GroVia All-in-Two Review & Giveaway courtesy of Bippy Diapers (CLOSED 1/25)

Jan 18,2011 / By Maria / 14 Comments

Bippy Diapers sells cloth diapers, accessories and Moby Wraps, and they sent me a GroVia AI2 in blackberry to review. I’ve been curious about GroVia (love GroVia wipes) but haven’t had a chance to try one until now.

GroVia diapers come in snap or aplix closures. The aplix closure diapers have tuck under laundry tabs. I did find them a little tough because the loop to tuck under is made of the same soft, but grabby material as the front of the diaper, so they wanted to grab on!

soaker with elastic and attached doubler

The GroVia pack I received (includes a shell and insert) is being discontinued. In the future you will have to buy the shell and insert separately, but Bippy Diapers still has the sets in stock while they last! Bippy Diapers sells the sets for $20.95, or shells alone for $16.95.

The GroVia shell is waterproof and the organic cotton soaker is backed with TPU as well. The soaker also has its own elastic, for an additional defense against blowouts. If the shell is clean, you can re-use it by snapping in a new soaker. If it’s damp, let it air dry between uses. If it’s soiled or very wet, you will of course need to wash it!

The GroVia is one-size via a snap down rise, and is estimated to fit babies from 8-35 pounds.

You don’t have to worry about a Velcro strip rubbing baby’s belly because there isn’t one! The whole upper front of the diaper is soft fabric that the tabs will stick to.

I think the blackberry is a nice purple; not too girly for a boy!

Here’s the diaper on the small setting, folded and stretched:

Medium:

Large:

The medium setting fit well on my 21ish pound little guy. Yes, I realize I have it closed crooked. Diapering this child is like trying to diaper an angry donkey sometimes! I actually really like Velcro closure diapers for this reason, I’m much faster with them than with snaps! Despite the uneven closure, I didn’t have any trouble with the fit or leaks!

Bippy Diapers sells other AI2s, plus AIOs, Pockets, Covers and accessories. Items new to the store include Bumgenius brights, GroVia prints and Moby Wraps. They offer free shipping on regular orders over $50, and flat $5 shipping on discounted orders, or orders under $50.

Giveaway: Bippy Diapers is offering one of my readers a GroVia set in their choice of boy, girl or gender neutral color (Bippy Diapers chooses the color.) ARV $20.95.

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below. I love your comments (leaving a comment is a good way to remind yourself you entered), but comments don’t count as entries! Mandatory entries include name, email address and what else you’d like to try from ~~Bippy Diapers~~ ~~. You can receive a bonus entry if you “like”~~ ~~Bippy Diapers on Facebook~~.

I will accept entries until Tuesday, January 25th, 2011 at 9:00 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.

# of entries received as of January 25th at 8:55 P.M.: 300

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dFl2WFdYUXBxMFBTeS03blpaa00tM0E6MQ

FTC compliance: Bippy Diapers sent the above product at no cost, for review purposes. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

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Cloth Diapers Diaper Covers Giveaway Made in the USA Natural Fiber Natural Fiber Diapers Newborn Diapers Prefolds PUL Review Two Size/Staged Diapers Velcro/Aplix Closure

Thirsties Size 1 Duo Wrap & Duo Hemp Prefold Review and Giveaway (CLOSED 1/20)

Jan 13,2011 / By Maria / 17 Comments

I had a gift certificate to an online store that sells cloth diapers. I don’t really need any more diapers, so in true cloth diaper addict form, I figured I’d buy some eeny teeny diapers for the newborn I don’t have (and no, I’m not pregnant either!) One of them was the Thirsties Duo Wrap in honeydew (MSRP $12.75) and duo hemp prefold (MSRP $7.00)

We’re still using the size 2 Thirsties Duo Diaper I reviewed last year, and I was curious about how the size 1 compared. I’m not really a prefold & cover mama (sometimes I think either you are or you aren’t!) but I think they would really come in handy for diapering a newborn. I know my kids could go through 15+ diapers per day as a newborn, and it would be way too expensive to buy a newborn stash of pocket diapers (my favorite), especially when you’re not entirely sure how long you’ll be using them.

The prefold is super soft, and it is sewn such that each portion is only two layers thick, for more thorough washing and faster drying.

I measured the prefold before prepping:

and after prepping (washing and drying 3 times to remove natural oils and fluff up the fibers):

It shrunk quite a bit in length, and ended up nearly square.

The wraps are available in snap or aplix closures, but I chose the aplix. Our duo diaper is also aplix, and after more than 7 months in our regular rotation, the aplix laundry tabs show no signs of wear and we have no issues at all.

The wrap has the same Thirsties double leg gussets as the duo diaper, but instead of a lining and pocket, it just has a wipe-able inner.

The wraps are a “duo” 2-stage system, where each size has three rise snap size adjustments. Typically, people have to buy newborn size diapers when “one size” diapers don’t fit their newborn. Then they buy one-size diapers, often followed by large/toddler size diapers when the child outgrows the one size. With the Thirsties Duo system, the size 1 fits 6-18 pounds, and the size 2 fits 18-40 pounds, making only two sizes necessary.

Note: In the pictures below, I have the prefold tucked under the PUL flap. This was incorrect and my mistake since I’m used to other diaper covers that have this flap to hold the insert on place. Thirsties actually puts this flap there to protect the snaps and stitching from touching the wet prefold or insert (it doesn’t have the additional layer over that area like the Flip does.) Tucking it in can lead to compression leaks, so don’t do what I did!

Here’s the size 1 on the small setting, folded and stretched (as always, my measurements are to give you an idea of how diapers compare, it’s not an exact science!)

Medium:

Large:

Here’s the duo wrap size 1 compared to the duo diaper size 2 (both on the small setting):

Here is the duo diaper size 2 (small setting) and the duo wrap size 1 large setting) on my 21ish lb son, both taken the same day:

Since I don’t have a newborn tester, I had to call in my usual newborn diaper model.

To compare, here he is in a newborn disposable:

The wrap is recommended for use over trifolded prefolds or trim fitteds. For bulkier systems, Thirsties suggests their diaper covers. I tried the wrap over a Kissaluvs Size 0 Fitted and it fit just fine.

thirsties duo wrap over kissaluvs fitted

Don’t laugh at me, I don’t have much experience with prefolds, but I wanted to try to snappi the prefold in addition to trifolding it.

thirsties dup hemp prefold ize 1 snappied

Here’s my model in the size 1 wrap with trifolded prefold, on the small setting:

I love Thirsties products and I think the stay dry duo insert would make this an even more fantastic system! My only complaint is that I have a heck of a time typing “duo.” I type “dup” nearly every time, LOL! See fit on my newborn.

Giveaway: Thirsties is offering one lucky reader a Duo Wrap and Prefold in his/her choice of size, color and closure!

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below. I love your comments, but comments don’t count as entries! Mandatory entries include name, email address and your favorite ~~Thirsties~~ ~~product, or one you’d love to try. You can receive a bonus entry if you “like”~~ ~~Thirsties on Facebook~~.

I will accept entries until Thursday, January 20th, 2011 at 9:00 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.

# of entries received as of January 20th at giveaway close: 220

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dDIwdVZUY2FQRENvSGxhdUItOVBHUGc6MQ

FTC compliance: While Thirsties is sending a product to the giveaway winner, I was not given products or other compensation for this post and all opinions are my own.

Cloth Diapers Giveaway One Size Diapers Pocket Diapers Review

GoGreen Champ Pocket Diaper Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 1/18)

Jan 11,2011 / By Maria / 9 Comments

GoGreen Pocket Diapers sent me their brand new champ pocket diaper to try. GoGreen diapers are known to be high quality, affordable pocket diapers. I haven’t gotten to try one of their standard diapers (which retail for $8.99-$9.99), but I’ve heard they are excellent diapers. This week, the standard diapers are restocking with added features, including snap overlap, hip snaps and the same low price. The champ is slightly more at $14.95, but has additional features that make it worth it (and $14.95 is an awesome price for a 1-size pocket diaper with two inserts anyway!)

Black GoGreen Diaper with multicolored snaps and 4 rise settings

I received the “Champ Noir,” which is a black diaper, with multicolored snaps. The champ has two rows of snap closures vs. the standard’s one, and the multicolored snaps make it far easier to get it snapped correctly! It is a one-size diaper by way of rise snaps, and the champ has four rise settings, to the standard diaper’s three.

The snap overlap and the 4th rise setting mean the champ will fit even smaller babies.

The champ comes with two full size, 3-layer microfiber/bamboo blend inserts (the standard dipe includes one microfiber terry insert.)

two 3-layer bamboo microfiber blend inserts

The champ has a bamboo blend microsuede inner and double leg gussets to contain messes.

bamboo blend microsuede lining and double gussets

The diaper and insert have a snap, so the insert can be snapped in place. The first time I used the diaper, the insert shifted forward (or something) and caused the inner to poof out a little. The diaper didn’t wick or leak, and the next several times I used the diaper, I didn’t have this issue. I’m not sure if it was operator error (probably) or if the insert shrunk a bit more with subsequent washings.

The snap in insert would also allow you to easily use the diaper as an all-in-two, though I would use a liner, insert sock, or non-microfiber insert if you do that.

The diaper has front and back pocket openings, for easy stuffing and allowing the insert to agitate out in the wash.

The insert really does agitate out in the wash, and leaving it snapped in means easy re-stuffing (if you don’t remove the inserts to machine dry them.) I’ve heard some people say they don’t unstuff any of their pocket diapers, but that doesn’t work for me. Diapers that don’t have front and rear openings just end up with the inserts balled up on the bottom of the pocket when I try that!

Here is the champ on the extra-small setting folded and stretched. Measurements aren’t an exact science of course!

gogreen champ diaper extra small setting

Small folded and stretched:

Medium:

Large:

My little guy is about 21ish pounds, and I got a great fit on the medium setting, with plenty of room to grow.

The diaper doesn’t dig into his belly, and it fits snugly at the legs.

I told my son to stay still so I could take a picture of his butt and this is what he did:

Finally, here’s the difference in what it looks like when Mommy stuffs it correctly! (first try on the left)

I think this is an excellent diaper, with many features of a far more expensive diaper. They have tons of prints and colors, plus incredibly affordable cloth wipes and wet/dry bags!

Giveaway: GoGreen is offering one reader his/her own Champ diaper in their choice of boy, girl, or gender neutral (GoGreen chooses the actual color/print.)

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below. I love your comments, but comments don’t count as entries! Mandatory entries include name, email address and your favorite ~~GoGreen~~ ~~product/print/color. You can receive a bonus entry if you “like”~~ ~~GoGreen Pocket Diapers on Facebook. Receive another bonus entry if you follow~~ ~~GoGreen Diapers on Twitter~~.

I will accept entries until Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 at 9:00 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S.

# of entries received as of January 18th at giveaway close: 472

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dEE3eEtKaEhSR0F5MnNDRUQ1QmxLMkE6MQ
FTC Compliance: I received the above pictured item for review. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

All In One Diapers Cloth Diapers Made in the USA Review Sized Diapers Velcro/Aplix Closure

Bumkins Dr. Seuss AIO Cloth Diaper Bundle Review

Jan 6,2011 / By Maria / 9 Comments

I was lucky and won a Bumkins Dr. Seuss Cloth Diaper Bundle in size large from Knocked up and Nursing!

The bundle came with three AIO Diapers, which retail for $17.95 each (list price $24.95.)

Three absorbency inserts (retail $9.95 for a pack of three)…

and a wet bag (retail $9.95, list price $10.95).

My first impression of the diapers were that they reminded me of Kushies diapers, and that they were huge! Here is one (bottom) compared to some other diapers I had in the laundry room:

They are very wide, and also had a fairly high rise. Keep in mind that my measurements aren’t an exact science. I noticed that I didn’t have it folded exactly in half in the second picture here:

The elastic isn’t very tight, so it didn’t get too much bigger when stretched:

The laundry tab is just a single flap against the right closure tab. I assume you are to overlap the other tab for laundering.

As I said, I received the size large, which is estimated to fit 22-32 pounds, according to their size chart. My son was 20 pounds 6 weeks ago at his 18-month checkup, so he’s definitely close to the low end of the weight range. They also have small (6-12 lbs), medium (12-22 lbs), x-large (32-42 lbs) and youth (42+ lbs). They have some really cute prints, but the youth size comes in white only.

Like the Kushies, the diaper is pretty simple. The outer feels like windbreaker material (lead safe, PVC, phthlate and vinyl free) and it has 6 layers of cotton flannel (sewn in an “airflow panel” for faster drying) and simple leg elastic. The rear elastic is closer to the sides of the diaper. There isn’t any along the middle of the back.

Since the instructions said the diapers would shrink, I decided to wash and dry one three times to give it a fair shake. While I was doing that, I took a look at the wet bag.

It measures 13″ x 11″, has a drawstring toggle closure, and has simple construction.

It’s not enormous, but it held three of these big diapers just fine!

So after three washes (drying in the dryer between washes, to make it a little faster)…

It looked exactly the same! The blue diaper had been prepped, the other had not. I went ahead and tried it on my little guy anyway.

It was way too big! With that leg gap, I didn’t dare leave it on him, so I took it off. While I’d certainly use Bumkins (in a smaller size) if that were my only option other than disposables, I’m a little shocked by the price. They do come in cute prints, but they cost as much as Bumgenius pocket diapers, even as much as the Bumgenius Organic AIO if you go based on list price! I can think of at least a half-dozen diapers that have more bells and whistles, for the same cost or less. I was truly surprised when I looked at their site and saw the price, I thought for sure they would be around $10 each.

I don’t want to sound ungrateful, I am very thankful to Knocked up and Nursing for the giveaway, especially getting it to me so quickly, even though she had just had a baby! That said, I think I will be donating these to The Cloth Diaper Foundation, so another family with a bigger baby can pad their stash!

FTC compliance: The pictured items were won from a blog giveaway. I was not compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

Giveaway Natural Personal Care Products Review

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review & Giveaway Open to the U.S. and Canada (CLOSED 1/5)

Dec 29,2010 / By Maria / 1 Comment

I had never heard of Skin MD Natural before this review. I am so glad I know about it now! It is made in the U.S. in a 100% solar facility, is never tested on animals, and does not contain any animal ingredients, parabens, petrochemicals, dyes or fragrances.

I received a 4 oz. (full size) bottle of the shielding lotion to try. Initially, $18 seemed a little steep for a 4 oz. bottle, even though they estimate it will last 1-2 months with daily use. I was wrong again! The literature suggested a pea size amount for hands, but I needed even less than that. I’ve been using it for a few weeks, and my bottle still seems full.

The ingredients are 93% natural and the lotion hydrates and protects your hands. The bottle says to apply it every 2-8 hours initially, then every 12-24 hours after your skin’s moisture improves. I’ve been using it pretty much any time I think about it. Every time I wash my hands, any time my hands feel a little dry, any time I walk by the bottle…

I’ve mentioned before that I suffer from eczema on my hands, which is exacerbated by the constant hand washing that goes hand in hand (har har) with motherhood.

Here’s why I really love this lotion: it truly soaks into your skin and does not feel greasy. I am really weird about that. I’m not afraid of getting dirty, but I am totally squicked out when I have anything on my hands, and I have to wash them right away. I have gone so far as to squirt lotion on the backs of my hands and rub them together to avoid getting any on my palms. With Skin MD, even when I used way too much, my hands just felt soft. Not the slightest bit sticky or greasy.

It does not have added fragrance, but it has a very light, pleasant smell. It smells very familiar, but I am terrible at putting my finger on scents. I am going to guess that I’m smelling the aloe and chamomile!

With other lotions, even if it doesn’t feel terribly gross on my hands, it feels slimy rinsing off my hands the next time I wash them. Not so with Skin MD! Unfortunately, I can’t tell you that Skin MD worked miracles and cured my eczema, but it is noticeably improved. The skin between my fingers isn’t flaking anymore, and my hands don’t snag on diapers when I stuff them (ick!).

I also received some samples of the Skin MD lotion with SPF 15.

I was really surprised that it also had a great texture. Usually if I apply sunscreen, or even a lotion with added sunscreen, I have to wash my hands 3-4 times to get the greasy feeling off. I was able to put this on the palms of my hands with no such feeling!

If you want to try it yourself, you can request a sample by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope!

Giveaway: Skin MD is offering a reader her own 4 oz. bottle of Shielding Lotion. (ARV $18)

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below. I love comments, but comments don’t count as entries.

Mandatory entries include your name and email address. You may elect to receive a bonus entry if you are a new or current “liker” of ~~Skin MD Natural on Facebook. You may receive another bonus entry if you follow~~ ~~Skin MD Natural on Twitter~~.

I will accept entries until Wednesday, January 5th, 2011 at 9:00 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

# of entries received as of January 5th at giveaway close:137

https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?formkey=dG1YUHp4dkpqRndxXzRBYjJ4ZWlOeFE6MQ

FTC compliance: I received the pictured products at no cost in order to write this review. I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own.

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Category : Review

GroVia All-in-Two Review & Giveaway courtesy of Bippy Diapers (CLOSED 1/25)

Thirsties Size 1 Duo Wrap & Duo Hemp Prefold Review and Giveaway (CLOSED 1/20)

GoGreen Champ Pocket Diaper Review & Giveaway (CLOSED 1/18)

Bumkins Dr. Seuss AIO Cloth Diaper Bundle Review

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Review & Giveaway Open to the U.S. and Canada (CLOSED 1/5)

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