Post contains affiliate links, I received a prouct at no cost to review. Super Undies are adorable cloth training pants designed to look like big kid undies. The super hero inspired training pants are made in the U.S.A., and are trim, absorbent and easy to use.
If you missed my post about Lil Helper Diapers last month, I hope you’ll check it out. I already liked this company a lot before I had even touched one of their diapers!
Take a look at this video they made (it’s short!) and watch it all the way to to end (read the credits too!) You can really see their style and humor come through, just like you can on their website!
Lil Helper sent me an awesome package of their products to try.
The Bamboo Cloth Diaper in green.
The Charcoal Bamboo Diaper in blue.
and the Original Cloth Diaper in gray stars print.
As I’ll show you below, all 3 diapers are the same size, shape and concept, they simply have different materials in the shell and soakers/inserts. Lil Helper also sent me an extra of each cloth insert type.
I made a short video to show the diapers a bit better than I can with photos. Yes, I’m aware my videos are terrible and my prego brain makes me forget what I was going to say halfway through my sentences. 😉
As I said earlier, the 3 diapers are very much the same, they differ only in materials used. I have Charcoal Bamboo (CB) pictured in blue, bamboo (B) pictured in green and original (O) pictured in gray/stars.
All 3 diapers have snap closures with a hip snap to avoid wing droop. (shown L to R – O, B, CB)
Every diaper comes with a large and small snap in insert. The Original diaper comes with organic cotton inserts. The Charcoal Bamboo diaper comes with charcoal bamboo inserts, and the bamboo diaper comes with organic bamboo inserts. (shown top to bottom – O, CB, B)
The Bamboo diaper has a silky soft bamboo inner. This is amazing fabric. I want bedsheets, undergarments, shirts etc. made out of this! So far, it has stayed just as soft and silky after several washes, which is not the case for other bamboo products I have. The charcoal bamboo has an organic charcoal bamboo inner, and the original diaper has microfleece. The shell has a snap in the front and back to hold the insert. (shown L to R – B, CB, O)
They all have rear elastic, leg elastic, snap closures (with overlap), and a snap down rise to fit 7-35 lbs. (Bamboo in green, charcoal bamboo in blue & original in gray star print.) The charcoal bamboo (blue) diaper has a bamboo PUL outer that is so soft, I love it! The outer of the bamboo (green) diaper seems much nicer than standard PUL. It has a softness to it, and isn’t as “shiny” as some PUL. The original diaper and bamboo diapers come in 8 colors and 3 prints. The charcoal bamboo diapers come in 4 colors. The diaper colors are bold, yet soft. I love them. The diapers with inserts retail for $20 for the original, $23 for the bamboo and $26 for the charcoal bamboo.
Each diaper you purchase comes with a set of small and large inserts. The inserts snap together, then snap into the shell. When using the diaper on the small setting, you can use the small insert alone to make it a bit trimmer for a smaller baby that doesn’t need as much absorbency. Because the large insert has snaps on top to accept the small insert, it’s recommended that you not use the large insert without the small on top. I swear I read that on their site, and now I can’t find it. I suppose it wouldn’t be any more irritating than an exposed hip snap other diapers have, eh? (shown L to R) Original, Bamboo, Charcoal Bamboo, small insert pictured in diaper is bamboo.)
All inserts are interchangable, so you can use any of the 3 insert types in any of the 3 shells. Purchased separately, the original cotton inserts sell for $8, the organic bamboo inserts sell for $9, and the charcoal bamboo inserts sell for $10. Lil Helper calls their diapering system “all in one” since it doesn’t need a separate cover, but I consider it an “all-in-two” (AI2) since it consists of an outer diaper shell and a snap in insert. If the shell isn’t soiled, you can reuse it with a fresh insert.
Since the diaper shells are the same aside from materials used, I’ve measured each size just once, to avoid redundancy (and boring you to tears!) I pictured the small in bamboo (green), the medium in charcoal bamboo (blue) and the large in original (gray/stars.)
Small (bamboo) measured folded & stretched (as always, my measurements aren’t an exact science!):
Medium (charcoal bamboo):
Large (original):
I had to unsnap the insert in order to stretch the shell on this one.
My son is 2 1/2 and about 28 pounds. I put him in the medium setting in all 3 diapers. He is an extremely reluctant diaper model these days. My husband already told him we’re replacing him with a “new diaper model.” (LOL.) Therefore, these diapers are definitely not on him all nice & smooth & pretty. I have to slap a clean diaper on him as quickly as possible, then try to get him to stay still long enough to take pictures! (Especially hard using a new diaper for the first time, when you have to figure out which snaps to use!) They may look a little bunchy in my photos, but that’s just the nature of diapering a Speedy Gonzales, not a reflection of diaper quality. They performed wonderfully nonetheless!
Bamboo:
Charcoal bamboo:
Original:
I had to unsnap the front of the insert from the shell on the original, in order to pull the rise up (next time I’ll know to leave the back unsnapped, putting most of the absorbency in the front.) The original insert shrank a good bit, so it restricted the expansion of the diaper. That really isn’t a big deal considering that many AI2 systems have just 1 snap anyway.
I loved the bamboo & charcoal bamboo shells & inserts, and I don’t dislike the original shell. However, I really don’t like the original inserts. They were very flat & trim when brand new, but after washing them they were bunchy and fluffy. I had a hard time keeping them contained in the diaper enough to put it on! I will just use the original shell with one of the bamboo inserts!
I also received three ridiculously soft bamboo wipes (a 5 pack is $10.) Above is what they looked like/measured when brand new.
Of course, they did shrink a little bit and got a bit pilly (above is how they looked after washing) but they are still way softer than any other wipes I have, even after many washings.
Lil Helper also has wet bags.
The drawstring wet bag retails for $6, the zipper wet bag retails for $8. Both easily hold 3 diapers and are available in 8 colors.
Overall, I’m very impressed with Lil Helper. They are a great company with great products, a great mission and a fun website and attitude. The diapers and inserts are made with premium materials, but since the shells can be reused with fresh inserts, the overall cost is much lower than similar diapers. See this diaper on my newborn.
Be sure to “like” Lil Helper on Facebook, follow Lil Helper on Twitter and check out the Lil Helper blog.
Giveaway: One winner will receive three Lil Helper Diapers in his/her choice of colors. One Original Cloth (ARV $20), One Bamboo Cloth (ARV $23) and One Charcoal Bamboo Cloth (ARV $26.) Plus 3 additional liners-one of each style (Original ARV $8, Bamboo $9, Charcoal Bamboo $10) and a drawstring wet bag (ARV $6) and zippered wet bag (ARV $8.) The combined retail value of this prize is $110! Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.
I think most people have heard of Diaper Rite prefolds, but now Diaper Rite (brought to you by Diaper Junction) has one-size pocket cloth diapers too!
This incredibly affordable diaper has snap closures, a waterproof TPU outer, and stay-dry suedecloth inner. The diapers retail for just $9.95 each! There is also a version with a Bamboo inner available for $11.95. They are one-size via a snap down rise, and are estimated to fit babies from 8-35 pounds.
Each diaper comes with both a large and a small microfiber insert.
Here is the small setting measured folded and stretched:
Medium:
Large:
After I initially washed the diaper, part of the large insert came loose. It looked like the top layer wasn’t caught when it was sewn. I did contact Diaper Junction and it seems it was just a fluke, no one else has reported that problem. It happens, and I know Diaper Junction would replace it right away if it happened to you, so don’t let that turn you off from trying the diapers.
My son is 2 1/2 and about 28 pounds. He fit quite well in the medium setting, and he has lots of room to grow in this diaper.
I had no trouble getting a good fit, and we didn’t experience any leaks! With 18 colors (mine is “Timberwolf”) and such a reasonable price tag, you will want to grab a few!
Giveaway: One winner will receive a Diaper Rite one-size pocket diaper in his/her choice of color (ARV $9.95.) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.
I was on pins & needles when Bumgenius announced their new products/colors. Although AIO diapers aren’t my favorite, I had to pre-order a Bumgenius Freetime one-size AIO cloth diaper. I had to. I’m sure you understand. 😉 I chose the new color, mirror.
Since the Bumgenius Sized AIO diaper was discontinued (except the newborn AIO), the only Bumgenius AIO option was the elemental organic AIO. So, no option for those of us who prefer a stay-dry inner and/or hook & loop closures (I also prefer the encased leg elastic of the 4.0s and the old sized AIOs.)
I like hook & loop diapers, but the 4.0 H&L is the first that has held up well for me. I don’t have anything against snap diapers, but my husband really prefers the Velcro, and will dig through the pile to find one. I know he’ll never complain about me buying another diaper as long as it’s Velcro, tee-hee!! The Freetime has the same hook & loop that the 4.0 diapers have. (It also has the easily replaceable elastic the 4.0 has.)
In fact, while we’re comparing, let’s go ahead and see how they look compared to the 4.0 pocket diapers.
The Freetime and the 4.0 pocket diaper shells are very much the same as far as shape, size, cut, fit and so forth. (Stretchy tabs, available in snap or hook & loop closures, one size via snap down rise, leg elastic etc.) You can see a few subtle differences as far as the PUL at the front & back of the diapers.
Obviously, the big difference is that while the Bumgenius 4.0 is a pocket diaper, the Freetime is an AIO. One of the things I dislike most about an AIO is how difficult it can be to get the soakers clean. I tend to turn my sized AIO inside out to wash it! The Freetime has two microfiber flap soakers topped with microfleece; one sewn at the front & one at the back (they look a lot like the stay-dry flip inserts.)
The soakers have lines to help guide you in folding them. You can fold them all sorts of ways to get the maximum absorbency where you really need it. There’s also an extra layer of microfiber terry sewn into the shell. The shell inner and the soakers are topped with microfleece to keep your baby’s bottom dry.
These are the same size as the Bumgenius 4.0s, so if you like their fit, you will probably like the fit of the Freetime.
Here is the small measured folded & stretched (not an exact science of course!!)
Medium:
Large:
My son is right around 28 pounds, and the medium Freetime fit him the same way the 4.0 medium fits him.
You’ve probably noticed (or you will now!) that my “modeling” photos aren’t perfect. Often the diaper is closed slightly crooked, is a little bunchy etc. etc. It’s not because I’m lazy or don’t want to make the diaper look nice. In actuality, it’s because I am changing a 2 1/2 year old who is usually moving while I do it! This is just how the diapers go on, and I want to test them as I’m likely to use them vs. trying to hold him down for 2 minutes to make the diaper look perfect, because that’s just not realistic for us!
I’ve never been disappointed by a Cottonbabies product, and I’m not disappointed with this one. Still, I wouldn’t buy another one. I, personally, find a pre-stuffed pocket diaper just as easy (if not easier) than an AIO like this, and stuffing the diapers takes about the same amount of time as making sure the soakers are folded properly. At $19.95 each, the Freetime costs $2 more than the 4.0 pocket diaper, and I love that you can easily treat/bleach the pocket inserts separately and/or replace them if needed. You can also toss the inserts in the dryer & hang the shells to dry. With an AIO, you have to either machine dry the whole thing & risk a bit of pre-mature wear & tear on the shells, or wait a bit longer for the whole thing to air dry.
FTC compliance: I purchased the pictured items at normal retail prices. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.
Post contains affiliate link I mentioned during the virtual baby shower event that I really wanted to get my son a new crib mattress. He was using a hand-me-down mattress from my daughter, which was about 7 years old. It was cheap to begin with, and the side she had been using was cracked. I have no idea what brand it was, but it was white vinyl with pink & blue flowers printed on it, and it was about as far from organic as you can get!
I heard about Naturepedic online and was immediately impressed. They have a long, long list of certifications including: Greenguard, Certified Organic Mattress Manufacturer, Organic Exchange and more. They’ve received numerous awards and recommendations as well.
When my husband as carrying the mattress upstairs for me, he was really surprised to see the “Made in the U.S.A.” sticker. He said something along the lines of “whoa, you don’t often see that!” Yep, Naturepedic products are made in the U.S.A. in Ohio!
From Naturepedic’s website:
Why Choose a Naturepedic Mattress?
Simple. The health and safety of your child should not be negotiable.
Naturepedic products eliminate hazardous chemicals found in conventional mattresses while offering a more natural and non-toxic alternative for parents. In addition, Naturepedic does not sacrifice critical features and benefits such as waterproofing and a hypoallergenic design. With so many “organic/natural/eco” options available (cotton batting, soybean foam, coconut husks, natural latex/rubber, wool, etc.), it can be difficult to differentiate among the various offerings.
Naturepedic was founded by a quarter century environmental engineer familiar with hazardous chemicals. Through in-depth research, Naturepedic has identified and selected the most natural and non-toxic materials that make sense on a practical level. All Naturepedic products follow these principles and priorities:
Priority #1: No harmful chemicals.
Priority #2: No allergenic materials.
Priority #3: Natural, organic and renewable materials wherever possible.
Priority #4: Practical design (e.g. easy-to-clean waterproof cover).
Priority #5: Third party independent testing and verification.
Naturepedic backs up its product development with scientific data. In particular, Naturepedic products are regularly tested for chemical emissions and are certified by GREENGUARD® to meet their strict standards for children.
Naturepedic doesn’t just have crib mattresses, they have twin, full and queen size organic mattresses, organic sheets and pillows, organic mattress pads & toppers and organic mattresses for bassinets, mini cribs, portable cribs, even organic mattresses for oval and round cribs like the Stokke Sleepi!
I was thrilled to receive the 2-in-1 Organic Cotton Ultra Baby Crib & Toddler Mattress.
This mattress is really unique, in that one side is a firm, waterproof organic cotton fabric, and the other is a softer, quilted organic cotton fabric (not waterproof) that looks and feels like a traditional, “grownup” mattress. The filling is organic cotton, and the mattress has 252 coils with heavy duty edge support. The firmness meets pediatrician and CPSC recommendations for crib mattress safety. However, I laid the mattress on the floor and tested it out myself and it was quite comfy!
The hypoallergenic design doesn’t have any wool or latex, and the non-toxic fire protection (based on the unique fire retardant properties of baking soda and hydrated silica permanently bonded to cellulose) meets fire regulations without using questionable chemicals. The organic cotton filling is also significantly less flammable than the polyurethane foam contained in most crib mattresses.
I am using the waterproof side (which isn’t at all gross, crinkly, vinyl-y, hot/sweaty etc.) for now. Any accidents or messes can just be wiped up.
When we switch over to the toddler bed, and my son has the night time potty thing mostly down, we’ll flip the mattress over to the quilted side (using a waterproof pad on top, just in case!)
The crib mattress measures 27.75″ x 52″ x 6″ and also fits toddler beds. The mattress fits snugly, which is recommended for optimum safety. However, I didn’t find it difficult to get the mattress into the crib either. Pardon the wrinkly sheet! It was a clean one I’d just put on and it had been in a drawer, not exactly neatly folded, LOL.
Naturepedic products are premium products that have been designed with the help of pediatricians, orthopedic specialists, chemists, and engineers, so I’m not surprised that the classic crib mattress starts at $259. The 2-in-1 mattress I reviewed retails for $399. However, this is a truly organic crib mattress, with none of the chemicals or hazards associated with traditional mattresses. They are an incredibly high quality product, and I would expect it to last from birth until your child is ready for a twin bed, however long that is. They are even backed with a limited lifetime warranty. Naturepedic is also a family owned business and the products are made in the U.S.A.
You can shop for Naturepedic products on their website, or find a store near you.
Be sure to check out the Naturepedic blog, sign up for the Naturepedic Newsletter, “like” Naturepedic on Facebook, follow Naturepedic on Twitter and subscribe to the Naturepedic YouTube Channel.
Naturepedic also sells fabulous Organic Contoured Changing Pads, and one of you is going to win one! This prize has a $99 value!!
Features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a clear 100% polyethylene food-grade waterproof coating. Non-allergenic and easy-to-clean.
Pure, Natural, and chemical-free
Features Air-Core™, a non-toxic environmentally friendly support layer made from
100% food-grade polyethylene. Air-Core is a network of closed cell air pockets that provide a firm and comfortable base without the toxic properties of polyurethane foam and the allergenic concerns of latex rubber.
NO Vinyl, PVC, or Phthalates
NO Polyurethane Foam
NO Latex or Wool (for allergy concerns)
Features Safety Buckle to Secure Baby while Changing
Easy Snap Screws Secure to Dresser
Measures 16.5″ x 33″ x 4″
Giveaway: One winner will receive a 4-sided organic contoured changing pad (ARV $99.) Entries go in the Rafflecopter form.
Maria wants to live in a world where cloth diapers are the norm and moms can make parenting choices without judgement. When she’s not chasing her 18, 14 and 11-year old kids around, you might find her checking out the latest gadgets, organizing something (again) or exercising in the fresh air. Read More »
