Category : Cloth Diapers

All In One Diapers Cloth Diapers Giveaway Pocket Diapers Snap Closure Velcro/Aplix Closure

Favorite things “mini stash” giveaway – 3 diapers CLOSED

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I’ve said before how I wish I were wealthy, so I could send each of my readers a package with one of each of my favorite diapers.  Unfortunately for all of you (and me too), I’m not.  I have however, gotten lots of great stuff because of this blog, and I just earned my first little bit of money.  None of that would be possible without you.
So, I decided to pay it forward and offer one blog reader a “mini stash” of three of my favorite diapers.  Here’s the deal: This is just three of the diapers I like a lot.  I have other favorites too.  I don’t want my other diapers to be sad that these three were getting special attention! 
You’ll notice they are all snap closure diapers.  That may seem strange since you probably know that I prefer aplix/Velcro for ease of use and adjustability. Unfortunately, I don’t have a single Velcro diaper that hasn’t given me some kind of trouble, usually from the aplix itself.  It either immediately won’t stick to the laundry tabs, sticks too much and is difficult to remove, or is good initially but poops out over time.  Also, my son has discovered the Velcro, so now as soon as I close a diaper, I hear “rrriiiipppppp.”  Hee hee.
Here’s how it’s going to work: Follow the “rules” at the bottom of the post as usual to get your entries.  I’ve taken photos of my own diapers for this post, but the winner will choose their own.  I buy them and have them shipped to you.  The winner will give me a first and second color choice for each item!
As of now, I’m planning to buy from Diaper Junction, but I reserve the right to change my place of purchase based on availability, price, or my whim.  🙂  Diaper Junction is one of a few online stores I like to buy from; they’re usually the second place I look, if my first choice is out of stock or doesn’t sell the item I’m looking for.  They have a good selection and are usually well stocked.  You have to spend $75 to get free shipping, but their shipping rates are very reasonable.  You don’t have to pay $5 or $10 flat rate shipping charges for one item. 

 

The winner will get one Kissaluvs Marvels AIO, one Flip Diaper with stay dry insert, and one Smartipants diaper (insert included).
My Kissaluvs diaper was one I was blessed to receive as a review diaper.  Click that link to read my full review.  I haven’t quite been using my diaper for two months, but it quickly became a favorite.
It’s an all in one diaper, but the insert is only sewn at one end.  When I wash it, it turns completely inside out for thorough washing and faster drying.  I haven’t had any stink issues, but the design would make it easy to remove the insert if you had to, and use it as a pocket diaper, or replace the insert.
The Marvels AIO is one size by way of a snap down rise (my favorite) has the microfleece inner I prefer and has an easy snap setup.  It fits wonderfully and doesn’t leak.  It’s one of a few that I would grab if we were going out or if my son was getting ready to nap.  It’s a little pricier than some others, but definitely not the most expensive.
I bought my Flip when the Bumgenius spend $10 get a free AIO coupon was out.  Again, you can click that link to read my full review. 
The flip is a hybrid or an all-in-two, depending on who you talk to.  You can get stay dry, organic, or disposable inserts for it.  Pairing the flip with inserts (changing the cover only when soiled, wiping between uses) or prefolds can be a very affordable way to get started in cloth.
Again, it has a snap down rise to make it one size, and an easy snap closure.  I only have the one insert, so after I’ve used it, I use the cover with my fitteds.  It’s trimmer than a true cover would be, but it still works fine.  It fits great, doesn’t leak and again, it’s one I reach for if my son may be in it for a while.
I’ve been using my Smartipants diaper for over six months now.  Initially, I wasn’t that impressed.  It’s not that I didn’t like it, I just thought that it wasn’t that great.  It didn’t seem like anything special, and it was only $3 cheaper than the Bumgenius 3.0, but didn’t include a doubler.
The Smartipants is the perfect example of why I give things a good use, trying not to make a judgment based on initial impressions.  I also think it’s smart to try different things, rather than put all your “eggs” in one basket.  You never really know what you will like, or how your feelings will change over time!
The common theme here of course is that it’s one size via a snap down rise, has a simple snap layout, fits well and seems to be leak proof.  In fact, I keep this diaper upstairs, and if it’s clean, it’s the first one I put on my son in the morning.
I just took this photo, so this is what it looks like after 6 months of nearly daily use!  What’s unique about this diaper is that the insert goes under more of a patch of fabric than a pocket.  It has openings at the front and back, and the insert agitates out in the wash.  With my other pocket diapers, I pull the inserts out before I put them in my wet bag, so I can just dump it in the washer on wash day (don’t want to touch them again, ick!)  This one, I can put directly in the wet bag.
So, there you have it.  A few of the diapers I reach for first, just don’t tell the others they’re my “favorites!”
Here’s how to enter to win one of each, in your choice of color (subject to availability, I reserve the right to make substitutions):
Do any or all of the below.  Leave a comment for each entry.  Be sure to leave your email address in at least one of your comments, if it isn’t visible in your profile.  This giveaway may seem swayed toward my followers since I’m offering some extra entries for using my button, adding me to your blogroll etc.  That’s because it is.  I want everyone to enter (hence the easy peasy entry as always) but hey, I want to encourage people to keep coming back and give my loyal readers a good chance to win!
1. Leave me a comment.  Anything you’d like to say.  What’s your favorite diaper?  What’s the first cloth diaper you used?  Have your likes changed over time?  What would you like to see me review or give away?  Do you like how I run my giveaways?  Any other entry options you’d like to see?  Are there too many? You don’t have to answer all that, just some ideas of what to talk to me about!
2. Follow my blog.  Your choice of Google friend connect, RSS feed or email.
5. Tweet about this giveaway and include a link.  One tweet per day please.  I go back and forth on whether to allow tweeting more often, but I don’t want people to associate my “name” with annoying giveaway tweets, nor do I want to make it too confusing!  You may use this tweet if you like: kissaluvs, flip and smartipants #clothdiaper #giveaway from @chgdiapers. Build your stash! Ends 7/8 http://bit.ly/aC6UYz
6. Blog about this giveaway and link back here.
7. Grab my button and tell me where to find it.  (Put it in a highly visible area somewhere on the main page of your blog for this entry.  Sidebar etc.  If it’s on a harder to find page, you qualify for the blog roll entry only.)
8. List me on your blog roll, leave me a link to it.
I will accept entries until Thursday, July 8th, 2010 at 9 P.M., Eastern.  I’ll select a winner with random.org’s true random number generator and notify the winner by email.  The winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen.
Please note that this giveaway is not approved by, endorsed by or affiliated with the above diaper companies, or any diaper retailer.
Quick reminders to please send me a message if you’d like to be listed on my blogroll or if you have a link that should be included on my link page, or if you know of an affiliate program you think I may like to add to the bottom of that link page.  Also if you have any questions or have suggestions for reviews or giveaways!
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Eco-Friendly/Green Giveaway Made in the USA Reusable Products Review Wet Bags & Pail Liners

Planet Wise Diaper/Swim Wet/Dry Bag Review & Giveaway CLOSED

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Is there a company that you love?  One that makes great products, has great service and great company practices?  Do you get excited when you find out they’re coming out with a new product?  Do you tell everyone you know about them?  For me, that’s Planet Wise Inc.

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I love my small, medium and large wet bags, wet/dry bag and wipes pouch.  Planet Wise are the only wet bags I’ve ever bought; I never felt the need to look for any others because they are so great. 
In case you’re wondering, I bought all of my wet bags myself.  I haven’t been paid to endorse Planet Wise.  I’m having no luck coming up with a clever joke about how I’m cheap and can be easily bribed.  Hmm…
In any case, I had the opportunity to review a brand new item from Planet Wise, the Swim/Diaper Bag.  I also have one to give away, so that’s your carrot to see this through to the end (or just scroll down, but I know you would never do that, would you?)  By the way, who would seriously be enticed by a carrot?  How about a cupcake or something at least.  Jeez.  If you’re gonna bribe me, it’s going to have to be better than rabbit food.

I thought this would be a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on Planet Wise, but I accidentally brought my interrogation lamp instead of my spotlight.  Hee hee.
Planet Wise is owned and operated by Nicki Maynard and her husband Jesse.  Their products replace their disposable counterparts and can be used for so much more than just diapers.  Their prints and colors are fantastic and are a departure from the usual “baby” prints.  Wet bags are great for travel, to keep toiletries, shoes or dirty clothes separate.  Wash and reuse instead of putting another plastic bag in the landfill!  Their packaging is also printed on recycled/recyclable paper using soy based ink!
I wish I could work for Planet Wise; employees are allowed to work flexible schedules to work around family time and school schedules and employees are welcome to bring their young children to work with them!  Alas, Planet Wise is based out of Wisconsin.
Planet Wise chooses as many USA-made materials as possible, and all products are manufactured in a locally women-owned facility.
So why do I like the wet bags so much?  Not only do they look pretty with their beautiful prints and hidden seams, they have sealed seams that will not leak, and a locking, lead free zipper.  The bags do not wick and hold in smells like nobody’s business.  They’re both versatile and durable.  They’re not going to wear out before your kids are out of diapers, but you won’t be passing them along either because you’ll be using them for a dozen other things.  Mine have been washed nearly daily since I got them, and still look new.
So clearly, it’s no secret how much I love Planet Wise.  I was like a kid on Christmas Eve when I found out the company was sending me one of their brand new swim/diaper bags to review.
I chose the spring green color which is pretty, but still neutral, and not too girly for my hubby to carry.
The swim/diaper bag has the same great features as their other wet/dry bags.  It measures about 19″ x 15″ by 8″. 
It has a large, waterproof, PVC-free inner section.
Plus a generously sized “dry” zippered section.
They say it can hold two large swim towels, plus clothes and accessories.  I of course put that to the test.  The bag looked like the perfect thing to use for a long or overnight trip. 
13 diapers, plus my Planet Wise wipes pouch stuffed with wipes and a spray bottle of wipes solution.
Yep, it all fit!
No trouble zipping it, and the structure of the bag made it stand up nicely, it didn’t topple over.
So how about 4 large beach towels, my swimsuit, my hubby’s swimsuit, my daughter’s swimsuit and my son’s swim diaper?
It all fit, zipped with no problem, and I could have fit a few snacks/toys in as well!
For swim lessons I put in: a towel, a blanket for my son to sit on, water wings and toys and snacks.  There was tons of room left!
This is a spankin’ new product, so your favorite retailer may not have them yet, but you can win one!
Planet Wise is sending one of my blog readers their own swim/diaper bag in their choice of color (subject to availability, substitutions may be made.) 

Here’s how to enter:  The first entry is mandatory, you may do as many or as few of the rest as you like.  Leave a comment for each entry  and be sure to leave your email address in at least one comment.  If I can’t contact you, I will choose another winner.

1. Visit Planet Wise and tell me what your favorite print is.  Since the swim/diaper bag is a new product, the prints aren’t yet listed on it’s page, but it should be available in all the usual colors and prints.
2. Follow my blog.
5. Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post.  One tweet per day please.  You may use this tweet if you like: @chgdiapers has a Planet Wise swim or #clothdiapers bag #giveaway for #summer #swimming! http://bit.ly/datbg3
6. Blog about Planet Wise, the new swim/diaper bag, this giveaway or this blog.  Please be sure to link back to this post and leave me a link to your blog post.

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.  I will accept entries until Monday, June 28th, 2010 at 9 P.M., Eastern.  I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator, and contact the winner by email.  S/he will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and another winner chosen.
Planet Wise provided the review product to me at no cost, and is providing the winner’s item as well.  I was not given any monetary compensation.  I wasn’t requested or required to write a positive review, Planet Wise is a great company that I personally support.
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All In One Diapers All In Two Diapers Giveaway Made in the USA One Size Diapers Review WAHM made

Bagshot Row Bamboo Hybrid AIO Review & Giveaway! CLOSED

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Bagshot Row Bamboo were the first bamboo snappiable/pinnable fitted diapers on the market.  They’re very popular, quickly selling out after each store stocking.

Like most other cloth diapers, Bagshot Row Bamboo (BSRB) diapers were created when Joyce wasn’t able to get quite the right fit with the snapping bamboo diapers she was using.  Her two-part soaker was also unique at the time, though many imitations have followed.  She made them extra long to allow for folding to gain more absorbency, and they were sewn in two parts for faster drying.

For those of us that prefer a waterproof diaper, Joyce created the Bagshot Row Bamboo Hybrid All In One.
This is a great example of why I think diaper names are confusing
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The BSRB Hybrid AIO has two full layers of non-pill fleece, and a decorative layer of cotton knit in the outer shell of the diaper.  Note that there is no PUL, so it’s a great alternative for Mamas who want a waterproof diaper, but have babies with PUL sensitivities.

There is no absorbent material sewn into the shell.  The diaper comes with a two part soaker made with bamboo/organic cotton fleece which snaps into the shell.  This is what I would call an all in two.  However, as I’ve discussed before, some people feel that only hybrid systems like the flip, where the shell can be wiped and reused for multiple changes, are all in twos.  Anything that can only be used once before laundering (in the opinion of some) is an all in one, despite being made up of two pieces.
I had no issues with wicking on this diaper, and I think that’s because the decorative cotton outer is sewn toward the back of the diaper, and not in the wet zone, where the legs would be prone to wicking.
The soaker is purposely made extra-long, to allow for double, or even triple folding.  If you double both soakers over, you will have 12 layers of absorbency.
This diaper is closure-less, meaning it does not have snaps, Velcro or another closure method built in.  You have to use pins or a snappi to secure it.  The benefit is that you’re not constrained by rise or snap settings; the fit is infinitely adjustable.  I only have one other closure-less diaper, so I’m really not the best at using snappis.  I am sure if you use them more regularly, they will be easier to use.  I’m getting better at it already. 
Even so, I still prefer snaps, and Joyce offers snaps as an option.  However, they are done by another WAHM, so you would need to contact her for a quote, pay, and wait for Joyce to send your diapers to her for the addition of snaps.
Not too bad for my first attempt!  My subsequent attempts were better, I swear!
Even though these diapers are waterproof, you should not let your baby wear them alone (no clothes) and also follow Snappi Baby’s safety instructions to NOT use a Snappi fastener on toddlers who have the ability to undo their cover and take off their diaper and/or clothes.  Snappi fasteners do have somewhat sharp grippers, and the plastic tabs could potentially be chewed/choked on.
The first time I used my BSRB AIO, the soakers were hardly wet when I changed it.  The second time, he pooped in it immediately (soakers didn’t stain at all by the way.)  So, the third time, I purposely left it on him longer than usual, so I could really test the absorbency.  I was quite surprised when I realized I could have left it on him even longer still!  There was no leaking, no wicking, and the soakers had tons of absorbency left.  They weren’t even fully saturated.
If you want your own Bagshot Row Bamboo Hybrid AIO, you’ll have to stalk her Hyenacart store.  She stocks each Friday at 4 and 6 P.M. central time.  Her diapers sell for $20-$25 depending on style. 
Or, you can win one!  Joyce will make one lucky blog reader a BSRB diaper in their choice of style and print!

Here’s how to enter:  The first entry is mandatory, the rest are optional.  You may do as few or as many as you like.  Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please make sure to include your email address in at least one comment, if it isn’t viewable in your profile.  Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only.

1. Visit Bagshot Row Bamboo’s Store and tell me what style and print you would choose if you won.  If there isn’t much in the store, you can see the items that will be stocked shortly here.
2. Follow my blog.
5. Tweet about this giveaway.  One tweet per day.  Please be sure to link to this post.  You may use this tweet if you like: @chgdiapers has a #giveaway for a Bagshot Row Bamboo Hybrid All In One #clothdiaper http://bit.ly/cNuQcV ends 6/24

I will accept entries until Thursday, June 24th, 2010 at 9 P.M., Eastern.  I’ll select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator, and notify him/her by email.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and another winner is chosen.
Bagshot Row Bamboo provided a diaper to me at no charge, for the purpose of reviewing it.  No monetary compensation was given and all opinions are honest and my own.  BSRB also will provide a diaper to one blog reader at no charge.  Thank you BSRB!
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Cloth Diapers Giveaway Made in the USA One Size Diapers Pocket Diapers Review Snap Closure WAHM made

Preston’s Pants One Size Pocket Diaper Review & Giveaway CLOSED

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Preston’s Pants makes perfect size and one-size pocket diapers (my favorite, as you know by now!)  You can get solids, prints and even embroidered designs.  They come in breathable fleece, PUL, cotton prints with hidden PUL and minky.

I am of course grateful for any review diaper I receive, since I’m evaluating the fit and function, not the cuteness.  I do have to admit that I was very excited when I opened the package and saw the cute cow print I had spotted on the Preston’s Pants website!
The perforated poly mailer made it that much faster to get to that fluff!  I much prefer this type of mailer to the kind that requires digging out the scissors and cutting carefully.
The package came with printed care instructions.  I really appreciate this, since each manufacturer/diaper maker has their own instructions.  Some are pre-washed, some aren’t, some suggest line drying, some machine drying.  It makes it nice and simple to see it right there with the new diaper. 
The sheet also had warranty info.  Yep, Colleen has an official warranty!  Most WAHMs would stand behind their product if you complained, but I like that it’s official.  I am leery of being a “complainer” but for some reason if the product were under warranty, I would feel less awkward about the complaint.  No complaints here though!
The diaper has a care tag sewn into the pocket, and this was on the reverse.  It made me laugh because cloth is an obsession!  Something I didn’t know when I started out.
The snaps were evenly applied and the stitching seemed fairly even and consistent.
The diaper came with a microfiber insert and a doubler.  I believe the doubler is organic cotton.  They are used by stuffing them in the pocket opening, not laid on top, I just did that for the picture!  My diaper has a microfleece inner, which is my preference.  Preston’s Pants can also be purchased with a bamboo inner.
Here’s the diaper on the small rise setting.
Stretched:
The large rise setting:
Stretched:
The medium setting is about the same as the medium setting on a Flip.
I usually like to try diapers out a bit before I use them for a nap or car ride, but I put this diaper to the test right away.  I stuffed it with the doubler and put it on my son as we were riding to the airport to pick up my husband.
Looks like he should be saying “Howdy Pardner!”
I got a good fit, and the snap configuration was very simple.  Easy to put on a baby on the move.
My son wore the diaper for more than four hours with no leaking or wicking!  Preston’s Pants can definitely give the “big name” pocket diapers a run for their money.  The one-size pockets start at $19.95 for solid PUL; prints and embroidery are more.  I love supporting WAHMs!
Want your own Preston’s Pants pocket diaper?  Buy oneOr, win it.  Colleen at Preston’s Pants is offering a one-size pocket diaper to a lucky blog reader (Colleen picks the color.)

Here’s how to enter.  You may do all or some of the below.  Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure the leave your email address in at least one of your comments if it isn’t visible in your profile.

1. Visit Preston’s Pants and tell me what you like.
2. Follow my blog publicly.
3. “Like” me on Facebook
5. Follow me on Twitter
7. Tweet about this giveaway.  One tweet per day.  Please include @chgdiapers and @prestonspants in your tweet.  You may use this tweet if you like @chgdiapers has a @prestonspants #clothdiapers #giveaway ending 6/18 http://bit.ly/d15g8g
8. Grab my button for your blog.  Leave me a comment letting me know where I can find it.

I will accept entries until Friday, June 18th, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern.  Open to the U.S. only.  Winner will be chosen using random.org’s true random number generator and will be notified by email.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond.
Preston’s Pants generously provided a diaper for me to review however, the free item did not influence my review.  All opinions are my own.  Results may vary, blah blah.
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Cloth Diapers Made in the USA Pocket Diapers Review Two Size/Staged Diapers Velcro/Aplix Closure

Thirsties Duo Diaper Review

I have heard people mention Thirsties duo-diapers when discussing night time diapering options, and a lot of people were interested in them after browsing the site for the fab wipes giveaway.  I was able to get one at my favorite online cloth diaper store for $17 and change after coupon, free shipping, and I had a few bucks in my Paypal account.
Before I forget: Check out my “Cloth 101” post at Village of Moms.  Today it’s basic cloth diaper types.
So here’s the deal with the Duo Diapers: they have the snap down rise that offers 3 sizes in 1 diaper, just like many one size pocket diapers, except Thirsties come in two sizes.  Size one is supposed to fit 6-18 pounds (or 0-9 months) and size two fits 18-40 pounds (or 9-36 months.)
Many one size diapers say they will fit birth through potty training, but most people find they don’t fit well until the baby is around 10 pounds, and some say they don’t fit quite through potty training.  That means even if you buy one size diapers, you could potentially have to buy three sets of sizes; newborn, one-size and XL/Toddler.  With Thirsties, you’d only have to buy two.
My guy is just over 17 pounds, so I chose the size two in Ocean blue.
The double leg gusset is supposed to better contain messes, but I’m not sure how I feel about PUL potentially being directly against his skin (didn’t bother him though.)
One thing I love is that the pocket is open on both sides, which means you don’t have to pull inserts out before washing, woo-hoo!
The Duo Diaper has a unique insert as well.  It has a two layer microfiber terry insert snapped to a 5 layer hemp jersey insert.  You stuff the diaper with the microfiber facing the baby side (inside the pocket of course!)
The size two duo diaper on the small setting
and stretched
vs a Bumgenius 3.0 on the small setting
and stretched
Thirsties duo diaper size 2 on the large setting
Stretched
vs Bumgenius 3.0 on the large setting
stretched
Overall, the Duo Diaper size 2 is just a bit larger than a Bumgenius 3.0.  Here they are one on top of the other, rises unsnapped.
Too bad they can’t “cuddle” and make some diaper babies!  Wouldn’t that be cute, some wee little BG/Thirsties babies?  Hee hee.
The small Thirsties setting seems to fit similarly to the Bumgenius 3.0 on the medium setting.
Notice that the microfleece inner was hanging out.  I didn’t find info about this happening, so I figured it might wick if it was hanging out, and I fixed it.
It’s all good in the hood, but I prefer a diaper that doesn’t require any special instructions (make sure you do this or that, don’t let the xyz hang out!)  I like diapers that anyone (who can put a sposie on) can just pick up and put on.
There’s a close up of the leg opening.  If the PUL touched his skin, it didn’t bother him.
The first two times we used this diaper, he wore it for around two hours as usual.  The third time, I put it on him before we went to drop my daughter off at preschool.  It’s about 30 minutes round trip, but while we were out, my Mom asked if we could stop by before we headed home.  I told her we couldn’t stay long since I didn’t have any diapers with me.

By the time we left, he’d had the diaper on for over 2 hours, around 2 1/2 by the time we got home.  He fell asleep on the way, so I took him upstairs, nursed him and snuck him in bed, thinking it wouldn’t work.  Well don’t you know that my little non-napper indeed napped.  By the time I changed him, he had been wearing the diaper for over 4 hours!  Eek!  Not only did we have no leaks, but there wasn’t a hint of redness on his tush either!

Of course now I definitely want some size 1 Duo Diapers for my non-existent newborn baby!  I know that the goal of all diaper companies is to get you to buy a complete stash of just their diapers, but I’d never recommend that.  Buy one and see how it goes.  If you like it, buy a few more.  I still wouldn’t recommend putting your stash in one “basket” so to speak.  Make sure you have a variety of brand and styles.  As your baby’s shape, size and wetting habits change, things may not work quite the same for you.  Or, something you loved at first, you might not like so much alter.  Just sayin’.

See the size 1 on my newborn.

I also have to see how the velcro holds up over time.  For now, it’s great!
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