Category : Review

Cloth Diapers Giveaway One Size Diapers Pocket Diapers Review Snap Closure

Oh Katy (Formerly Katydid Cloth) One Size Pocket Diaper Review

Jun 30,2010 / By / 723 Comments

 

katydid 

 

Before I begin, I have to thank my lovely reader, Jill, for introducing me to Katydid Cloth Diapers!  I contacted the company after Jill mentioned Katydid as a diaper she’d love to see me review/give away.

 

 

Katie responded to me right away, and my review diaper came in the mail in just a few days!

 

 

Katydid Cloth had all the makings of a favorite diaper for me right off the bat.

 

 

Their diapers are one size pocket diapers with a snap down rise and snap closures, and they include a microfiber insert and doubler.

 

 

 

Right now, the diapers are available in berry, sage, melon and twilight, but more colors are coming!  I love the twilight color!

 

 

There are a couple of things that make Katydid special.  One is the front pocket opening.  With this, you don’t have to reach through an icky mess to pull out the insert. 

 

 

 

The snap overlap allows you to easily roll the diaper up and take it with you, if you find yourself with a dirty diaper and no wet bag.  This actually just happened to me last week!  Katydid calls this the “wrap & snap” feature.

 

 

The microfleece inner is so soft.  Oh my.  None of my other diapers are this soft.  I would think it would lose some of the softness with repeated washings, but I do not recall any of my diapers being this soft when new.  I want a pillow (or some undies, hee hee!) made out of this!!

 

 

The diaper has a simple snapping setup, but it also has an additional “newborn side snap.”  There are other diapers out there that have a “hip snap” to prevent wing droop, but I find them far more confusing.  This diaper has two side snap options on each side of the front of the diaper.  The male/female snaps are the reverse of the wing snaps, so it’s not confusing as to what’s supposed to snap where.  (Although what I just wrote sounds confusing!)

 

 

If your baby is small enough to need these, simply snap them first.

 

 

Then, finish snapping the wings.  The “hip snap” is female, not male, so it shouldn’t dig into your baby’s skin when s/he is big enough not to have it snapped anymore.

 

For those that aren’t familiar with “wing droop” on newborns, I’ve asked my lovely assistant, Manny Bear, to demonstrate.  Manny’s day job is bear lumberjack, so I’ve cut his head out of the pictures, to protect his privacy. He said he was afraid the other stuffed animals would make fun of him if they found out he was moonlighting as a diaper model.

 

 

As you can see, on a tiny baby (or bear), the diaper snaps very close to the middle, and the wings are left flapping in the breeze.

 

 

If I use the newborn side snaps, I get a great fit, with no wing droop.

 

 

If I can get a good fit on fuzzy bear legs, I’m pretty sure I could get a good fit on newborn chicken legs too!  I mean that figuratively of course.  I’m not going to try to diaper a chicken.

 

So how does it measure up?  It sure does get teeny tiny.  The medium setting seems just about the same as the medium setting of a Bumgenius 3.0.

 

 

I noticed that the rise snap layout looked ever so slightly different.

 

 

They have the same adjustable size microfiber insert, along with a newborn insert/doubler.  I greatly prefer this snap down insert adjustment, since it saves a step and takes the guesswork out of diaper stuffing!

 

 

Overall, the Katydid insert is just a smidge smaller.

 

 

It also has two snaps to adjust the size of the insert, which allows it to lay flatter.

 

 

Finally, I measured the diaper on the small, medium and large settings, both folded in half, and fully stretched.  For comparison, I measured a Bumgenius 3.0 on small & large settings in this post.

 

Small:
Stretched:

 

Medium::
Stretched:

 

Large:

 

Stretched:

 

It seems to be a bit smaller than the Bumgenius, and the small setting seems much more likely to fit a tiny baby.  The Katydid Cloth diaper is estimated to fit babies 8-35 lbs, but that of course can vary greatly based on your baby’s shape!

 

My son is rather petite at 17.5 lbs and 28.5″ or so at 13 months.

 

 

He fit in the medium setting, with plenty of room to grow.

 

 

The back of the diaper doesn’t sit quite right.  I wonder if it’s because I used the side snaps.  Looking at this picture, it seems that’s what caused it.

 

 

I really don’t need the side snap at my son’s size, but it didn’t affect the diaper.  We still used it as our first in the morning diaper, with no leaks!

 

At $17.95 each, Katydid Cloth diapers are priced wonderfully for a one-size diaper. Editor’s note: Katydid Cloth has been renamed Oh Katy.See this diaper on my newborn.

Want one?  Shop for them or win one!  Katydid is sending one blog reader a one-size pocket diaper in his/her choice of color!

 


Here’s how to enter:  You may do any or all 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 Katydid Cloth and comment with which color is your favorite.
2. Follow my blog.
3. Follow Katydid’s blog.
4. “Like” me on Facebook
5. “Like” Katydid Cloth on Facebook
6. Follow me on Twitter.
7. Follow Katydid on Twitter.
8. Tweet about ths giveaway.  Please include a link back to this post.  You may receive an entry for tweeting once per day.  You may use this tweet if you like: #giveaway for a @KatydidCloth #clothdiapers from @chgdiapers http://bit.ly/b62UAI ends 7/12

I will accept entries until Monday, July 12th, 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.
Thank you to Katydid for providing the awesome review diaper as well as the giveaway winner’s diaper.  Their generosity in no way affected my review.  I was not requested or required to write a positive review.
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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

Jun 16,2010 / By / 458 Comments

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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.
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.
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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

Jun 14,2010 / By / 259 Comments

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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.
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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Giveaway Natural Household Products Review

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Review & Giveaway (2 winners!) CLOSED

Jun 10,2010 / By / 259 Comments

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Mrs. Meyer’s makes “Clean Day” aromatherapeutic household cleaners.  All products are cruelty-free, and have never been tested on animals.  There are no solvents, no petroleum distillates, no bleach, no phosphates and no ingredients that could cause harsh fumes.  Most of their products have a near neutral pH that makes them safe for skin contact.  

Their products are also environmentally friendly.  All of their liquid cleaning products are biodegradable, and the powdered products break down into “non-harmful decomposition products.”

They are middle of the road, in my opinion, as far as being “natural” goes.  Here is what they have to say: We use naturally derived ingredients whenever possible from corn, sugar cane, coconut and palm. When we cannot find a plant-derived ingredient that performs to our rigorous standards, we use ingredients from the world of safe synthetics. These are materials with a long history of safety and efficacy in use for people and the environment they live in. At Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, we do our best every day to make our formulations as natural as possible without compromising freshness, and performance.

Mrs. Meyers sent me dish soap, hand soap and all purpose cleaner in the Lemon Verbena Scent.
The all purpose cleaner is to be diluted 1/4 cup to 1 gallon of water.  You can also use 4 Tablespoons to a half bottle of water to make a refill for the countertop spray.  The MSRP of a 32 oz concentrated bottle is $7.99.
I went off in hunt of an empty spray bottle and came home with a bottle of countertop spray!
A 32 oz, empty Rubbermaid bottle (the only one I could find other than travel size/personal care bottles) was $3.99 and out of stock.  The 16 oz bottle of countertop spray was also $3.99!  Easy choice.
The countertop spray is basically the all purpose cleaner, with an additional vegetable protein extract added to remove odors.
The spray is safe for all non-porous surfaces, so I suppose I technically should not be using it on my counters.
Don’t tell the granite police on me, m’kay?  I think they look great!
The liquid hand soap is 12.5 ounces with an MSRP of $3.99.
It does contain sodium laureth sulfate.
I think the pump blends in nicely with my kitchen!
The soap foamed nicely, though it didn’t make big, giant bubbles.  It rinsed off cleanly and easily in our soft water, something I can’t say about other soaps.  Initially I thought the scent was a bit strong for my sensitive sniffer, but it mellowed out shortly after I washed my hands.  The scent sticks around, but it doesn’t stay terribly strong.
I also received the dish soap in the lemon verbena scent.
I really don’t hand wash a lot of dishes.  Mostly things that don’t fit in the dishwasher, can’t go in the dishwasher, or things that can’t wait for the dishwasher to be full.  I washed the cake saver thingie that my son’s Birthday cake was in; it had some pretty caked on, greasy buttercream icing and fondant on it.
Just a little squirt.
Nice and clean.  Rinsed easily.  The lemon verbena scent actually reminds me of lemon dish soap.  Hard to describe, but it is much milder and more earthy smelling then the fresh, citrusy “kitchen lemon” type scent.
Mrs. Meyers has so many more products.  I smelled the Baby Blossom scent at a store and it smells heavenly!  They have geranium, lavender and basil scents in all sorts of household products.  I’d love to try the automatic dish packs, window spray or toilet bowl cleaner.  Scrubbing toilets is bad enough; having to smell the stinky cleaner just adds insult to injury.  I’d rather smell geraniums! 
Interested?  Find Mrs. Meyer’s products at a store near you, or shop online.
Or, win it.  Mrs. Meyer’s is generously offering two winners Dish Soap, Hand Soap and Countertop spray in their choice of scent!

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

1. Browse Mrs. Meyer’s products and tell me what products and scents you like best.
2. Subscribe to my blog via RSS feed/feedburner.
3. “Like” me on Facebook.
4. “Follow” me on Twitter.  (Anyone else humming “every breath you take, every move you make, I’ll be watchin’ you?”)
5. Tweet about this giveaway.  One tweet per day please.  Please include a link to this post.  You may use this tweet if you like: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day prize packs – 2 winners from @chgdiapers, ends 6/21 http://bit.ly/8ZWdrX

This is open to the U.S. only.  I will accept entries until Monday, June 21st, 2010 at 9 P.M. Eastern. I’ll select the winners with random.org’s true random number generator and contact the winners by email.  Products will be sent directly from the manufacturer.
Thank you to Mrs. Meyer’s for providing the review and giveaway products.  Though I was given products at no charge for review purposes, all opinions are genuine and my own.  Your opinions may vary.
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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

Jun 8,2010 / By / 480 Comments

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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 one.  Or, 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
4. “Like” Preston’s Pants on Facebook
5. Follow me on Twitter
6. Follow Preston’s Pants 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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