Tiny Tush Elite Mini Newborn Pocket Cloth Diaper Review

Jan 18,2012 / By Maria / 6 Comments

I’ve previously reviewed the Tiny Tush Elite pocket diaper, and also received a snap version when I participated in their print reveal. The Tiny Tush Elite Mini Pocket Diaper came highly recommended by one of my favorite retailers, so I wanted to give it a try. The Tiny Tush is estimated to fit babies 7-35 lbs, and the mini fits 4-15 lbs.

It really does look like a mini version of the one-size (closures, laundry tabs, elastic, pocket, stay-dry inner) and I’m a major sucker for “mini” anything. Oh em gee, a mini ketchup bottle! Squee! LOL I wish they had made it a bit narrower through the crotch though for a trimmer fit on little babies.

The mini one-size has an insert that is like a tiny, thin “baby” microfiber towel. Like a microfiber washcloth.

Here is the mini one size compared to the one-size, both on their smallest settings.

I feel the largest setting of the mini is pretty equal to the next-to-smallest (infant/small) of the one-size diaper’s 4 settings:

Here is the mini one-size on the XS setting measured folded and stretched:

Small:

Medium:

Large:

Again, I know I have my real baby now 🙂 but so my reviews are consistent, here’s my version 1 “model” in a preemie disposable compared to the XS Tiny Tush mini:

Newborn disposable vs Tiny Tush mini, small setting:

Size 1 disposable vs Tiny Tush mini size medium:

I liked the concept and look of this diaper, and I was hopeful since it came so highly recommended. It’s also available in 12 great colors plus white, although the retailer I purchased from only had a few. Unfortunately it just didn’t fit my little guy very well, and the insert wasn’t absorbent enough.

Here he is at less than a week old, and about 6 lbs 5 oz (you may have seen this photo last week in my post about my newborn cloth diaper experience):

I imagine that when my son is a little bit bigger, I might like this diaper a lot (with a different insert,) but for now I just think it’s too bulky & ill-fitting. We were also not able to do diapers over the cord stump like the recommending party, since it let the area stay too damp, despite stay dry inners and frequent changing. Update-fits much better at 8-9 weeks old, and works with a newborn microfiber insert and organic doubler.

It goes to show that just because someone else did or didn’t like a diaper, it doesn’t mean the same will be true for you!

FTC compliance: I purchased this diaper at normal retail price. I was not asked to write, nor was I compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

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Swaddlebees Newborn Simplex Cloth Diaper Review

Jan 17,2012 / By Maria / 4 Comments

I snagged a Swaddlebees Simplex Newborn AIO during their Black Friday turkey hunt (hunt for turkeys and get a special deal or coupon each day.)

The diapers retail for $16.95 each, which I think is on the higher side for a newborn diaper.

The diaper has two snaps on each wing, and the closure is a wee bit awkward when you’re closing it tightly with the cord snap down snapped.

The soaker is half sewn in, and the rest actually tucks into the pocket (I suppose this would be considered a “tongue” soaker.) This is my least favorite type of AIO, personally. True that it gets a bit cleaner and dries faster than a sewn in soaker, but if you still have to do the work of stuffing, why not do a pocket diaper & have the freedom to change the soaker out entirely and/or treat it separately?

Here I’ve measured it folded and stretched:

Now, I know my “real” diaper “model” is here, but just for consistency in my reviews, here’s my previous “model” in preemie and newborn disposables, compared to the simplex:

Here’s my little guy at less than a week old and about 6 lb 5 oz (you may have already seen these photos in my post about my one-month update on newborn cloth.)

I did not care for this diaper. The birdseye inner/soaker and the outer both reminded me a lot of the Kushies diapers. I did like that it came down pretty low to stay under the umbilical cord stump, but it was hard to make sure the soaker didn’t stick out the back. If the diapers were half the price, I’d feel differently (of course this is totally my opinion!! You may love these!)

FTC compliance: I purchased this diaper at a discount available to anyone. I was not asked to write, nor was I compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

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Carousel Designs Crib Blanket Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 1/26)

Jan 12,2012 / By Maria / 13 Comments

In October, I posted about the Carousel Designs Custom Baby Bedding Designer.

We haven’t ordered anything yet, since our son isn’t sleeping in his room just yet, but we’ve picked out what we like!

The design I created uses the gray zoology fabric, but what we liked is a little different than their standard set. (I made the bumper white since I won’t be using a fluffy bumper!)

Carousel Designs sent me their gray zoology crib blanket, which retails for $54, but is on sale for $49.

There is is next to the fabric samples I ordered. As a side note, I love that they included a very large piece of the print (probably can’t tell how big it is in the photo), and they also included two gray samples, since their dye lot would be changing soon. The difference was hard to notice, but I thought it was a nice touch.

The crib blanket has minky on the reverse side.

Blankets measure about 34″ x 43″.

They are made in the U.S.A.!

Apparently I’m not very good at following directions, because even though I took a picture of the washing instructions, I proceeded to wash the blanket on warm & dry it in the dryer. After washing & drying, the two materials shrunk at different rates leaving the edges rolling and overall messy looking. Doesn’t affect function but I find it very annoying. If I had hand washed on cold and line dried, I probably wouldn’t have this problem, so it’s really my own fault. Though even if I’d washed it correctly initially, it would be a matter of time before I tossed it in without thinking! The blanket is super soft, adorable, and perfect for cuddling up, or to put down when baby is playing on the floor/for tummy time.

~~Giveaway: One reader will receive his or her choice of Carousel Designs crib blanket (ARV $54) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, nor associated with Facebook. By entering, you release Facebook from any responsibility and understand that the information entered on this form will not be disclosed to Facebook.

FTC compliance: Although I received an item for review purposes, I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

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Newborn Cloth Diapers – My Opinions After a Month

Jan 11,2012 / By Maria / 99 Comments

Post and linked posts may contain affiliate links. There’s a picture of my real model next to my previous model. 🙂 You have probably seen my reviews of newborn diapers that I did without a baby while I was expecting my son (and I think maybe even a few before!) If you’re ever looking for one, don’t forget about my review archive.

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Apparel & Accessories Giveaway Review

Squeem Miracle Vest (Magical Lingerie/Compression Shapewear) Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 1/19) U.S./Canada

Jan 5,2012 / By Maria / 18 Comments

Squeem “magical lingerie” has been made in Brazil for nearly 40 years. Squeem says they use “technology and function to create magic.” I heard about Squeem while reading reviews for other shapewear on Amazon, and a reviewer mentioned that Squeem was way better. After trying the miracle vest, I’m pretty sure there is some actual magic sprinkled on during the manufacturing process. 😉

The miracle vest I tried is part of their classic collection. It uses control fit technology, which combines cotton and natural rubber into a single, compressive layer.

Squeem suggests you wait until initial postpartum swelling has gone down before using their products. I was a little antsy to start using the miracle vest, but I was afraid of choosing a size too large & growing (shrinking) out of it too quickly. I was probably closer to a medium on the size chart, but asked for a small. When I first got/tried it (around 2 weeks postpartum), I had to struggle to get it closed, and I really should have followed their advice to go with the larger size if you’re between sizes! I impatiently waited another week and it was far easier to get closed!

The miracle vest lifts your chest, flattens your tummy and supports your back, improving posture.

The rubber outer allows the vest to conform to your body.

It has little details like adjustable straps and spandex at the underarms to prevent bulges.

The vest has hook & eye closures, and there are two settings. You start at the bottom and work your way up to close the vest.

The rubber always goes on the outside, never against your skin, and it closes in front.

The triple filtered cotton lining is super soft against your skin, and there is flexible internal boning.

There are several other products in their classic collection, and they also have a fashion and light collections.

There’s me at 3 weeks postpartum in an unflatteringly tight top.

The miracle vest did tend to want to fold in a little bit at my waist and back, but I think that’s because I’m still technically more of a medium than a small.

There’s the miracle/magical part. I can’t really show you too much but holy cow! Va-va-voom! I felt amazing! Squeem recommends total wear of 8-10 hours a day, easing into it starting with an hour, then two hours etc. if you’re not used to shapewear (I’m not.) It does tend to roll up when I sit, but I think that’s a combination of the small being a bit too small, and my terrible slouchy posture. Even when (should I say if?) I lose all the weight (I did with my son, so I’ll say when) I still want a Squeem miracle vest, especially when I want that “whoa Mama” shape for a special occasion! The vest is available from an XS to a 5XL, so you can look your best no matter what size you are. I’d also love to have a sexy body panty!

The MSRP of the miracle vest is $74.90, and it’s available in both beige and black. You can find Squeem online and in stores.

Be sure to “like” Squeem on Facebook, follow Squeem on Twitter and check out Squeem’s YouTube channel!

Giveaway: One reader will receive a miracle vest in her choice of size and color (ARV $74.90.)