choice. How nice of Courtney!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Buttons Diapers Review & Giveaway

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Thanks to Amy at Buttons Diapers, I was given the opportunity to try
a diaper in exchange for my honest opinion!

The Buttons diaper “hybrid” system was designed by a husband and wife team who value simple, healthy living. Buttons Diapers consist of one-size waterproof covers (just $11.00!) in 5 different colors, plus inserts that snap in. Amy sent us two day time ($3.50) and two night time ($5.00) inserts to try out with our “Blueberry” cover.

The covers feature a rise with 3 size settings, front and back elastics, double gussets and a wipe-clean inner.

Performance: The Buttons cover is a versatile component because it’s reusable if only the coordinating pad gets soiled or wet. Two layers of PUL make this a very durable and highly waterproof cover, yet the fabric is by no means stiff or uncomfortable. In fact, it’s very soft, smooth and pliable.  The cover closes with a single row of snaps. My personal preference is for a double row of snaps, but this hasn’t affected the fit or function of our cover on Erik.

Buttons inserts are made of multi layers of microfiber. There are two sizes: day and night – and you can customize them in whatever way you wish. Inserts can be snapped into the shell individually, snapped together and then fastened to the shell…or simply laid in. One side is topped with microfleece which goes right up against your baby. At night, I put a day time insert on top of a night time insert which results in 10 layers of fabric. It’s a very thirsty combination, and paired with the double layer of PUL in the cover, has been bulletproof so far for my toddlers, and they are both tummy sleepers. For Erik, who is younger and smaller, I found the two inserts together were too bulky to get a good fit at night. So I use the Buttons cover instead with a pad folded flat and doubler. Nothing ever escapes the cover.

I also like that Buttons is a hybrid system, so it can work in harmony with other things already in your stash. My flats and Geffen prefolds work great in the Buttons covers, and the Buttons inserts work just fine with my other one-size covers.

You might have noticed that the Buttons system is somewhat similar to the Best Bottom diaper system. I did, and discovered that the inserts are interchangeable; i.e. the soaker pads will snap into either brand.

Fit: Ok, now it’s time for Buttons pictures on Erik, Susanna and Samuel. Compared to other one-size covers in my stash, Buttons diaper covers run small.

UPDATE: Erik is now 10 months old/17 pounds and wears his Buttons on the largest setting at night when the diaper is really stuffed. So he will most likely outgrow them by 25 pounds.

 * Where to Buy Buttons *

Receive FREE shipping at the online store with orders over $75

Shop for Buttons at My Affiliate Partners:
Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique – free USA shipping
Fluff & Familia – free USA shipping
Diaper Junction – free USA shipping
Lagoon Baby (Canada)

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Squishable Baby Wool Longies and Shorties Review

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After happening upon The Squishable Baby blog, I knew right away it was one-of-a-kind. And the person behind the blog, Lisa, is just as unique. Her writing makes me smile; it’s upbeat, positive and family-focused. And she injects her fun personality into the Squishable Baby bamboo and wool shorties and longies that she sews and sells.

Where did the cute name come from? Says Lisa: “I have 3 very cute and sweet squishes in my life – two sons (8 years old and 7 months) and one baby girl (4 years old).  They are my all and my everything.  Heavenly Father certainly blessed me with these three kiddos.  They drive me crazy and give me complete joy – at the same time.”

Lisa sent us two delightful selections from her shop. Each design has its own name:

 

The Arlo shorties are made of felted Merino wool and start at just $15.00. The size small fits perfectly on Erik, who’s now past the newborn phase and just over 13 pounds. I love the soft and smooth fabric and wide stretchy waistband.

The Haydn longies are also made with a Merino wool upper and lower and start at $20 a pair. Erik is short so the legs are a little long, but since he’s not crawling yet, I’m not bothered one bit. I love that the longies keep his legs cozy and warm.

Besides being naturally antimicrobial and resistant to odors, wool is extremely waterproof. For me, they are the perfect thing for Erik to wear overnight over his cloth diapers; they keep in wetness and keep him warm, just like a pair of pajama pants. Basically, a wool cover doubles as an article of clothing. Pretty nifty, huh?

When ordering from The Squishable Baby, you get to choose from an enticing assortment of colors. It’s fun to look at the fabric selections and pick my favorite color pairings for the upper and lower parts of the pants. Some of the shorties and longies are made with bamboo lowers and wool waistbands, which is a really unique combination.

And now for the giveaway!

Lisa told me that one of you will get to choose a shorty and longy set for your little one! Isn’t that wonderful? Get your entries in by using the Rafflecopter form below. And don’t forget to follow Lisa’s blog!

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Blueberry Coveralls Diaper Cover Review

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blueberrycoveralls

Rebecca at MomBecks cloth diapers (update: shop is now closed) recently gave us the chance to try a Blueberry one-size Coverall. It’s a brand I’ve wanted to try for a while because of the high ratings, cute prints and the fact that Blueberry tries to source as many fabrics as possible from the United States. We have some Swaddlebees diapers in our stash and LOVE them, so I was very eager to see what Blueberry had to offer.

Blueberry Coveralls are a one-size waterproof cover which fits from about 10 to 35 pounds. The PUL inside is exposed, and that means you can wipe it clean and reuse several time before washing. This is easy to do. If a little bit of wetness gets on the inside of the cover, I just spritz it with my wipes solution (or bottom spray), wipe with a clean cloth and then hang or lay to dry for an hour or two. It’s good for another couple of uses before laundry day.

The photos show a Flip organic insert trifolded inside the Blueberry Coverall, the cover opened up to its largest setting, and a close-up of the inner leg gusset. There are no inner flaps inside this cover, which is one feature I wish Blueberry would add.

I’ve also tried the Blueberry with padfolded flats and bulky fitteds; this cover holds everything in well, even without diaper fasteners. I credit the snug double snaps on the waistband and the overall design of the cover. The inner gussets on the legs are a great not just for keeping blowouts from happening, but also because they help to keep the diaper from poking out around the leg openings.

How does the Blueberry fit on a newborn or very small infant? First, here’s an illustration to give you some perspective. Coveralls are not meant to be newborn covers. On the left is a Sweet Pea newborn cover (my favorite!!) and on the right is a Blueberry Coveralls on its very smallest setting (about 10 pounds). You can easily see the size difference.

But since Erik is pushing 12 pounds now, I figured he was big enough for the Coveralls to work. As it turns out, the waist and rise were fine, but his little legs are still skinny enough that there was gaping around the openings. So Erik will have to wait a while longer to enjoy this cover. For chunkier babies over 10 pounds, I’m sure the Coveralls would fit great.

I love how this cover fits. It doesn’t sag or bunch up. There’s no extra fabric to create a lot of bulk. Whether it’s on 18-month Susanna or 3 year old Samuel, the fit is stellar.

Here are Susanna and Samuel – both toddlers, which helps to show how generously sized this cover is, especially in the rise.

I especially like the very soft leg and waist casings, the sturdy double snaps on the wings (which fasten and unfasten very smoothly), and the roomy design of the cover. Even when “well packed” with thick prefolds or a multi-layer fitted, the Coveralls still deliver a trim, good-looking fit.

So what is the difference between Blueberry Coveralls and Capri, since they are made by the same company? The sizing is a little bit different. You can buy a “mini” Coverall or a one-size coverall, whereas the Capri covers come in size 1 and size 2. Also, the Coveralls do not have flaps inside to hold inserts. The price for Blueberry Coveralls is higher than other waterproof covers you might see on the market. They average about $16.95 each. So what do you get for the money you pay? High quality, great-fitting, long-lasting covers that are primarily USA-made and come in some adorable and exclusive prints and colors. 

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