Cloth Diaper Reviews

Baby Roo Review & Giveaway

February 10, 2013 by Anne Marie 99 Comments

Shandell over at Baby Roo on Etsy nurtures her love of sewing by creating cloth diapers, toy slings for dolls and bears and nursing accessories for attached mothers. She was kind enough to send me an assortment of products from her shop so we could sample the best of everything!

First up is a one-size pocket diaper that Shandell made from duck-print PUL. It has a soft microfleece inner, crossover snaps on the waist and three snap settings on the rise to adjust as baby grows. With one standard microfiber insert, the absorbency is average and works well for when Susanna wets just once. It’s easy to boost this diaper by adding an additional insert, as long as it’s not too bulky. Baby Roo pockets are designed to fit from about 7 pounds to 26 pounds, depending on how your child is built. This is a super cute diaper with a nice slim fit and comfortably encased leg and back elastics! Compared to some of our other pockets, it seems to run a little small so the size range to me is very accurate (many on the market are advertised to fit up to 35 or 40 pounds). So how does it fit on a newborn? Scroll down to see our Baby Roo pocket on 9-pound Erik!

I was super glad to try out the bamboo nursing pads since Erik has arrived and my milk is in! Shandell makes hers with super soft bamboo and a waterproof PUL backing to contain leaks. I think the guitar print on mine is really cute and the side that goes against my skin is blue minky! My pads have worked to hold in leaks even at night when Erik will go 3 hours or more without nursing. They aren’t too thin or too thick; perfect for wearing at home or while sleeping. I can wear them out with a sweater, but they do show through a little with a knit top or lightweight blouse. At just $3.00 a pair, Baby Roo pads are a great bargain and if you buy 3 or more pairs Shandell offers 10% off with the coupon code “breastisbest.”

Now look at this neat wet bag which has two separate zippered pockets and an attached handle. Don’t you love the damask fabric? So chic! I like that you can store items separately because there are two compartments. Baby Roo wet bags start at just $12.00 and go up from there. Again, I think these are really great prices for the quality workmanship and boutique fabrics.

And I saved one of the cutest things for last! Catherine was thrilled to use this little pink doll sling for her baby Mary. She said “Look, mama, I can carry my child just like you!” The sling is completely adjustable, so Catherine can loosen it to fit her big plush teddy bear inside. I love toys like this that aren’t just cute and fun, but teach useful lessons and help children to feel a little bit “grown up.”

What we received is just a small taste of what’s available at Baby Roo. Everything Shandell makes is gorgeous! I absolutely love the fabrics she digs up for her creations!

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Cloth Diapering Your Newborn: Pocket Diapers

January 28, 2013 by Anne Marie 154 Comments

NOTE: This post has been updated as of January 2017, with many new reviews added.

Most pocket diapers on the market are one-size and they don’t fit newborns that well (unless baby is very large or long). However, there are a few pocket diapers out there that are designed just for newborns. With nearly every tiny pocket diaper, I did encounter one persistent issue – the inserts and the pockets are small, so stuffing is not that easy compared to a one-size.

Tots Bots Teeny Fit Star: (replaces the previous version called a TiniFit – see below). This super cute diaper fits from 5 to 12lbs. Construction is very unique with a bamboo/cotton terry core that extends into a long soaker that you can tuck inside the pocket. Because this is a newborn diaper, the pocket is very narrow making it hard to stuff, so I simply fold the insert under. The diaper inner also has stay dry “buffer zones” to keep liquid locked inside, plus a waterproof tummy strip on the inside front. Each Teeny Fit also comes with a free white fleece liner. Ever tried Tots Boots hook and loop closure? It’s strong and very durable! This diaper is aptly named because it truly is sized perfectly for a newborn with a very trim fit and a waist that gets extremely small thanks to the super stretchy tabs. At $21.00 and up each, they are on the pricier side, but I have been 100% pleased with fit and the absorbency – plus, not one leak or blowout.

Mary Kate was 9 pounds at birth. You can find Tots Bots diapers at Kelly’s Closet and Nicki’s.

Tots Bots Tini Fit: NO LONGER MADE – see new version above. This is a combination AIO/pocket. The insert is made of absorbent minky – you can fold it up to position more fabric in the wet zone, or just stuff it in the pocket (it will agitate out on its own in the wash). There’s also an extra newborn-size microfiber insert included. Our Tini Fit is very absorbent, yet trim-fitting. I especially like the wide elastic in the back and the super stretchy waistband. And the aplix closure makes diapering a squirming, squalling newborn much easier. The rise is a little high, but overall I like the fit. Size range is 5 to 14 pounds. At $18.95 it’s a pricier diaper, but it’s really high-quality and is made ethically in Scotland.

Kawaii Little Green Baby: This unique pocket diaper is lined with 100% organic bamboo; it includes two 3-layer bamboo inserts as well. Basically, everything about this little diaper is very soft compared to your average PUL and fleece pocket. And to get a bamboo diaper with two inserts for under $12 is a really good deal. I’m not crazy about the print choices (they mostly look like different colors of zebra strips) but the colored minky diapers are cute. It’s not as hard to stuff as other tiny pockets, and if you have big hands, just lay the inserts inside and leave the pocket alone. As an added bonus, the rise offers 2 more size settings so your baby can wear this longer. The fit was nice and snug around Ingrid’s waist and I really like the wide stretchy tabs (plus the non-abrasive laundry tabs). However, getting the leg openings fitted correctly was trickier; despite my best efforts there was still some gaping. Newborns without bird legs would most likely not have this problem! The velcro tabs are also SUPER sticky, so much that it’s difficult for me to undo the laundry tabs after washing. With time, they’ve also started curling back a little.

Ingrid was just over 8 pounds at birth. I found my Kawaii newborn diapers with free shipping at Sweetbottoms Baby.

Funky Fluff Newborn Bamboo Pocket: In 2017, Funky Fluff released a newborn diaper, which looks like a tiny version of their bamboo system, complete with the adjustable waterproof shell, bamboo lining and bamboo insert. The only additional feature it has is an optional snap-down to accommodate the cord stump. Note: With our last baby, we actually used their one-size version with success (see orange diaper below – Ingrid is just over 8 pounds).

The newborn diaper’s inside pocket is open at front and back, and there’s also a snap you can use (or not) to secure the insert. Or you can forgo all this and just lay the insert (or a prefold or flat) inside, because Funky Fluffs make great covers. You can find Funky Fluff diapers at Canadian retailers like Cozy Bums and Lagoon Baby, and in the US at Nicki’s Diapers and Fluff & Familia. The shell alone is $14.05 and the shell+2-pack of inserts is $20.55

Happy Heinys Mini One-Size: I like our Happy Heinys a lot! It’s snug-fitting and absorbent and offers room to grow via the adjustable rise snaps. The aplix waistband is very thick and kind of bulky but I think that’s because it’s stitched all around for added durability. It’s very easy to get on and off. And I just think it looks so cute on Erik; it hugged his tiny little body perfectly. This pocket includes both a small and an extra small insert, which might explain the higher price of $18.95. Not many mainstream diaper shops stock the Happy Heinys Mini, so you can try buying directly from the maker. I would definitely get more of these if they weren’t so pricey because the size range is awesome – they get pretty tiny but then adjust up to fit past the newborn stage.

Knickernappies Custom Fit (Small): This is one of the few true sized pocket diapers out there, so there aren’t any rise snaps. It fastens at the side and is a bit puffy in the front, but some mothers like this old-fashioned kind of look. I will say that the side-snapping design is a little harder to fasten than aplix when your newborn is squirming around. The Custom Fit seems to run a tad big, but the fit (and poo containment) is pretty good for little Erik. The size range is 7 to 15 pounds. They are made with a PUL outer and no-pill fleece lining and include one small microfiber insert with squared (not rounded) edges. You can get these with free shipping at Nicki’s for $16.95. They have a lot of pretty colors available! This is a moderately-priced little pocket that you could get a small stash of and not spend too much on.

Tiny Tush Elite Mini: This a tiny version of the popular Tiny Tush Elite pocket diaper and is made of the same PUL outer and microfleece inner. The Elite Mini includes two inserts – a small microfiber pad and then another insert that looks like a tiny little towel. You fold it in thirds and tuck into the pocket. To get a good, trim fit on Erik, I couldn’t use both inserts at once, and with just one in there, the absorbency was just average. He can wet this diaper only one time and I have to change him. At $22.95, the Elite Mini is the most expensive pocket we tried. The average cloth-diapering family could certainly not afford to have a big stash of these. I have to say, I was really impressed by the color and print choices that Tiny Tush offers – probably more than any other newborn pocket we researched. And like the Happy Heinys, the Elite Mini does have a very generous size range – with 4 snap settings on the rise it gets really tiny but opens up to accommodate baby well past the newborn phase, so that’s more value for your dollar.

Fuzzibunz Perfect Size (X Small): I did a lot of research and found that lots of mothers recommend Fuzzibunz for newborns. And now I see why. It was one of the best-fitting diapers we tried, which is probably due to the fact that it’s recommended for sizes 4 to 12 pounds. The leg gussets and waistband are very soft but snug, and it is top-stitched for durability and to make the outer shell stay put. I would say the absorbency level is pretty good, but not outstanding. For a newborn pocket, the price is very reasonable at $13.95. And you get to pick from all the fun Fuzzibunz colors. Plus, there’s the fabulous Fuzzibunz warranty and service to back them up. Diaper Safari sells these (and other Fuzzibunz products) with free shipping.

Swaddlebees Mini Nappi: Have I mentioned before that I love Swaddlebees and Blueberry diapers? No surprise that this was one of my favorite pocket diapers. It comes with a tongue-style bamboo/cotton insert that’s longer than a standard insert, so I have to fold it down before stuffing in the pocket. Because it’s natural fiber I can also use it right up against Erik’s skin, which means the Mini Nappi probably qualifies as an AI2 diaper as well. It fits great on Erik and has the double snaps I love so much on Swaddlebees waistbands. There are also two rows of snaps on the rise for some extra growing room. Although you can still buy the Mini Nappi in some stores (retail is about $21.95) Swaddlebees has actually stopped making them. However, they do now offer the Blueberry Mini Deluxe which is almost identical (hooray!) in looks/fit. The insert is microterry, however, and not bamboo/cotton. Fortunately, the Blueberry is also less expensive! I found it for $17.95 at Diaper Junction.

Alva Newborn Pocket: I was pretty amazed at the price tag of $4.95 for the Alva newborn pocket diapers. And when the 2 I ordered arrived, I was satisfied with the workmanship and soft feel of the diapers. Each came with 1 smaller-sized three-layer microfiber insert and were very easy to stuff. However, when Erik tried them on it was clear they were too big, even on the smallest setting. The leg gussets gaped open in some places, and so we had some leaks onto his clothes several times. The rise was very high. My thoughts? I don’t think it’s worth buying these for a preemie or smaller newborn, even if the price is less than $5.00. Seems to me that if a diaper is much too big on an average-sized baby (7 or 8 pounds), then it’s not a true newborn diaper. And if your newborn is bigger, then you might as well just put them in one-size Alva’s on the smallest setting and save some money. Wish they had fit better on Erik because I especially love the minky dino diaper (pictured at left). But I can hold on to it and save it for later.

Anibums (Mommy Magic) Newborn Pocket Diaper: There aren’t many WAHM newborn pocket diapers, but I found Anibums on Etsy and decided to give it a try. This diaper fit kind of like the Alva newborn, but the leg gussets were more snug and we didn’t have any leaks or blowouts. And it’s a very well made WAHM diaper. The rise was higher than I liked, though. And although I did love that this diaper includes two soft and tiny bamboo inserts and is just $14.95, I found they were tough to stuff. The opening is very narrow. You can find these in lots of prints and colors at the Mommy Magic Etsy shop, and microfiber inserts are also available. She also sells preemie pockets – cute!!

That does it for pockets! Share your favorite diaper in a comment below; I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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Cloth Diapering Your Newborn: AIO Diapers

January 25, 2013 by Anne Marie 163 Comments

NOTE: This post has been updated as of May 2018 with several new diaper reviews.

More mothers than you might think choose AIO diapers for their newborns. Why? Though typically not as absorbent as prefolds or fitteds, AIO diapers are quick to get on and off and require no stuffing or folding. In short, they can save a new mother some time. An AIO diaper has everything you need in it: waterproof outer plus an absorbent inner. It’s the closest thing to a disposable diaper in the cloth world.

Lalabye Baby 2.0 Newborn AIO: This is an updated version of Lalabye’s original newborn diaper. It has a microsuede lining and a 4-layer snap-in bamboo terry insert. There’s also a waterproof “belly band” on the inner front to prevent leaks in tummy sleepers, and 1 extra set of snaps on the rise in case you need a little more growing room. Katie tested this diaper on her 10 pound newborn with the rise completely open (1st photo), and found the absorbency was “ok” but needed a booster almost right off the bat. The velcro closure is very secure and easy to use, however, it is bulky and stiff. When Evangeline reached about 12 or 13 pounds, and her legs were chubbier, the velcro began to rub against her thighs.

I tested on Camille, who was 8 pounds at birth (2nd photo, rise snapped up to smallest setting), and also found the absorbency to be just fair. Dry time is longer than average, too. The price of $17 is on the higher side, considering it does not contain any natural or organic fabrics and isn’t highly absorbent. You can find Lalabye newborn diapers at Nicki’s, and Diaper Junction and Kelly’s Closet.

Best Bottom Heavy Wetter AIO (with Newborn Inserts): Nicki’s sent us one of their Heavy Wetter AIO’s to try on Camille, but with Best Bottom newborn-sized inserts. They snap into the shell and can be used alone or together. This is a one-size diaper, so it was big on Camille; however, because of the snug leg gussets and crossover snaps on the waist, we were able to make it work from birth. She was 8 pounds. What’s great is that we can keep using this diaper potentially until she potty trains; we’ll just switch to the medium and large inserts later on.

The Heavy Wetter is lined with bamboo, and each insert is another six layers of bamboo.

You can shop for the Heavy Wetter AIO at Nicki’s and Kelly’s Closet, or at Lagoon Baby (Canada). At $29.00, it’s definitely pricey, but since your baby can wear it so long, and since it can be used as an overnight diaper, it could be a very good investment. Best Bottom diapers are made in the USA.

Nicki’s Bamboo Newborn AIO: This unique bamboo AIO comes in a huge variety of prints, plus a line of solid colors with dyed-to-match inserts. Designed to fit from 5 to 13 pounds, the diaper is waterproof on the outside and lined with bamboo on the inside. It includes a semi-attached 70% bamboo/30% cotton terry 4 layer insert that snaps into the back. The insert measures 10 x 3.5 inches. The inside of this diaper is very soft and snuggly, and the “rolled” elastics around the legs are really gentle. However, you must be very careful after putting the diaper on, to tuck any exposed fabric in at the legs, or the diaper will wick (see pictures below). Absorbency is average for us (but keep in mind I’m testing on a 9 lb. newborn); sometimes it holds Mary Kate through a nap, and sometimes it’s a miss. The newborn bamboo AIO comes with either hook & loop or snap closure and retails for $11.95 at Nicki’s.

Mary Kate is just under 9 pounds in the photo below. Camille is 8 and a half pounds (pictured further below in the aplix diaper). Because it has crossover snaps to tighten the waist and legs, this diaper should easily fit small to average newborns (the aplix version can also be adjusted to fit snugly across the waist). However, the rise is not adjustable and will fit well above the belly button in a newborn smaller than Mary Kate.

Nicki’s Ultimate Newborn AIO: This stay-dry AIO also comes in a huge variety of prints and solid colors, all with dyed-to-match inserts. Designed to fit from 5 to 13 pounds, the diaper is waterproof on the outside and lined with plush microfleece on the inside. It includes a semi-attached microfiber insert with a stay-dry fleece topper. It measures 10 x 4.5 inches and snaps in only at the back of the diaper. The inside of this diaper is very plush, and if your baby is sensitive to wetness, the stay-dry fleece will keep him/her much more comfortable between changes. Absorbency is good; Mary Kate has no problem wearing through a nap. The Ultimate AIO comes with either hook & loop or snap closure and retails for $11.95 at Nicki’s.

Mary Kate is just under 9 pounds in this photo. Because it has crossover snaps to tighten the waist (and legs), this diaper should easily fit small to average newborns. The double snaps at the waist mean you can angle one or the other to get a tighter fit at either the waist or the legs.

Smart Bottoms Born Smart 2.0: This organic cotton AIO received some updates in 2018, just in time for Camille’s arrival in November. First of all, it’s bigger overall (rated for 6 to 16 pounds), and has an extra row of rise snaps, as you can see in the photos below. My favorite improvement is the “no prep” fabric; Smart Bottoms diapers usually have to be washed a lot before first use. Who has time for all that when you’re getting ready for a newborn? Another change is two snaps on the wings instead of one; this allows you to fine tune the fit around both waist and legs, if need be. Born Smart 2.0’s fabric content is 55% hemp and 45% cotton.

Other updates: The soaker is now semi-attached, the crotch is narrower, and the wings are a little bit wider at the hip for better coverage.

This diaper fits perfectly under the cord stump as it heals. It’s also very trim through the crotch, which is great on a tiny newborn. It’s also made in the USA. The biggest drawback is the price tag of $19.95.

You can shop Smart Bottoms newborn diapers at Nicki’s, Diaper Junction and Kelly’s Closet.

Diaper Rite Newborn AIO: For $12.95, this is an excellent, hard-working diaper! It’s rare for me to find a newborn AIO that can work overnight. This one did the trick, and Mary Kate was even a larger baby at 9 pounds. In those first weeks of sleep deprivation, it’s SO nice not having to add a diaper change on top of nursing sessions. I laid a fleece liner inside to protect her skin from the wetness overnight. The inside of the diaper is lined with an 80% bamboo/20% poly blend, and there’s a semi-attached soaker (11 x 4 inches) of the same fabric that snaps into the back. Dry time is about one cycle after washing in our HE machine. The bamboo blend fabric stains pretty easily, but I treat with a Buncha Farmers stick.

This diaper fit easily past 6 weeks, so it’s a great value for your money. Plus, you can use the snap-in soaker as a booster for your other diapers when baby is past the newborn phase.

You can read my full review of the Diaper Rite newborn AIO here. The Diaper Rite newborn AIO is available exclusively at Diaper Junction.

Easy Peasies Newborn AIO: Previously, the Easy Peasies newborn was all microfiber, but about a year ago hemp was added to the core. It’s a traditional AIO in the the sense that all the layers are sewn into the diaper. There are no attached or semi-attached inserts. The drawback is that dry time is really long. The diaper can snap up to create a dip in the front that keeps the cord stump dry. There are crossover snaps that enable this diaper to get really small, although I do wish there was more stretch in the wings. Mary Kate is just under 9 pounds and about 20.5 inches long in the picture below.

Easy Peasies also sells small microfiber inserts with an orange fleece topper, perfect for boosting the absorbency of any newborn diaper (below).

While this diaper has been incredibly absorbent for us (it holds a lot!), Mary Kate occasionally leaks wetness out of the leg openings and I can’t figure out why since it looks and feels like a good fit. Perhaps it has something to do with the way the fleece lining is sewn near the gussets. The Easy Peasies AIO retails for $17.99 (Canadian) and is sold at their website and at retailers like Cozy Bums (CA) and Nicki’s (USA). NOTE: Easy Peasies also more recently added a pocket opening to the back of this diaper.

AMP Size Small AIO: An all-in-one with aplix closure is just about the easiest style of diaper to use. So I really do like newborn diapers in this style for quick changes on a newborn. This is our first experience with AMP and I’m nothing but pleased. Size small fits from 6 to 14 pounds and is made with a 4-layer microfiber core. The fit on Mary Kate (just under 9 pounds) is snug and trim, and the aplix has held up well (staying closed in the wash and not curling back with use). I love the stretchy wings tabs! We haven’t had any leaks anywhere, even around the legs where there’s fleece inside. Like the Easy Peasies AIO, this one has a longer dry time since there are multiple layers sewn into the core.

Some newborn diapers with aplix closure have wide, stiff tabs, but not the AMP AIO. It’s flexible and trim.

The AMP size small AIO retails for $19.99 Canadian and can be found at Lagoon Baby. I’m looking forward to trying the AMP all-in-one diapers in other sizes as Mary Kate grows.

Imagine 2.0 Newborn Bamboo AIO: Updated just last year, the 2.0 line now features a softer bamboo terry weave. Having tried the older versions of Imagine, I can definitely say the newer fabric is an improvement. The diaper features a waterproof outer and a bamboo lining with a soaker pad that is sewn down at the back and can snap down (or not) at the front. The inner fabric is color-coordinated to the outside, which is really neat. The diaper can be snapped down in the front to dip below the umbilical cord stump as it heals. This diaper is average in terms of absorbency, but the fit is good and the silky bamboo feels wonderful. One issue I encountered was that the waist snaps are spaced quite a bit apart, leaving some gaps when it comes to getting just the right fit. This is not a problem with the aplix version. This diaper fairly wide in the crotch, and I prefer something trimmer on a tiny baby. The Imagine bamboo AIO retails for the very affordable price of $11.99 at Nicki’s and other Imagine retailers like Diaper Junction and Kelly’s Closet.

Mary Kate is just under 9 pounds and about 20.5 inches long in the first photo. Camille is 8 pounds and is wearing the aplix version in the second photo. Note: The rise cannot be snapped down to accommodate the cord stump on the aplix diaper.

Evangeline, my niece, is pictured here at 2.5 weeks and 11.5 pounds in her Imagine bamboo AIO. She was a 10 pound newborn. Katie’s experience with the absorbency was the same as mine – it’s average. She had to start adding a booster soon after Evangeline’s birth. Katie also pointed out that the dry time is longer than average for this diaper.

Sweet Pea Newborn Bamboo AIO: The Sweet Pea bamboo AIO has a snap-in soaker that is one layer of microfiber between two layers of soft 70% bamboo/30% cotton fleece. It’s also lined inside with the same smooth bamboo blend fabric. The diaper is available only in velcro closure and has plenty of room to grow in the rise. Katie told me this was her favorite newborn diaper for Evangeline, who was 10 pounds at birth. The absorbency was excellent and yet dry time was not excessive. This diaper fit Evangeline until she was 5 weeks old and 13 pounds. The only downside for some might be the price tag of $17.95. You can buy at Nicki’s, Diaper Junction and Kelly’s Closet.

Mary Kate is wearing the Sweet Pea bamboo AIo below at 3 months and 11.5 pounds. Sweet Pea’s velcro is average in terms of quality, but since newborn diapers only get used for a short window, it should last for another baby (our Sweet Pea velcro newborn covers definitely did).

Thirsties Newborn AIO: This diaper has one layer of microterry sewn inside the shell, plus a 4-layer microterry insert that is attached at the inside front. The insert is topped with stay-dry microfleece. Dry time is very quick.

Only the snap version has the umbilical snap-down. I like the aplix version we tried because it’s so easy to get on and off, and for me, having the diaper cover the cord stump is ok (it’s going to rub on the baby’s clothes anyway). I would definitely recommend the aplix diaper for a very skinny newborn, especially for a good fit around the legs. Thirsties aplix is pretty good quality, but thankfully newborn diapers don’t get used for very long so you shouldn’t see much wear. This is a very trim and cute diaper that offers good absorbency for the first few weeks (at 3 weeks we had to add a small doubler to get her through a nap). It retails for $14.75 and is found at retailers like Nicki’s and Sweetbottoms Baby.

Thirsties Natural Newborn AIO: The much-anticipated “natural” diaper was released right before I became pregnant last year. It has a 2-layer organic cotton core and 6 layers in the two flaps/inserts that are sewn down just at the front. What this means is you have soft, smooth organic cotton against your baby’s bottom, many thirsty layers AND a quick dry time. If you have a newborn boy, one or both flaps can be folded down more in the front for better coverage. The inserts measure 9 x 3 inches each. There’s also a strip of PUL at the inner front waistband for added leak protection.

It’s performed great for us, getting Mary Kate easily through a long nap. Absorbency is excellent – definitely one of the thirstiest (pun intended) newborn AIO’s we’ve tested. There’s also 1 row of snaps on the rise which you can let out as your newborn grows. The snap version offers an umbilical cord snap-down. I’d like to try the aplix version next time around for quicker changes and to see if it offered more stretch in the wings. The elastic casings around the back and the legs are very gentle and effective. It retails for $17.95 and is found at retailers like Kelly’s Closet, Nicki’s and Diaper Junction.

Mary Kate is just under 9 pounds and about 20.5 inches in this photo.

Blueberry Newborn Simplex: A hugely popular diaper, I’ve only just now gotten around to try the Simplex. It has a waterproof outer and is 100% cotton birdseye inside (the only newborn diaper I know of with this fabric). This diaper can be snapped down in the middle to allow the umbilical area to heal. The inside of this diaper looks like a tunnel of cotton that’s open at both ends. Sewn to one end of the tunnel or pocket is an insert of the same fabric that you can tuck inside or just fold back and lay on top. It’s not hard to stuff for an average size hand. This ingenious design helps the diaper dry in a normal amount of time.

There’s “rolled elastic” around the legs, so you’ll need to tuck any of the cotton fabric in that might be showing after you snap the diaper on. This is a really trim diaper, well-fitting diaper, and Mary Kate has some room to grow. She’s just under 9 pounds in the pictures below, and is now still wearing this diaper at 6 weeks. It’s very absorbent (comparable to the Thirsties Natural AIO above) and we had no leaks for the first month using the diaper as is, without boosters.

It retails for $18.95 and is found at retailers like Kelly’s Closet, Nicki’s and Diaper Junction. NOTE: This is a different diaper from the Swaddlebees Simplex (reviewed further below and no longer made).

Wink Diapers Organic Bamboo AIO: This diaper has a 6-layer bamboo terry core inside and 4 different snap settings on the rise. So it has a lot more room to grow than most newborn diapers. Mary Kate is around 9 pounds in this picture.

You can read my full review, with more photos, here. The bamboo AIO retails for $17.99 at Wink Diapers.

Sweet Pea Stay Dry Newborn AIO: This new arrival from one of my favorite brands includes a built-in soaker (3 layers of microfiber) plus an extra two-layer insert (2 layers of microfiber) which you can stuff inside. It’s lined with white microfleece. With the velcro closure it’s quick to put on and take off, and with extra snaps on the rise there’s room to grow past the newborn stage. If you use the insert, it will come out of the pocket on its own during washing. Only drawback? Sometimes the laundry tabs come undone in the wash. This diaper costs less than $13, which is really good for an AIO. You can find them at Kelly’s Closet and Nicki’s.

Imagine Newborn Stay Dry AIO: Similar to the Imagine bamboo AIO in terms of fit and style, the stay dry version is lined with cozy polar fleece and includes a 3-layer microfiber insert that is sewn at one end and snaps at the other. You probably guessed it dries much more quickly than the bamboo diaper. The stay dry fabric cleans up really easily, too. Like the bamboo diaper, I’m happy with how they fit and with the absorbency which rates as pretty good. Neither one of our Imagine AIO diapers has leaked or let the occasional newborn explosion escape. It’s also easy to add a small doubler to this diaper as your newborn’s output increases. I recommend the inexpensive Nicki’s brand cotton or bamboo doublers.

As with the bamboo version, the Imagine Stay Dry Newborn AIO only has the snap-down feature for the cord stump if you buy the snap version (2nd photo, Camille at 8.5 pounds). You can’t do this with the aplix diaper (first photo below, Ingrid at just under 8 pounds).

You can find this diaper for $11.95 with free shipping at Kelly’s Closet, Nicki’s and Fluff & Familia.

Swaddlebees Newborn Simplex: NO LONGER MADE. This is a unique AIO diaper because it features 10 layers of 100% cotton birdseye fabric in the wet zone and a cotton lining. This is the “old school” fabric that flat diapers are made of, and it’s soft and natural and very thirsty. The soaker is only half sewn in, which offers several advantages. You can stuff it inside the pocket or leave it out and just fold up to fit your baby. It also means the diaper washes and dries more easily, and more quickly. Even neater, one layer of the soaker is made of stay-dry microfleece; if you want that against your baby’s skin, just pull the soaker out of the pocket opening with the stay-dry side facing up. I really love this diaper and not just for the cuteness factor – it’s one of the most absorbent we tried and the fit is just perfect on Erik. At $18.95 they are on the high side, though.

GroVia Newborn AIO: We first used the GroVia AIO on newborn Erik about 4 years ago. I absolutely loved the fit, and the unique and durable GroVia snaps. We encountered leaking through the leg gussets a few times, so I was eager to try GroVia’s improved/updated version with newborn Mary Kate. It’s turned and top-stitched for a nicely finished look, more absorbency has been added inside, and the hourglass soaker is more trim. There are 2 layers of hemp/cotton sewn inside, plus a microfleece lining. The hemp/cotton soaker is attached only at the back, so the whole design gives you a diaper that dries in an average amount of time. Just like the previous version, the fit is adorable, making this still one of my favorites.

This diaper is $15.95 at your favorite GroVia retailer. Some suggestions: Diaper Junction, Kelly’s Closet or Nicki’s.

Lil Joey AIO: These are so adorable! When I first got a positive pregnancy test last year this is the first diaper I bought for my newborn stash because it was just so cute in pictures, and has good reviews. I like what other mamas like about the Joey’s – trim fit, good absorbency and a snap-down rise to protect the cord stump. It has an internal gusset to keep poo inside and the soaker is 4 layers of microfiber. Erik was skinny and less than 8 pounds at birth so these were just perfect for his little body from day one. Only drawback? He is going to grow out of them way too fast for me to spend money on a lot of these. I would say if you have a preemie or a small newborn, then this is the AIO for you. But if your babies tend to be average or larger, Lil Joey’s won’t last very long. The manufacturer’s size range is spot on – Rumparoo suggests 4 to 12 pounds. Oh and something else I noticed? They take quite a while to dry, which surprised me since they are synthetic.

Kissaluvs Newborn AIO: This is another moderately priced AIO at $14.95. It features an umbilical snap-down and a stay-dry fleece inner. So unlike many other Kissaluvs products, it’s made of synthetic and not natural fibers. But this means it dries more quickly and doesn’t hold onto newborn poo stains. I like the fit ok, but it’s not one of my favorites. You can also pick these up at Nicki’s Diapers.

bumGenius Littles 2.0 Newborn AIO: This is the updated version of the original bumGenius newborn diaper (featured below this review). Interestingly, this new take costs less, at only $14.95. Even better, the inner soaker is now organic cotton. The Littles 2.0 also includes an extra cotton soaker with a microfleece topper. I definitely prefer fleece over microsuede in terms of softness. The diaper is easy to get on since there’s just one row of snaps to deal with.

Katie tested this AIO on her 10 pound newborn (1st photo, pictured at 11.5 pounds) and said “This diaper fit the best out of all the ones I tried at the start, but it was also the first one she outgrew.” It will obviously fit much longer on a small or average newborn. Dry time is longer than average because of the organic cotton, but the absorbency of the 2.0 is certainly better than its predecessor’s.

My experiences echoes Katie’s. Our daughter, Camille (2nd photo), fit great in this diaper from day one, but it was the first to be packed away when she outgrew by 4 weeks. For the price and quality, however, I think this is a good addition to the average-sized newborn’s stash; they are adorable, fit perfectly under the belly button, are easy to use and affordable. Oh, and they are American made!

You can find bumGenius diapers at Diaper Junction, Kelly’s Closet and Nicki’s.

BumGenius Newborn AIO (Original): bumGenius has a newborn AIO in its lineup with a very reasonable price point of $12.95. The inner soaker is microterry and the diaper lining is suedecloth. The product description indicates that it fits below the belly button, but this was not the case with Erik. Still, I found it didn’t matter too much if our diapers touched the umbilical stump. Why? Because if the diaper doesn’t, the clothes they are wearing will. And it doesn’t seem to affect drying or healing either way. I like the way our BumGenius fits and the aplix closure is fast and easy to use. However, compared to other aplix diapers, the BumGenius tabs seem a bit flimsy – they are tiny and attached right at the end of the wings and not reinforced in any way around the edges. And in terms of absorbency, this diaper is only fair and will leak after just an hour or two.

This diaper is no longer manufactured. It has been updated and renamed (see diaper review just above this one).

Cloth Diapering Your Newborn: Fitted Diapers

January 22, 2013 by Anne Marie 165 Comments

NOTE: This post has been updated as of August 2014 with several new fitted diaper reviews!

Using a fitted diaper is ideal for newborns because of the great absorbing capabilities, and because the contour shape helps to hold in blowouts. A fitted diaper does not have a waterproof layer on the outside so it must be worn with a cover.

Imagine 2.0 Bamboo Fitted: Newly released in 2016, this bamboo fitted retails for a very attractive price of $11.95 at Nicki’s (with free shipping). You can choose from 5 pretty pastels in either snap or hook and loop closure. The improved 2.0 line features a baby-soft bamboo terry fabric with a very fine weave. It has some natural stretch to it, which I like a lot. The included bamboo soaker pad snaps in the front and is permanently sewn down in the back, making this a faster-drying diaper than other newborn fitteds. We get 3+ hours of absorbency with this diaper and it’s trim enough to fit under most newborn covers. There is a snap-down rise to keep the umbilical cord stump exposed. The only issue I’ve had with fit is around the waist; There are no crossover snaps so it only gets so small. If you have a small or very thin newborn that may be a concern. However, since it’s a fitted and will go under a cover, even a less than snug fit at the waist may still work. Mary Kate was 9 pounds at birth so we had no problems with the larger waistband.

Imagine Baby Snapless Fitted (Cotton or Bamboo): I was really glad to see Imagine come out with their line of “prefold” fitteds; they are somewhat similar in design and price to the much-loved “Workhorse Fitteds” from Green Mountain and to Tinkle Traps (both are reviewed below). Imagine snappless fitteds start at just $5.95 each at Nicki’s; you can choose from cotton (bleached, unbleached or organic) or bamboo/cotton. I tested the unbleached cotton and the bamboo cotton on Ingrid; they look the same but the bamboo blend is slightly more soft and absorbent. Unlike a Workhorse or Tinkle Trap, there is no extra doubler included. Like other Imagine diapers we’ve tried, the fitteds run large in the rise, and wide in the crotch. You can fold the rise down in the front if you want it under the belly button (see photo at right). They also take longer to dry than a regular newborn prefold diaper. You can find Imagine fitted diapers at Nicki’s.

Thirsties Natural Newborn Fitted: I was surprised at how much smaller and narrower this diaper is compared to our other Thirsties newborn styles (natural and stay-dry AIO). However, it does have a lot of absorbency inside: 7 layers of bamboo/cotton. Three layers are in the core and 4 are in the snap-in soaker pad. It has a snap down center to accommodate the cord stump. The fabric is natural-colored cotton but you can choose from 3 different snap colors.

Of all the diapers we tested on Mary Kate, this one took the longest to dry. It needs at least a cycle and a half. And because it’s so small, she grew out of it very quickly (Mary Kate dropped to just under 9 pounds after birth).

It retails for $17.50 at Kelly’s Closet, Nicki’s and Diaper Junction.

Nicki’s Bamboo Overnight Fitted: There are two versions of this diaper – one size and newborn (which fits 5 to 13 pounds and costs just $10). You can snap down the front to keep the umbilical stump uncovered. The silky soft 100% is perfect for sensitive newborn skin. There is a tiny little 5-layer snap-in soaker included. The outer is 3 layers giving you 8 altogether. Because the insert is only partially attached, it helps the diaper to dry in an average amount of time. You’ll see some fraying and loose threads at the edges of this diaper, but I guess that’s just a part of the manufacturing process; it does not affect function at all. Mary Kate was 9 pounds at birth and she was actually able to wear this all night the first week or so, which is hard to find when it comes to newborn styles. I like it paired with the roomy pull-on Nicki’s cover, for more airflow. You can find both with free shipping at Nicki’s Diapers. And yes, you read that price right – this fitted diaper is only ten bucks!

The waistband is very similar to the Imagine 2.0 newborn fitted (reviewed above) in that there are a limited number of snaps. You can see the large space between waist snaps in the photos below. If you have a small or very thin newborn, this may be a concern. However, since it’s a fitted and will go under a cover, even a less than snug fit at the waist may still work. Mary Kate was 9 pounds at birth so we had no problems with the waistband issue.

Ecoposh OBV Newborn Fitted: From the folks at Kangacare/Rumparooz comes a very unique newborn fitted made from recycled water bottles, bamboo and cotton. It’s 7-layers thick and includes a snap-in soaker pad. I really like the plush velour inner fabric, and the fact that the size range is fairly generous at 5 to 14 pounds. There’s a snap-down feature at the front for babies who still have a cord stump that’s healing. This is a really thirsty diaper that held Camille all night, even with all the nursing.

Drawbacks are: it’s an expensive diaper (at $23.99), the dry time is pretty long, and the bamboo blend fabric can get a little stiff over time (as compared to 100% cotton). You can find the Ecoposh newborn diaper with free shipping at Nicki’s and at Kelly’s Closet.

Sustainablebabyish Snapless Mini: This is another snapless fitted, but really ups the ante in terms of fit, softness and absorption. You might only be able to afford one “Sloomb” diaper, but it will be well worth it! This is the snuglist, squishiest fitted we have and I’m pretty sure Ingrid loves wearing it. Made of a bamboo and organic cotton terry blend, the leg openings are turned and topstitched for comfort. It includes 1 diaper pin and a cute little “mini” doubler made of organic bamboo fleece. It takes several washes to prep both diaper and insert; after washing and drying the insert edges curl up, which is kind of unfortunate in terms of aesthetics. I prefer a Boingo over a pin to fasten the diaper, but use a very light touch with the Boingo since the fibers are more delicate than plain cotton. Of ALL the fitteds I’ve tried, it’s definitely the most absorbent. You can fold down the rise for a custom fit if your newborn is smaller or shorter than average. You can find this diaper at Kelly’s Closet, and Nicki’s Diapers.

Baby Coon Organic Bamboo Fitted: This adorable little fitted features a cotton knitted outside, a hidden layer of organic bamboo fleece and a cotton velour inner that is a deep turquoise to coordinate with the owl print. The rise snaps down to keep the fabric from rubbing the cord stump. This diaper fits Erik like a second skin – I can’t wait to get it washed and dried so I can put it on him again and I’ll be SO sad when he outgrows it! It’s extremely absorbent, too. The snap-in soaker features 2 separate petals so you can customize your absorbency level, plus it helps the diaper to dry more quickly. This diaper is soft and cushy but not too bulky, although it won’t work under every newborn cover, especially the really trim ones like the Bummis Super Lite. The gentle leg gussets have held in all of Erik’s explosions. An absolutely gorgeous WAHM fitted – no complaints here at all. And if you can believe it, these started at just $12.00. You can check Maria’s Hyena Cart store for in stock diapers and inquire about customs.

GMD Workhorse Fitted: Green Mountain Diapers is known for its famous cotton prefold diapers. In fact, they won the Padded Tush Stats 2012 award for Prefold of the Year. They also make these great “Workhorse Fitteds” which are made from that same lovely and absorbent prefold material. They come in all sizes; I had to snag a newborn! It also included a tiny little doubler, also made of prefold material. This may not be a very fancy fitted, but it gets the job done, and for $5.50 you can’t beat the price. The absorbency level is not as high as a hybrid or bamboo/hemp fitted, but it’s still pretty darn good, especially if you purchase some of the matching Cloth-Eez doublers that Green Mountain sells. Another thing I really like about the Workhorse? It’s trim enough to fit under any newborn cover, unlike some of the other plusher, bulkier fitteds. You can buy these with or without snaps, in bleached and unbleached fabric. The unbleached is my choice because it’s softer and hides stains a bit better.

Organic Caboose Newborn Fitted: This is an organic cotton diaper which fits from about 5 to 12 pounds, so it runs a little on the smaller side of the scale. For Erik, that meant a great fit. The organic cotton is very soft and cozy and I love that Organic Caboose products are made in the USA. The newborn fitted features a snap-down rise for the cord stump. It’s not the most absorbent diaper in our stash, but it does a good job. Our Cloth-Eez doublers fit perfectly inside to boost the absorbency. If you want 100% gentle and natural for your new little one, this fitted is perfect. UPDATE: Organic Caboose only makes this diaper in two sizes now – small and large.

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted, Size 1: This is a hugely popular fitted diaper and for good reason. It’s made of super soft and plush cotton/poly velour fabric and is especially contoured to fit little bodies. I really like the stretchy wings – they make it so easy to get a snug fit around Erik’s waist. This very thirsty little diaper can absorb up to 18 ounces of fluid. When your baby gets older, Thirsties also has a Size 2 version of their Fab Fitted. They dry in a normal amount of time and have a little “tunnel-like” pocket that you can use to stuff an extra insert into. It’s one of my favorites although we couldn’t buy more than a few because at $16.50 they are on the higher end of the price scale. NOTE: This diaper has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

Kissaluvs Fitted, Size 0: The Kissaluvs fitted is an economical option among the major brands. At $14.95 Kissaluvs delivers a very basic and well-fitting diaper made from squishy cotton terry. It’s pretty cute, too (I love the stitching around the edges). There’s also a tiny microfiber soaker sandwiched inside for added leak protection. This is one I reach for a lot, and I’d love to get more colors (they come in some really cute pastels). NOTE: This diaper has been discontinued by the manufacturer.

Tinkle Trap Prefitted: This is another great little prefold fitted, similar in concept to the GMD Workhorse. Made of soft unbleached prefold fabric, the Tinkle Traps are edged in cute rainbow stitching and feature a tiny little soaker which is partially sewn inside. These need to be fastened closed with pins, a Snappi or a Boingo (my choice). The wings on this diaper are very long so I’m hoping that will mean Erik can wear it much longer, even when he chunks up a bit. You can find these at the Tinkle Traps website for $9.75 each. I actually prefer the fit of these over the GMD Workhorse fitteds; availability is limited, though, so you have to wait sometimes to get them.

Little Bear Bums Dyed Prefitted: Yesterday I told you how much I love the Little Bear Bums microfleece cover. They also sell these beautiful little prefitteds, which are like the Workhorse and Tinkle Trap diapers mentioned above. The soaker is sewn inside this one, so it’s not removable, but it still dries in a moderate amount of time. What makes these extra special is that they are sewn of soft Indian cotton and then hand-dyed in lovely colors. I love the deep blue and green! They are $9.50 at Little Bear Bums.

Sandy’s Fitted by Motherease, Size XS: Another soft little terry diaper…the Sandy’s Fitted has quite a following among cloth diapering mothers, and comes to us from Canada. The stretchy cotton terry feels like a very soft and squishy bath towel and is colored with low-impact, eco-friendly dyes. There are lots of fun, bright colors to choose from. The fit is roomier than the other fitteds we tried – it’s similar to the look you would get with a pair of old-school pull-on Gerber pants. Sandy’s are known for running on the bigger size; I know moms who have size small on their year old babies. So the XS or “newborn” diaper starts out pretty big. You’ll need to make sure your cover is roomy enough to accommodate the Sandy’s fitteds (the entire Motherease line is designed to work perfectly with them). Nicki’s also makes a budget pull-on cover that will work well. We found our Sandy’s for $12.50 each at Nicki’s Diapers.

Cloth Diapering Your Newborn: Diaper Covers

January 20, 2013 by Anne Marie 296 Comments

NOTE: This post has been updated as of December 2018 with more diaper cover reviews.

We’ve now tried over 27 different diaper covers on our newborn babies. Using a cover is one of the easiest and most economical ways to diaper a new baby. Anything can work as an insert – newborn prefolds, small flats, and inserts made of microfiber, hemp, bamboo or cotton.

Luludew Diaper Cover: Available mainly through diaper services, Luludew has always offered an affordable, practical line for families. Their wrap-style newborn cover, available in aplix and snaps, starts at just $10.99. Handy features include snug double gussets at the legs and a snap-down rise that allows you to shorten the cover so it can fit under the cord stump.

I like the soft, flexible PUL fabric that Luludew uses, and their prints are super cute. I would rate the aplix quality as fair/good; it will start to wear and curl back, but will still be functional for perhaps one more baby.

The fit and style of this cover is very similar to the Sweet Pea cover, with just a little more room to grow. Wish I had bought more than one because this has really turned out to be a favorite! You can shop for Luludew diapers and covers with free shipping at F luff & Familia.

Cloth-eez Wrap, Size 1: Sold by Green Mountain Diapers, the Cloth-eez Wrap is simple, practical and very affordable at just $10.99. It’s available in white only, which I kind of like for the pure, simple look. With full coverage in the rear, it works great with prefolds, flats and fitteds, even with boosters added. The flaps at front and back not only hold inserts in place, but they allow the soft knitted side of the waterproof material to touch your baby’s skin. I love the soft, pliable PUL that Green Mountain uses; it feels really nice compared to other brands. Camille (eight pounds at birth) fit into size 1 from the beginning, which should work for an average or larger newborn; there’s also an actual “newborn” size cover which works for preemies and newborns under 7 pounds.

You can purchase Cloth-eez Wraps exclusively from Green Mountain Diapers.

Imagine Newborn Cover: I first tried this cover on Erik; he was a small and skinny newborn and 7 pounds and change. The fit around the legs just wasn’t snug enough and I put the cover in storage. I’ve seen some reviews that say it won’t work for babies under 10 pounds but that’s not true. Mary Kate and Camille, 9 and 8 pounds respectively, were able to use it from the beginning. The Imagine newborn cover runs big; I know of some families who are still using for babies 6 months or older. It has extra snaps in the rise so you can size up after the newborn phase.

The cover is very simply designed and has no extra features beyond the double gussets around the legs. I’d love it if there were some flaps inside to hold trifolded diapers in place, but we’ve only had a one blowout so for while using this cover. It comes in a LOT of color and prints options and is only $10.50 with free shipping at Nicki’s.

I love using this cover overnight with a Geffen prefold and a doubler. It holds Camille all night!

Wink Diaper Cover: There are two sizes of covers available at Wink – this one fits 4 to 18 pounds. There are a lot of different features including front and back flaps inside, back elastics, double leg gussets and 4 rise settings. This cover will grow with your baby long after the newborn phase is over, making it a really good buy.

You can read my full review of the Wink cover here. They retail for $11.99 each at Wink Diapers and you can get 20% off ANY purchase at Wink using my exclusive code ZEPHYR20.

Diaper Rite Newborn Cover: This cover has double leg gussets and flaps inside to hold prefolds, flats or inserts in place. The waterproof PUL used in Diaper Rite styles is always very soft and pliable. The wings have a lot of stretch in them, a feature I love in a cloth diaper. The entire cover is finished with a nice foldover, stitched trim around the wings and leg openings. IThere is only a single set of snaps on the wings, making it quicker to fasten on a newborn.

In this picture, Mary Kate is just under 9 pounds and 20.5 inches long. If your newborn ends up being smaller/skinner than Mary Kate, it’s very easy to get a tighter fit at the waist, thanks to the crossover snap. This, in turn, will also tighten up the leg openings for you. We’ve had zero leaks with this little cover, and there’s one more snap on the rise to let out as Mary Kate grows. At $8.95, it is a fantastic deal at Diaper Junction.

The Diaper Rite newborn cover fit Mary Kate for about a month; if you have a bigger baby, check out the Diaper Rite newborn AIO – it fits a lot longer. You can read my full review of both with more pictures here.

Nicki’s Newborn Pull-On Cover: If you are using bulkier prefolds or fitteds on your newborn, or are looking for a really breathable cover, the Nicki’s pull-on diaper is a real bargain. And it comes in TONS of color and print choices. The design is very simple; one lightweight layer of PUL with elasticized waist and legs.

If it looks really puffy to you, well, that’s kind of how pull-on covers fit. They are made to be roomy enough to work over any type of diaper and also allow for a lot of airflow. All you need to worry about in terms of fit are the leg openings and waistband. I’ve had mothers ask me “Is it hard to get on and off of a newborn?” Surprisingly, not really. You’ll likely spend more time pinning on the prefold or snapping on the fitted. This type of cover is super easy to clean and dries in a snap.

It’s only $6.95 and exclusively at Nicki’s.

Nicki’s Newborn Cover: I tried both the snap and aplix versions and found that the snaps give a more snug fit at the waist, so keep that in mind if you are anticipating an average or smaller newborn. Either way, both styles have a lot of room to grow past the newborn phase – easily a couple of months or more.

There are inner flaps inside if you prefer to lay your flats or prefolds inside instead of pinning. Double gussets at the legs are another nice feature. Oh, and you have scads of color and print options – at least 20 or more!

This newborn cover is only $10.00 for solids and $10.50 for prints, and found exclusively at Nicki’s.

Blueberry Mini Coverall: I’ve always been a huge fan of Swaddlebees and Blueberry…when the budget permits. Finding a Mini Coverall on sale for newborn Ingrid was a real treat, and I was as happy with the way this cover fits and performs as I have been with our Swaddlebees Capri covers (reviewed below). I love the cute prints, the double snaps at the waist, the durable PUL (nothing gets past it!) and the soft double leg gussets. Thanks to the adjustable rise it fits from about 6 to 18 pounds. This cover works well with prefolds, flats and newborn fitteds. You can find Mini Coveralls at Nicki’s and Diaper Junction. I hope to add another to my stash very soon!

Econobum Newborn Cover: This budget cover from Cotton Babies comes in plain white PUL (the same type used in Flip and bumGenius), but you can choose from a lot of different trim colors. It comes in snap or velcro closure (UPDATE: it only comes in snaps now). The waistband dips down slightly to accommodate the cord stump, but with Ingrid it didn’t really make a difference since the cover’s rise was pretty high. To keep the cost low, this cover does not have double gussets, which I really do like to see in a newborn cover because of their tendency to produce a lot of loose, runny stool. Other than the high rise, it fits well, especially around the legs. You can find it for just $8.95 at Cotton Babies and Amazon.

Assunta Tiny Cover: Several mothers recommended the budget covers from the Assunta Store to me. They are Americans living in China who are ministering to orphans and abandoned children; through the Little Flower project they financially support their mission. The “Tiny Tuckable” PUL covers start at just $6.69; however, I do want to note that shipping is via Air Lift and can be upwards of $7.00, depending on how many covers you order. I found my “yellow stars” PUL cover on a diaper swap site. I was really pleased with the quality for the price. The PUL is soft but sturdy. The cover has a flap in the front for tucking inserts, it has double gussets and the wings are reinforced with an extra layer of PUL. Plus, there are extra rise snaps so it will adjust and provide more room as your newborn grows. I had one problem with the way it fit; when the waist is fastened snugly and just where I want it, then the leg openings are too tight and will leave marks. The only way to remedy this is to loosen up the waist a bit. With a boy, this might cause leaking out of the front, but Ingrid wets more in the back of her diapers so it hasn’t caused a problem yet.

Bummis Super Whisper Wrap: This is a very popular newborn wrap because it’s durable and affordable. It’s made of three layers: waterproof laminate “sandwiched” between two layers of poly knit. The drawback is that it feels thicker and stiffer than other waterproof covers. The poly knit can also get damp more easily meaning you might not get as many uses out of it before washing (as opposed to other wipeable covers). At around $14 it’s not exactly a “budget cover,” but it is reasonably priced and you get to choose from a lot of cute prints. I wish the rise were just a bit shorter on Ingrid, but it still fits well overall. It gives great coverage over prefolds, flats and fitteds. You can find them lots of places, including Nicki’s, Kelly’s Closet and Diaper Junction.

Bumkins Newborn: I like the smooth, soft PUL used on this cover; double snaps on the wing are also a nice feature. Bumkins offers a lot of cute prints as well. But this cover was a bit roomier than I expected for a newborn; there was quite a bit of extra material and some saggy areas. The crotch is also pretty wide. Although there are a LOT of snaps on the waistband, you don’t have to use them all to get the diaper to stay put. The flap inside is a nice feature as are the extra snaps on the rise so your baby can wear it more than just a few weeks. Because of the roomy fit, it easily accommodates prefolds, flats and even bulky fitteds. You can find Bumkins newborn covers at Thanks Mama and Nicki’s with free shipping.

Motherease Airflow XS: Although this is the smallest size you can buy, it swallowed up Ingrid so I ended up selling it. I’ve heard the Rikki Wrap might run smaller, so that’s an option to try if you are a fan of Motherease. This is a lightweight and very simple cover with double snaps at the side and a wipeable interior. You can find Motherease diapers at Nicki’s (covers ship free).

Swaddlebees Capri, Size One (pictured first from left): You all know how much I love Swaddlebees diapers. Wish the prices were a little lower, but I have to admit they are well worth the extra dollars. Our newborn cover is no exception. I LOVE this cover for the same reasons I love the size two Capri’s we use for Susanna and Samuel – the PUL is soft but extremely durable, the double row of snaps on the waist delivers a snug fit with no sagging, and these covers easily wipe clean to re-use. The leg and waist casings are very soft. And this trim-fitting cover does well over bulkier fitted diapers, too. Plus, Swaddlebees has a HUGE collection of colors and prints! UPDATE: Swaddlebees are no longer made; check out the Blueberry newborn covers instead.

Sweet Pea Newborn Cover (pictured in the middle): I admit…I’ve been using this cover more than any other I bought. Completely fell in love. I ordered TWO more within a week! It’s simply the best-fitting cover in our entire stash – tiny, trim and so so cute! I’m SO glad that Sweet Pea introduced newborn covers last year; I have always been a huge fan of the one-size Sweet Pea covers. And the newborns retail for under $10.00. Aplix is the only option offered and it’s fine by me. That means it’s quick to get on and off and ensures a perfectly snug fit. I’m not worried about the fact that aplix wears out faster than snaps; this is a newborn cover and will only be used for a short time; it will still be in great shape for the next baby! This is a trim cover and works best with newborn prefolds and flats, not fitteds. You can find Sweet Pea newborn covers at Diaper Junction and Kelly’s Closet. They are just $9.95!

Rumparooz Newborn Cover (pictured third from left): Although the fit around Erik’s waist and legs is snug, there is just way too much bulk with this cover for me to love it. In the photo you can see how much extra fabric there is, especially compared to the trimmer Swaddlebees and Sweet Pea covers to the left. I would bet this cover performs better on bigger/chunkier newborns, and the adjustable rise means it will fit past the newborn phase, but it just wasn’t one of my favorites. The Rumparooz newborn covers retail for $10.00 over at Diaper Junction.

Buttons Diaper Cover: Buttons now has three sizes of covers – newborn, one-size and super. We were actually able to use the one-size cover for our average size newborns (see photo of tangerine orange diaper below). For Mary Kate, we tried the newborn version for the first time (pink diaper below). Buttons covers are made of soft, smooth and very durable waterproof PUL, and each has a cute embroidered button on the back. Features include double gussets, a wipeable interior and a VERY affordable price tag of $11.50 and up. Unlike the other sizes, the newborn cover has two sets of snaps at the waistband. This is a trim cover and works best with small Buttons inserts, newborn prefolds and flats (not fitted diapers). You can buy directly from the Buttons website (they also sell wipes, wet bags and coordinating inserts) and get free shipping if your order is over $75.

In the picture below, Mary Kate is just under 10 pounds and is wearing the diaper snapped up to its shortest rise setting. She still has some room to grow at the waist.

Best Bottoms Diaper Cover: This is the other “one-size” diaper I’m using on Ingrid. The rise is higher than the Buttons cover, but I love the sturdy double layer of PUL, the double gussets and the adorable prints! I’m glad we won’t have to pack away this adorable Pink Giraffe print when Ingrid grows bigger. Granted, because of the higher price tag ($16.95), I only have a few Best Bottoms in my stash, but they are especially great for nighttime. Nothing gets past this cover and it’s roomy enough that I can pack it full to keep her leak-free all night long (even with a few nursing sessions in the mix). The rise is noticeably higher than a typical newborn cover (which is another reason I mainly use it overnight). I also like that Best Bottom covers are made in the USA from USA-sourced materials. You can find them with FREE shipping at Nicki’s Diapers (sometimes they have seconds sales with discounted covers).

Thirsties Duo Wrap, Size One: This is an extremely popular cover for newborns and smaller babies because it is lightweight, economical and adjustable. There is an extra set of snaps on the rise so your baby can wear it past the newborn phase. Erik started out kind of skinny, so there was some extra bulk in the rear and hips, however it fit snugly around his waist and legs, which is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to mess containment. When he was wearing something really bulky like a squishy fitted, this cover fit better so it’s definitely very accommodating. That comes in handy when you’re adding a doubler to your newborn prefold or flat, too. And I do like that Thirsties offers both snap and aplix options. Being one of most popular brands on the market, you can find Thirsties covers at most online cloth diaper shops. You can buy them with free shipping at Nickis and Sweetbottoms Baby.

Thirsties Diaper Cover, Size XS: I liked this Thirsties cover a lot, too. It’s a sized cover, so we got XS for Erik and it fits very nicely around his skinny waist and legs. It also retails for less; brand new it’s $11.50 versus $12.75 for the Duo Wrap at Nicki’s and Kelly’s Closet. The sized Thirsties covers also have gentle double gussets – these are great for keeping leaks at bay, even around my newborn’s little bird legs. I like the aplix version because it takes mere seconds to wrap around my son, and it holds in prefolds just fine without pinning. It also works great over fitteds.

ProWrap Newborn Cover (pictured first from left): This is a lightweight cover with no bells and whistles. A true economy cover and a good choice for families that are on a budget and aren’t choosy about prints or colors. I didn’t really like the huge aplix tabs on the waist, but I guess that’s a cosmetic complaint; it didn’t affect the performance. The value for the money can’t be beat; in fact, they are on sale right now at Nicki’s Diapers for the bargain price of $6.65.

LiteWrap Preemie Cover (pictured second from left): I was told these run a little big so we purchased the preemie size. However, I found that the waist actually runs small, even with the back elastics; I could barely fasten it around Erik’s waist and he’s not chunky. But the rise runs big; it was much higher than our other covers. For these reasons, I found this cover didn’t do well with most of our fitteds; I couldn’t get everything covered. My gripes aside, though, I do know that these are a very popular budget cover and fit many babies well. You can also find these at Nicki’s Diapers, but they are only available in white. LiteWraps retail for about $8.50.

Baby Monkeys Newborn Cover (pictured third from left): This is a really cute little WAHM cover made of PUL with foldover elastic trim. The fabric is lightweight and trim-fitting with double snaps at the waistband. They start at just $5 each. Overall I’m pleased with this cover and use it quite a bit, especially since the inside can be wiped clean to re-use. It’s big enough to hold in prefolds and fitteds. Note: Baby Monkeys is defunct. UPDATE: Owner Tibeca Yao now operates under the name “Organics by Ti,” and has discontinued making covers.

Little Bear Bums Newborn Cover (pictured first from left): Another favorite! I want to order some more in the small size for Erik when he outgrows newborn. This is the only fleece cover that we tried and I love it. Little Bear Bums uses microfleece which is soft and smooth, and finer than other fleece covers/soakers. And the natural color is so lovely. We haven’t had any issues with wicking or leaking. I’m totally sold on these cozy little covers. What could be more perfect for keeping a newborn warm and dry? These beautiful WAHM covers start at just $8.50 in the Little Bear Bums online shop.

Tiny Tush Perfect Fit Cover XS (pictured second from left): NOTE: This is different from the Tiny Tush One Size “Mini” Diaper Cover which I will post a review of the next time around! Two of the things I like best about the Tiny Tush cover are the soft elastics and soft waterproof material. Thanks to Erik’s bird legs in the very beginning, I noticed some gaping around the leg openings. Adding more “stuffings” inside the cover helped with fit. With snap closure (vs. aplix) you might also notice the wings curl back as in the photo, but that’s an aesthetic issue. As Erik fattened up this cover fit better and better, but it certainly sufficed in the early days. For my next baby, I’m going to try aplix closure next time around. Tiny Tush sells their Perfect Fit cover for $11.95; another newborn cover called the Mini is also available and more rise settings and retails for $16.95.

Bummis Super Brite Newborn Cover (pictured left and top): And yet another winner! I also ordered two more of these because we love them to pieces. Besides our wool cover (below) this is the only other one I dared to use at night. The PUL is thick but not too stiff. You might be wondering why we didn’t try the Bummis Super Whisper Wraps; this cover appealed to me more because it’s lightweight and has inner gussets AND the exposed PUL on the inside means you can wipe it clean. The Whisper Wraps have a knitted PUL that gets damp. But some moms like this against their baby’s skin better; it just comes down to preference. The Super Brite has nice stretchy wings for getting a perfect fit and really soft and snug leg casings. Nothing escaped this cover! The only flaw, and something I just cannot seem to troubleshoot, is that if Erik wore it for a while, the waistband would curl inward, leaving the white velcro strip to scratch his tummy. Very annoying, so if anyone has a way around this let me know! You can find these for $13.50 over at Kellys Closet.

Bummis Super Lite Newborn Cover (pictured bottom right): For $11.00, this is Bummis’ most economical cover. And it’s gotten great reviews. They are trim and cute and very lightweight. There were two small problems I encountered: the aplix strip is so wide and long on the waistband that it sometimes directly touches the skin on Erik’s thigh, causing red marks and irritation. I tried angling the waistband and wings upwards to avoid this, as Bummis suggested, but the problem persisted. But I know most moms haven’t had this issue. It just goes to show that even the most popular covers don’t always work for every baby. I should also mention that because it’s such a trim cover, it doesn’t completely cover some of our fitted diapers. But I love everything else about this cover, and I think as Erik fattens up the scratchy velcro issue will go away.

Organic Caboose Newborn Wool Cover: This is a beauty and completely reliable day and night. I love that we rarely have to wash it because every mother of a newborn baby could use more time, right? Wool is breathable and naturally antimicrobial and not hard to care for at all. In fact, we did not even have to lanolize it first before using and haven’t had any issues. I love that this wool wrap has easy aplix closure. It works great paired with our Organic Caboose fitted, as well as with prefolds. It features fold back laundry tabs and is made in the USA. Another thing I love about wool? Like fleece, it can also keep your baby warm and not just dry. Amazingly, when summer comes, wool also keeps them cool because it’s a breathable, natural fiber. Pretty sweet! Organic Caboose is very reasonably priced for a high quality wool cover and is just $30.99 at Little Spruce Organics. (You can get 15% off with my exclusive blog code ZH15.) This is an investment you will pat yourself on the back for time and time again. It’s generously sized, too, and baby can wear it past the newborn stage. If you’d like to read more about cloth diapering a newborn with wool, check out this great blog post at Little Spruce!

AppleCheeks Envelope Cover, Size 1: AppleCheeks are such cute diapers and they have a unique look all their own. Plus, the inside is constructed like a pocket diaper with a wide “envelope-style” opening, which means you can choose to stuff inserts inside or just lay them in the cover. Our AppleCheeks fit great on Erik and came with two insert options – a trifold bamboo insert and a microterry insert with red edges. I absolutely love the bamboo insert – it’s soft and supple and thirstier than a standard prefold. The microterry insert is on the longer side so you have to fold it down to fit a newborn. To get a good fit on bird legs you can pull the wings up at an angle on either side of the hips (which tightens up the leg openings). AppleCheeks are higher on the price scale at $19 each. The diapers are adorable, well-fitting and very soft and comfy. You can find AppleCheeks diapers at Kelly’s Closet and Diaper Junction, and with free shipping at Sweetbottoms Baby.

Weehuggers Cover, Size 1: The look and fit of a Weehuggers is very similar to the Swaddlebees Capri, and like the Capri you can purchase either a size one (6-18 pounds) or a size two (15 to 35 pounds). The Weehuggers have handy inner gussets and flaps at the back and front to better hold inserts in. Weehuggers are made in Knoxville, Tennessee and come in 12 adorable colors and prints. I love the contrasting trim on this cover, and it’s very soft on Erik’s waist and legs. The double snaps on the waistband work great to get a nice and snug fit. I like that pretty much any fitted diaper will fit inside this cover, but it’s not bulky at all. The one thing I don’t like: the flaps inside are a knitted fabric (instead of PUL) which gets saturated when the diaper inside is soaked. UPDATE: Weehuggers are no longer made.