Play All Day Hemp Fleece Diaper Review and Giveaway from EcoMom – Plus a discount! (CLOSED 8/10) U.S. & Canada

Aug 3,2010 / By Maria / 152 Comments

I’ve already told you about Eco-Friendly Baby Products – EcoMom, when I reviewed the Plum/Revolution Foods products. I’m very happy that EcoMom is expanding their cloth diaper offerings! I was originally supposed to review the gDiapers (several readers have asked about them) but they were such a popular new item, they weren’t able to let me review them just yet. Hopefully soon!

EcoMom has competitive pricing and offers free shipping on any $75 order every day. However, they also offer the EcoPass. The EcoPass is $99 for the year ($8.25/mo) and gets you free shipping plus 15% off of all orders! At this time, there are no restrictions on that. It’s good on both oversize and expensive items!

EcoMom has a new feature, the “daily deal.” As an EcoPass holder, you would be entitled to buy the daily deals (plus new products!) before anyone else, and that free shipping would really make it a deal!

Also, check out their “What Does EcoMom® Mean to Me” – Video Contest and you could win a $200 shopping spree!

The diaper EcoMom sent me is an organic hemp fleece fitted diaper by Play All Day.

The diaper is 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton fleece. I received a size medium, which fits 16-28 pounds.

The body of the diaper has 3 layers of organic hemp fleece, while the soaker has two. Edges are all serged.

The diaper is sized pretty generously to fit a wide range, but the snap overlaps help fit smaller babies.

Like other hemp/organic cotton products, it needed to be washed and dried 3 times on hot before use, to remove the natural oils. It will continue to gain absorbency through 8-9 washes.

After prepping, the diaper became, um, more fleece-y looking. I am sure there is a word for that, but it escapes me!

The first time I tried the diaper on my son, I didn’t double the soaker, and used it coverless.

Even though my son is on the smaller side, at around 18 pounds, I got a good fit.

We have used the diaper several times already. The first time, he “christened” it quickly, as he always does with new diapers. The second time, we got about an hour and a half out of it coverless, before I noticed some dampness on the outside in the wet zone.

With a cover, the absorbency is great. I think this would make an excellent night time diaper with a good cover or wool soaker, possibly adding a doubler for a very heavy wetter.

Hemp is excellent in a diaper, since it is very absorbent, without being bulky! The MSRP of the size medium is $17.50.

~~EcoMom is offering one reader a $15 gift certificate. Use it on a diaper, or anything you like from their store! This is open to the U.S. and Canada!~~

~~All of my readers may enter discount code SBBL287 at checkout and receive 15% off of your order through 8/31/10!~~

Here’s how to enter: You may do any or all of the below. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Be sure to leave your email address in at least one comment if it isn’t visible in your profile. If you are using the anonymous comment option, please leave it in all comments. You may use the format email at host dot com if you like.

1. ~~Visit EcoMom~~ and leave me a relevant comment such as: What product would you like to see them carry that they don’t already? What product do they carry that you would like to see me review? What would you buy with your $15 gift certificate if you win?
2. Follow this blog
3. ~~“Like” me on Facebook~~
4. ~~“Like” EcoMom on Facebook~~
5. ~~Follow me on Twitter~~
6. ~~Follow EcoMom on Twitter~~
7. Tweet about this giveaway. One tweet per day please. You may use this if you like: @chgdiapers has a #giveaway for a $15 gc from @ecomomceo for #clothdiapers or other #organic products. Ends 8/10 http://bit.ly/beJKh9
8. ~~Sign up for EcoMom’s Newsletter~~

~~This giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada.~~

I will accept entries until Tuesday August 10th, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern. I’ll select a winner with random.org’s true random number generator, and contact the winner by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner chosen. Winner’s email address will be shared with EcoMom, for prize fulfillment purposes only. Winner will be required to provide shipping address to EcoMom.

~~Remember you can use discount code SBBL287 to get 15% off of your order until August 31, 2010!~~

EcoMom graciously provided me with the pictured diaper for review purposes, and will also provide the winner with a $15 gift certificate. I was not otherwise compensated, I was not requested or required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own!

Cloth Diapers Made in the USA One Size Diapers Pocket Diapers Review Snap Closure WAHM made

Kim’s Kloth Pocket Diaper Tester Review

Jul 29,2010 / By Maria / 1 Comment

When Kim of Kim’s Crafts decided to start selling Kim’s Kloth Diapers, she needed testers. Usually a WAHM will want the feedback of moms with different age and size babies before selling outside of her circle of friends.

I like to think I’m a good tester because I’m pretty good at evaluating products in a detailed fashion, and heaven knows I don’t hold back, hee hee.

I tested a one size pocket diaper, which is right up my alley. I really enjoyed testing for Kim because she seemed to really listen to my feedback, and I didn’t have to worry about her taking my comments about the diaper as personal criticism! As you read my review, please keep in mind that I tested a prototype, and Kim took all of her tester’s feedback into account while tweaking her final product.

Kim is having the Kim’s Kloth Store grand opening on Thursday, August 5th at noon, and you can get 10% off everything all week!

The diaper has a nice pocket opening, though it wasn’t quite as big as a Bumgenius.

The snaps include the ability to overlap for small babies.

I thought the stitching was very even, I had to scrutinize to find an area that was a tiny bit off, and looking at this picture, even up close, it’s hardly noticeable.

Initially, I misunderstood and thought this was a sized diaper, and put it on my son as shipped (large setting.)

The package included clear instructions on how to adjust the leg elastic, so I think I was just having a major brain lapse that day.

It was a little loose on the large setting of course, since my son normally wears mediums.

Stuffed with the included microfiber towel, it was very trim. I’m not a huge fan of the microfiber towel for various reasons!

The next time I used the diaper, I adjusted the leg elastic. It’s easily accessible through the pocket.

The snaps are pretty “sticky” so you don’t have to worry about them coming loose during use.

It took a firm tug to get each snap out of the opening, but it wasn’t difficult at all. There are a total of four settings.

I had an extra BumGenius microfiber insert, so I decided to try it in the Kim’s Kloth.

The insert is a little wider than the diaper.

So I wasn’t able to get it to lay quite flat. I think a narrower insert would work well. If I remember correctly, the Fuzzibunz insert would probably be a great fit!

Above is the small setting, folded.

There’s the small setting, stretched.

Above, the large setting folded. I think, I think! It’s been a while since I took these photos!

Stretched

In the end, I settled on the next-to-smallest size.

Kim estimates the weight range to be 15-40 pounds. My son was around 17.5 lbs and had plenty of room to grow in them. I’d love to see this in a slightly smaller pattern as well, for newborn-15 pounds, like the stages/duo diapers that other brands have.

I noticed that the inner of the diaper got a bit pilly after several washings, and we did have a bit of wicking at the legs. However, I think that was probably due to my lack of microfiber folding skills! I’d love to try it with an insert sewn specifically to fit it.

The diapers will sell for $13 (bargain!) with a microfiber towel inluded for stuffing. You can elect to purchase a sewn insert for $1 extra. Kim also made some tweaks to the snap arrangement on the final product!

“Like” the Kim’s Crafts Facebook page to see fan submitted photos of the diaper on other babies, and keep tabs on the grand opening!

I received a diaper for the purposes of testing, opinions are mine and I wasn’t required to write a review at all, let alone a positive one. 🙂

All In One Diapers All In Two Diapers Cloth Diapers Giveaway Made in the USA Natural Fiber One Size Diapers Review

SoftBums Echo Slide to Size Diaper Review

Jul 27,2010 / By Maria / 752 Comments

One of my readers (darn, can’t remember who now!) told me about SoftBums. When I looked into them, I was really intrigued, since I’ve never seen anything quite like them!

The SoftBums system consists of a waterproof outer shell, and snap in inserts (pods).

I received a chocolate color shell (adorable!) with a dry touch pod, an organic bamboo pod and a stay dry newborn insert/doubler (mini pod).

That isn’t what makes it so unique though! SoftBums doesn’t have a snap down rise or adjustable elastic with 3 or 4 sizes. It doesn’t have a fold down rise with 2 sizes. It has infinitely adjustable elastic with a drawstring system.

I’ve joked about newborn “chicken legs” but this diaper comes pretty close to fitting an actual chicken’s legs. As in buck-buck-bagawwww chicken legs. It gets that tiny!

The front of the shell has a small opening.

This is what the toggles to adjust the elastic look like. You do have to fish them out; I am positive there is zero risk of a child getting them out of the diaper, so no choking risk.

At it’s tiniest, it gets tiny. Above the diaper is folded, below it is stretched.

With the elastic fully expanded, it gets fairly large. Here it is folded.

I can’t really say “stretched” for this next pic because I had the elastic fully expanded, so there wasn’t any tension, if that makes sense!

Initially, I was kind of overwhelmed about the completely customizable elastic sizing. I’m not used to more than 4 options! I decided to take one of my son’s size mediums, and try to get the diaper to a similar size, then tweak it from there.

It took a little playing around to figure it out, but I think I got it pretty close!

The inside of the diaper is lined with super soft material, so there’s no PUL touching baby’s skin. The inserts snap in.

The inserts fit inside the diaper so perfectly, it really is an all-in-two; the cover can be re-used for several changes.

When you use the stay dry insert, you just have to be sure to fold it under, not toward the baby, so the soft microfleece is touching the skin, rather than the microfiber.

I washed the diaper and inserts, and hung the shell to dry.

I initially tried the stay-dry insert, since that’s my preference. I wish I could remember what left such awful red marks on his legs. 🙁

I usually choose pocket diapers for their ease of use, but this was super easy. Maybe it’s the Velcro closures that make it so much simpler. Other diapers I have with this type of insert have fold down rises and snap closures, so I’m folding, holding in place, folding a rise, then trying to snap 3 snaps on each wing, all while holding everything in place on a wiggly baby.

I daresay the SoftBums system is Daddy friendly!

I found the SoftBums to be very trim as well, different than other one size diapers and different than other diapers with similar soakers.

We had no leaks and no wicking. In fact, this has served as both a nap time and car-ride diaper, and I’d continue to grab for it for either situation. Especially since it is so easy to take multiple “changes” on the road with a few soakers and maybe an extra shell.

I wasn’t quite as fond of the organic bamboo insert. It was incredibly soft and absorbed very well. However, it was a bit larger than the stay dry insert, and didn’t fit quite as well in the diaper. edit: Sarah at SoftBums let me know that the organic bamboo insert will eventually shrink to the same size as the dry-touch insert. I’ve washed on hot and dried on high several times and haven’t noticed a difference just yet!

It seemed rather bulky on, and I had to tuck the insert in a bit.

My package also included this cute wipe. My daughter tried to claim it to use for her babies since it is girly, but it is so soft, and stacks perfectly on top of my Thirsties wipes, so I’ve been using it. I don’t think my son has noticed the teapots!

When I have some funds, I definitely want to buy another SoftBums Echo shell and a few stay dry pods to use on the go. I also think adding a few of the mini pods would make a great and affordable newborn solution! A single shell retails for $21.95, DryTouch Pods $4.95, SUPER DryTouch (extra absorbent) Pods $5.95, Organic Pods $9.95 and Mini Pods $2.95. The shells come in 9 colors and three limited edition prints, and there are tons of packages available! See this diaper on my newborn.

Want one? Find a retailer or win one!

One lucky reader will win a SoftBums Dry-touch Echo Solo pack in their choice of color!. Here’s how to enter:

You may do any or all of the below. Please be sure to leave your email address in at least one comment if it isn’t in your profile. If you are using the “anonymous” option, please leave your email address in all comments.

1. Visit SoftBums and tell me what color shell is your favorite.

2. Follow this blog.

3. Like me on Facebook

4. Like Softbums on Facebook

5. Follow me on Twitter

6. Follow SoftBums on Twitter

7. Tweet about this giveaway and link back here. One tweet per day please. You may use this if you like: @chgdiapers has a @softbums #slide2size #clothdiaper #giveaway until 8/6 http://bit.ly/boqwgc

8. Share this blog or giveaway somehow. See the stack of “share the love” icons on the left of the page. You can use the StumbleUpon, Digg, Reddit, Facebook or Delicious icons if you have account there, you can post about this in your Facebook status (@Fitteds and Pockets and Snappis, oh my! and @SoftBums if you do that and please link to this blog post.) You can tell a friend via email, post on a cloth diapering board or group, “Favorite” my blog on Technorati or even vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs – Mom Blog Directory I’m not picky, just share with someone you think might be interested! This is going on the honor system, just leave me a comment telling me what you did to share.

This giveaway is open to the U.S. only.

I will accept entries until Friday, August 6th at 9 P.M. Eastern. I’ll choose a winner with random.org’s true random number generator and notify the winner by email. Winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize before it is forfeited and a new winner is chosen.

Thank you to SoftBums for providing the review and giveaway products. As always, all opinions are my own, I didn’t receive any other compensation and I wasn’t requested or required to write a positive review!

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

Jun 16,2010 / By Maria / 458 Comments

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.~~

3. ~~“Like” me on Facebook~~.

4. ~~Follow me on Twitter.~~

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.

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

Jun 14,2010 / By Maria / 259 Comments

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

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.~~

3. ~~“Like” me on Facebook~~.

4. ~~Follow me on Twitter~~.

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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Category : Made in the USA

Play All Day Hemp Fleece Diaper Review and Giveaway from EcoMom – Plus a discount! (CLOSED 8/10) U.S. & Canada

Kim’s Kloth Pocket Diaper Tester Review

SoftBums Echo Slide to Size Diaper Review

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

Bagshot Row Bamboo Hybrid AIO Review & Giveaway! CLOSED

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