Giveaways — Page 17

BB Cloth Butterfly Fitted Diaper Review & Giveaway

February 18, 2016 by Anne Marie 31 Comments

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It’s been a while since I reviewed a fitted diaper, but that doesn’t mean this style isn’t an important part of our cloth diapering routine. Besides the bamboo prefolds we often a use, a good fitted diaper is one of my top picks for night time and extended day wear.

BB Cloth sent two complimentary “Butterfly” fitted diapers for me to test out on 18-month-old Ingrid and 3-year-old Erik. Customers can choose from different snap colors (including plain white); we received aqua and crimson.

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BB Cloth’s Butterfly Fitted is a multi-layer diaper made with cotton on the outside and organic bamboo inside. There are two soakers inside which are only partially sewn-in; they fold out to either side giving the diaper a butterfly-like appearance. The design is meant to help cut down the drying time and make the diaper easier to clean thoroughly.

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This fitted diaper is one-size, and adjustable to fit from 10 to 35+ pounds. There are three rows of snaps on the rise, which equates to four different sizes. As you can see in the second picture (side view), this is a very plush and thick diaper.

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I washed the diaper 3 times before day use and after 5 washes, tested at night.

Performance: Both the cotton and the bamboo are very soft and smooth fabrics, so this diaper feels really nice against the skin. And it’s super absorbent! Besides extended wearing during the day Ingrid and Erik have both worn this fitted all night on several occasions with no leaks. It’s worked great as is for us, with no doublers needed. However, I do like to add a fleece liner inside at night for a more comfortable stay-dry feeling.

Ingrid usually wears a footed sleeper to bed and they fit over the diaper just fine. Erik either wears maxaloones (cloth diaper pants with extra fabric in the fear) or sweatpants.

The drawback to a butterfly style is that the soakers are not only permanently attached, but also a fixed size and length. When fastened at the very shortest rise setting, the diaper is much bulkier on a small baby than it is on an older infant or toddler.

Care for this diaper like you would any other cotton or bamboo fabric, using a good detergent and avoiding fabric softeners. This multi-layered fitted takes a long time to dry, especially the thick elasticized fabric around the leg openings. To save energy, I dry for a full cycle and then drape it over a towel bar to air dry the rest of the way.

Fit/Sizing: With three snaps on the rise, the Butterfly Fitted offers a wide range of sizing options starting at around 10 pounds. It’s not designed to fit most babies at the newborn stage. But there are crossover snaps on the wings for smaller/thinner infants. Ingrid at 18 months and 22 pounds wears the diaper with just one rise snap fastened, what you might call the “large” setting.

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Even when the diaper has been completely saturated, wings and all, it doesn’t leave red marks on my children. And although it is very plush, the wings have a trim profile and the crotch is fairly narrow.

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You might notice that Ingrid (who is over a year old) is wearing the waist snaps at their smallest setting (excluding the crossover option which would be far too small). If she was a little bit thinner, I think this would put her in between sizes at the waistband.

At age 3 and about 30 pounds, Erik wears it completely unsnapped (what I would say equates to “extra large”). He’s slender and of average height and by 35 pounds will max out the rise, which is in line with BB Cloth’s estimates.

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What diaper covers work well over this fitted? In my testing, full-coverage wraps like Flip, Sweet Pea, Diaper Safari and Imagine/Nicki’s paired well with the Butterfly Fitted. When using trimmer covers like Best Bottoms and Buttons, I had to loosen the rise and waist snaps beyond where Ingrid usually wears them to accommodate the thickness of the diaper.

Value: BB Cloth’s Butterfly Fitted retails for just $19.95, which is very reasonable for a plush fitted made of both cotton and bamboo. BB Cloth offers a 30 warranty against manufacturer defects. Customers having any issues beyond defects in workmanship are welcome to contact BB Cloth to troubleshoot.

You can buy directly from the BB Cloth website, and also find pockets, AI2 diapers and accessories like inserts, cloth diaper keychains and teething necklaces.

Giveaway CLOSED BB Cloth is giving away a one-size Butterfly Fitted in the gender-neutral “Snow” color. This giveaway is open to both US and Canadian residents. Good luck!

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AppleCheeks Diaper Review & Giveaway

February 10, 2016 by Anne Marie 52 Comments

AppleCheeks is a very popular cloth diaper brand that hails from Canada. The core components include an “envelope” cover (in sizes 1, 2 and 3) and inserts made of either microterry or bamboo. There are other AppleCheeks accessories like wet bags, training pants, flushable liners and boosters.

The diapers I’m highlighting in today’s review are from my personal collection and include size 1 covers in Figgylicious and Lemon Zest, a size 2 cover in Riptide, and both types of inserts.

If you shop for AppleCheeks in Canada, I highly recommend Cozy Bums (oh, and right now the exchange rate and 15% sale are great for American customers, too!). In the United States, you can find AppleCheeks at many of my affiliates including:

Size 1 – fits 7 to 20 pounds
Size 2 – fits 18 to 40 pounds
Size 3 – fits 35 to 65 pounds (a more recent addition to the AppleCheeks line, for older and special needs children; a portion of the sale proceeds go to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.

AppleCheeks diapers are adjusted a bit differently from other cloth diapers. There are 3 sizes available, and you might have noticed there aren’t rise snaps to shorten or lengthen the diaper. So how do you adjust it? The first step is to choose the right cover for your child’s size range (1, 2 or 3). And then when putting the diaper on your baby, snap the leg closed first and then the waist.

Here’s a look inside. The AppleCheeks envelope cover is so called because the opening is right in the middle, and one flap slightly covers the other (like an envelope). The entire diaper is lined inside with white microfleece, so it’s not a “wipe clean and re-use” type of cover.

As you may have already guessed, AppleCheeks diapers can be used as a cover or pocket system. Here are the insert choices:

AppleCheeks microterry inserts have a stay-dry fleece topper. You can stuff in the pocket or lay in the diaper cover; the red serged side is the one that should not touch your child’s skin directly as it is microfiber.

AppleCheeks bamboo inserts are either 2 or 3 layers thick, and are made of 70% rayon from bamboo/30% organic cotton.

The most popular way to use them is folded in thirds, either stuffed in the pocket or laid in the cover. You can also fold it in half for a baby who needs a wider area of coverage, or try this boy fold for more absorbency up front.

The 2-layer insert is ideal for daytime use (when folded in thirds it makes six layers altogether). The 3-layer insert is something you can try at night (when folded in thirds there are nine layers total). There are also bamboo and stay-dry boosters, which are smaller and thinner, but can add a little bit of absorbency to the diaper.

These photos show just a few of the ways you can use the AppleCheeks system.

Here are my thoughts on the AppleCheeks system, which we’ve had quite a long time to try out because Erik wore them as a newborn (3 years ago), and Ingrid has worn them off and on for her first 18 months.

FIT: Size 1 started to fit Erik after he reached 9 pounds. Ingrid first started wearing them after the newborn phase. I like the trim, cute fit and soft fleece, especially around their legs. We had a minor dilemma around the 11 month mark (she was about 17 pounds) when neither size one nor size two fit correctly. The size one waist was too tight and the rise was too low, BUT the size two was too big in the waist and too high in the rise. I tried all the recommended “tricks” but just couldn’t get a good fit with either the 1 or the 2. So we had to wait for size 2 until she grew bigger and her body changed.

Here is a picture showing the size difference between 1 and 2:

The microterry insert is longer than the bamboo and so to fit it inside the size 1 cover, you’ll need to fold it under to shorten it. This does create a little extra bulk. Also, when using the size 2 cover (since it’s bigger and longer), the bamboo insert does not quite cover from front to back. For a boy, you can slide it more to the front, but then you’ll have some empty space in the back. You can get around this by adding a booster/doubler.

AppleCheeks diapers have a wide pocket that’s easy to stuff; it also means a fuller cut across the crotch.

The ruffled elastics are cute and help the diaper not only to fit snugly but also to contain messes from the back and front and legs. I usually do not like front elastic on a cloth diaper because it tends to pucker or roll in at the waist. But with the way AppleCheeks elastic is sewn it doesn’t do this. Instead, it “gives” as your child moves. Much to my surprise, it’s been one of my favorite features because Ingrid has a round tummy, and sitting up without her diaper digging in means more comfort for her.

If I could change on thing about AppleCheeks, it would be to make the wings slightly longer. They are very short compared to our other diapers.

PERFORMANCE: After trying different ways of using AppleCheeks, my little ones haven’t had any leaks. For newborn Erik, I did not like the extra bulk of the microterry insert when folded under, so I used either the bamboo trifold or a newborn prefold inside. When Ingrid was an older infant, both the microterry and the 2-ply bamboo worked great during the day. Both she and Erik can wear AppleCheeks size two at night with the bamboo insert underneath and microterry on top.

If used as a pocket, you have to wash the whole thing after one use.

If used as a cover, your baby will need to be changed more often if your goal is to try and re-use the fleece lined cover again before washing. This can save you having to buy more covers overall. In reality, we aren’t able to re-use covers that much. Either they feel too damp for my liking or some poo has gotten on the fleece.

I have discovered that the inserts do not always agitate out in the wash on their own. We have a top-loading HE machine. Because the inserts are multi-layered I worry about them getting clean enough when they are still stuck in the pocket. So I will usually pull it out and launder again. Also, since the pocket opening is right in the middle, that means poo will sometimes sneak inside the pocket. It can be tricky to get out whether you are dunking or spraying. Using a flushable or disposable liner can help to negate this drawback. I prefer a pocket opening in either the front or back of a diaper.

DURABILITY: The only thing I’ve noticed is the white fleece starting to get pilly and dingy after many months of regular use and washing. This is what I consider normal wear and tear. Everything else (PUL and elastic) still looks fine. AppleCheeks diapers include an 18 month warranty on snaps, 12 months on the (waterproof) PUL components and 60 days for elastics. There is also a 30-day warranty on sewing defects on the covers and inserts.

VALUE: AppleCheeks are priced on the higher side. If using as a pocket, you’ll need $25 to $29 for one diaper and insert. If using as a cover, you’ll spend about $20 each and they may often be “single use only.” There are diehard AppleCheeks fans everywhere, so you’ll be glad to know that the re-sale value for these is very good.

Now let’s see AppleCheeks on the babies!

Here’s newborn Erik in his AppleCheeks size 1. You can read more about our experience using AppleCheeks covers on a newborn here. He was around 8 pounds in this picture.

This is Ingrid in the size 1 at about 5 months. I love the way her AppleCheeks size 1 fit at this stage (from about 3 months to 10 months).

And here she is in size 2 now at 18 months and about 22 pounds. The diaper is snapped at an angle, because the leg and waist are adjusted separately.

The front and back and leg ruffles on AppleCheeks diapers are really adorable. The only issue I have with the appearance is that the wings don’t stay flat on the sides and they curl back soon after putting on the diaper, revealing the white fleece underneath.

I can still squeeze Erik into the size two at age 3 and about 28 pounds. But the rise is really low. For us, this diaper will not fit up to 40 pounds and would be more like 30 pounds.

Giveaway CLOSED

US and Canadian residents can enter to win an AppleCheeks Envelope Cover in the newest color: Kiss ‘n Teal, plus a 2-ply bamboo insert! And don’t forget Cozy Bums is having a big 15% off AppleCheeks sale until February 13th as part of “We Love Canadian Made” month.

GroVia Hybrid Diaper Review & Giveaway

February 2, 2016 by Anne Marie 126 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GroVia offers a number of different insert options:

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

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

Each of the inserts has its pros and cons.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giveaway CLOSED

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

Thirsties AIO Diaper Review & (Limited Edition) Giveaway

January 25, 2016 by Anne Marie 151 Comments

This post contains affiliate links.

We’ve used a lot of Thirsties wraps and covers over the years, on our newborns and older babies. But it was only recently that I got the itch to try the Thirsties one-size AIO (All-in-One) diaper. As life gets busier and busier with each passing year, I have really come to appreciate just how quick and easy AIO cloth diapers are. My 11-year-old daughter, Catherine, helps me with diaper changes and loves them, too.

The Thirsties one-size AIO diaper is about as simple as it gets. All of the absorbent layers are sewn in; you don’t have to stuff or snap or fold inserts.

Two rows of rise snaps allow you to adjust from small to medium to large, for an estimated size range of 8 to 40 pounds.

This is the kind of diaper you can (and should!) pull out and show to skeptical, non-cloth-diapering friends. Look how cute and trim this thing is!

There is 1 layer of microfiber terry built into the body of the diaper. And then there’s a 3-layer microfiber soaker which is sewn into the diaper only at the front end. The top of this soaker is made of microfleece to help keep your baby feeling dryer. The TPU outer of the diaper is fully waterproof.

The Thirsties AIO is made in the USA and retails for $19.75. You can choose from hook & loop or snap closure at the waistband.

Everyone’s preferences are different, and I personally like a mix of diapers in our system. We use lots of cotton/bamboo prefolds and hemp inserts, but microfiber figures in heavily as well. I like that it dries so quickly, doesn’t hold onto stains and wicks moisture away super fast. Although occasionally I’ll hear about issues with buildup or odor in microfiber, that’s never been the case here. Tide and our HE washer work together to get all our fabrics fresh and clean.

Performance: Used as is, with just the attached soaker, I would say the absorbency of this diaper is good, but you may need to add a booster. Ingrid can sometimes wear it through a long nap, but not always. We’ve had the best luck changing about every 2 hours or so. Luckily, it’s incredibly easy to tuck a small doubler under the soaker for a boost of absorbency without adding much bulk.

Even with an extra doubler, however, we haven’t used this AIO successfully overnight.

As Thirsties promises, this diaper dries super quick. In fact, that’s one of my favorite features. You can go from wearing to washing and back again that much faster.

Durability: We’ve used our Thirsties AIO diapers for just under 6 months and haven’t had any issues in terms of durability. They look and function like new. This is a well-made diaper with a quality of workmanship that you can quickly see upon inspection. And I love Thirsties snaps; they are strong and reliable. In all our years of using Thirsties covers, we’ve never experienced a snap failure.

Fit: The Thirsties AIO is a super trim diaper as is. The two snaps at the waistband make for smooth and secure closure. If using this diaper on the small setting, you can fold the soaker under a bit to shorten it. The only thing I would change about this diaper is for the soaker to be attached at the back instead of the front; it pulls the top of the waistband down and in just a little bit. This is only a cosmetic thing, however. Oh, and a PUL strip at the inside front of the waistband for tummy sleepers might be a nice feature, too. 🙂

Here is the diaper on Ingrid, who is 18 months and close to 20 pounds.

It also fits on Erik, our three-year-old, although the fit is very low rise. He’s very slim for his age.

I think the size range of 8 to 40 pounds is fairly accurate. Even at its smallest setting, the Thirsties AIO isn’t as small or as trim as its newborn counterpart (the new Thirsties Newborn AIO – see photo comparison below). So it will likely start fitting best at about 9 pounds or bigger. Can it really go up to 40 pounds? Conceivably, yes, depending on your child’s build. It looks terrific on Erik; he’s 3 and about 30 pounds and there’s room to grow. But he’s very slender. This diaper would not have fit on Susanna when she was around 30-ish pounds because she was pretty chubby at that age. And keep in mind that you’ll likely need to add some absorbency to the diaper if a toddler is going to be wearing it.

Summary: I think the Thirsties one-size AIO is a great option for those who want a high-quality, trim and easy-to-use diaper. And don’t forget the cuteness factor; through the years Thirsties has continued to roll out an impressive array of colors and prints to choose from. (The diapers featured today are “Mountain Range” from the Woodlands Collection and “Straight to My Heart.”) Kudos to Thirsties for keeping this AIO at under $20 and offering a generous 1-year warranty. As mentioned above, depending on your baby’s needs and when you’ll be using the diaper, additional absorbency may need to be added.

Here are some places where y’all can find Thirsties diapers, covers and inserts with FREE shipping!

Diaper Junction
Diaper Safari
Nicki’s Diapers (pockets and covers ship free)
Abby’s Lane
Sweetbottoms Baby

Giveaway:

One lucky Zephyr Hill reader will win a sweet little Thirsties prize package which includes the AIO diaper with snaps and a matching wet bag, both in the new limited edition “Straight to My Heart” print. Open to US residents and ends on Feb. 5th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Diaper Safari Pocket Review & Giveaway (New Colors!)

January 19, 2016 by Anne Marie 76 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erik, our 3 year old, often wears Diaper Safari pockets overnight. They run on the larger size and fit him very comfortably. Because the pocket is big, I can stuff a lot in there to keep him dry. If I want the diaper be more trim under his pajamas, I’ll use a Diaper Safari hemp and microfiber insert together.

I especially like our Diaper Safari pockets on a toddler. Maybe it’s because they are generously sized? This is not a diaper that will fit from birth, but past that stage it’s highly adjustable and very customizable.

You can see pictures of Diaper Safari pockets on Erik when he was 22 months here.

I like how the Diaper Safari pockets fit Ingrid when there’s just one insert inside (microfiber or hemp). A trimmer diaper looks better on her chubby little body. Erik is more thin and wears the diaper better when it’s stuffed full.

You can see Ingrid in a Diaper Safari pocket when she was 3 months, here on my previous review. Interestingly, the leg elastics on our animal print pockets (reviewed last year) seem to be slightly tighter than these newer pockets. For Ingrid that’s not a drawback, however, because as mentioned above, she has really chubby little legs.

Any room for improvement? The Diaper Safari pocket is lined with microsuede. It does a good job keeping our little ones feeling dryer, especially overnight, but my personal preference is microfleece (which is softer). Microsuede attracts hair like crazy, too. Also, having another “girl” color combo to choose from in the new line-up would be marvelous (maybe something like purple or pink with white snaps or white with pink snaps). 🙂

As for durability, our experience has been great. We’ve used Diaper Safari products for 4 different children. During that time we never had any signs of delamination. The only thing I’ve noticed on our older pockets and covers is loosening of the elastics, which is going to happen to every cloth diaper you own when it’s been used and washed so many times. We wash all our diapers on hot with Tide or Purex and dry on low.

I have had one minor issue with the rise snaps. With the Flamingo (pink) diaper, two of the rise snaps don’t fasten very securely. I can’t push them in all the way, so they will sometimes pop back open as I’m putting the diaper on Ingrid. It’s aggravating, but since it only happens with one diaper I figure it must be a factory flaw. Our Spidey diaper doesn’t do this, nor do our animal print diapers (released last year).

What about the hook and loop closure? I am updating this post because we purchased a hook and loop pocket from Diaper Safari a couple of months ago. Over time, I’ve noticed a few things. Ingrid can easily take the diaper off, so in terms of strength the velcro is just fair. Also, during the day when’s she’s really active, the waistband will sometimes curl in; that means the white scratchy part of the velcro will rub against her tummy. At night, in her crib and pretty stationary, this hasn’t been an issue. As a plus, I like how the Diaper Safari pocket fits even better with the hook and loop closure. Having maybe 2 or 3 of these easy-to-put-on diapers in our stash is really nice (my pre-teen helps with changes and loves the hook and loop), but snaps are what I prefer for the majority.

diapersafarivelcro

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

Giveaway

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway