AI2s Archives - lo-wren

Let’s Talk Absorption: Smart Bottoms Too Smart Inserts

2016/01 By Lauren B. Stevens 1 Comment

Just when you thought you had heard the last from me about cloth diapers and cloth diapering…and then Smart Bottoms sends me a pack of their Too Smart Inserts – hello absorption!

Too Smart Inserts would have saved me a ton of time when I first began cloth diapering! If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you know that I am a huge fan of prefold cloth diapers. In fact, my son was exclusively diapered with prefolds the first six months, so I feel like a pro at simplicity in diapering. I had a handful of covers at the time (Smart Bottoms Too Smart Covers weren’t around at that time) and used them in conjunction with the insane collection of prefolds I had amassed. My love for prefolds stemmed from two things: 1.) they’re virtually indestructible (seriously, ask a dedicated prefold user), and 2.) they’re inexpensive. I would add a third reason to use covers and prefolds or inserts — you’re prepared to make a diaper from anything, should you run out of diapers (seriously, been there, done that — for the record, receiving blankets make great flat diapers).

Anyway, as with all things Smart Bottoms, I’m a fan of Too Smart Inserts because they’re made from 4 thirsty layers of organic cotton (you can find my thoughts on natural fibers HERE), and measure 5×30, which means that you can flip, fold and origami these bad boys anyway you want to create a wonderfully absorbent system (with a Too Smart Cover, or any diaper cover, for that matter) for your bambino. I love these lengthy Too Smart Inserts because they have that signature length that makes them perfect for adjusting the absorption for baby boys in the front (check out my thoughts on the best cloth diapers for boys HERE).

Sold in 3-packs, Too Smart Inserts retail at $15, which makes them $5 a piece (math genius here). While more expensive than your average prefold, I would add Too Smart Inserts to my Cloth Diapering Accessory Must Haves list for two reasons. One, diapering emergencies happen. Remember that receiving blanket incident I told you about? I’m a firm believer that every cloth diapering family should own at least one diaper cover, even if they are an exclusive all-in-one (AIO) family. Because emergencies. Even after I transitioned to AIOs, I kept a cover and prefold in my diaper bag for emergency backup. Here’s the second reason why you need to add Too Smart Inserts to your cloth diaper accoutrements — they don’t take up much room…at all. I would have loved to have these inserts, as my backup cover and prefold took up precious room in my diaper bag. With Too Smart Inserts, you have all of the absorption of a prefold in a nice, trim insert.

Another reason to grab a pack of Too Smart Inserts? I have two words for you: Heavy. Wetter. Yep. My son went from a barely pee-er to a super-soaker at around a year old. It threw me into a panic, and I scrambled to, once again, adjust our cloth diapers to my son’s needs — this is when I discovered Smart Bottoms Smart Ones and never looked back!

Smart Bottoms Too Smart Inserts are great for everyday use with covers, perfect for your diaper bag emergency stash, and even better to have on hand for overnight diapering or adding additional absorption if your little one becomes a heavy wetter over night.

You can purchase Smart Bottoms Too Smart Inserts at select cloth diaper retailers, or you can find them at my two affiliate cloth diaper retailers, Diaper Junction and Kelly’s Closet.

* I received a pack of Too Smart Inserts for the purposes of this post; all opinions expressed are my own.

3 [Additional] Reasons to Buy Buttons Cloth Diapers

2014/06 By Lauren B. Stevens 11 Comments

I had the opportunity to review Buttons all-in-two (AI2) cloth diapers for you at the end of March, and absolutely love their AI2 design (easy snap-in inserts, pretty color selection, and ease in laundering). Towards the end of May, I noticed a strange pattern on the inside of my Buttons diaper shells; upon closer inspection, it appeared as though someone had rubbed tiny patches of the PUL coating off in almost a polka dot pattern all over the shell; I had received a diaper shell with defective PUL (although rare, it sometimes happens — this was my first experience). [Read more…]

Rock-a-Bums Cloth Diapers

2014/06 By Lauren B. Stevens 3 Comments

A year ago, I began hearing a buzz about Rock-a-Bums in my cloth diapering circles, and two things piqued my interest: 1.) the name, of course, and 2.) that they were calling their cloth diapers 5-in-1 systems. If you’ve been following me for a while, then you know how big a fan I am of AI2 cloth diapering systems. When I was contacted by Rock-a-Bums at the beginning of year to work with them, I was delighted, and happily awaited the arrival of my Rock-a-Bums cloth diapers.

I received my diapers before the incredibly fun new prints were released, so I have Rock-a-Bums cloth diapers in white, red, and black. Eager to see how the 5-in-1 cloth diapering system would work, I ripped open my package and began trying out my Rock-a-Bums configurations.

Rock-a-Bums call their cloth diapers 5-in-1 systems because their diapers can be tailored to fit every person’s preferred diapering style. Each diaper system comes with two microfiber inserts topped with bamboo charcoal; you can use Rock-a-Bums shells as diaper covers over flats or prefolds, stuff inserts into it to use as a pocket diaper, use with a disposable insert, or snap in the soaker(s) to form an all-in-two. In my opinion, Rock-a-Bums are more accurately described as a 4-in-1 system: PUL diaper shell/cover, pocket, hybrid, or AI2.

I use our Rock-a-Bums as an AI2 system, snapping in two microfiber inserts for my heavy wetter. Rock-a-Bums cloth diaper shells feature snaps at both the front and back waist area, each discretely placed under a flap of diaper fabric. I use two soakers for added absorption; I snap one soaker into one of the waistband snaps, place another soaker on top, and snap the second soaker into the opposite waistband snap; this way, both soakers are secured within the Rock-a-Bums cloth diaper shell. I should add that, while I wouldn’t call Rock-a-Bums an all-in-one (AIO) cloth diaper, I use it in the same fashion as an AIO, as I only use the diaper for a single use before unsnapping the soiled soakers and placing into my diaper pail.

Here are some of my thoughts about Rock-a-Bums cloth diapers:

cover design makes for a trim fit
additional ‘anchor’ snap on wings provides added security and prevents ‘wing droop’
multiple fun designs and solid colors to choose from
4-in-1 system makes Rock-a-Bums a great choice for starting out with cloth diapers; users can test out which cloth diaper style works best for them
I’m not a huge fan of microfiber inserts and would love to see them create a natural fiber option
with an adjustable rise, this diaper will fit babies from birth to potty training

Overall, Rock-a-Bums cloth diapers are a colorful, functional, and affordable option; I highly recommend Rock-a-Bums for families new to cloth, or just starting out with cloth, and are unsure what cloth diaper system is right for them. You can shop their cloth diaper designs and accessories at RockaBums.com. Want to stay up-to-date with Rock-a-Bums? Connect with Rock-a-Bums on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.

Funky Fluff One-Size Stay Dry 2.0 Cloth Diaper: #FUNKtionalCloth

2014/05 By Lauren B. Stevens 2 Comments

I began using the Funky Fluff One-Size Stay Dry Fusion cloth diaper a little under a year ago, after being drawn in by the fun colors and multiple diapering options. I love the fact that I simply snap the detachable soaker in and use the diaper as an all-in-two (AI2)/all-in-one (AIO). I’ve been pretty vocal about my dislike for pocket diapers, so the fact that Funky Fluff allows me to bypass the pocket option is a bonus. However, all of you pocket diaper lovers won’t be disappointed, as the Funky Fluff One-Size Stay Dry 2.0 is a diaper that will appeal to fans of AIOs, AI2s, and pocket diapers.

Funky Fluff One-Size Stay Dry 2.0 Diaper

Having used the original Funky Fluff One-Size Stay Dry Fusion diaper, I was delighted when Funky Fluff sent me the 2.0 to review. I’m always curious to compare styles when a cloth diaper company makes changes to their design, especially when the original design functions well. Without further adieu, here is how the Funky Fluff One-Size Stay Dry Fusion 2.0 cloth diaper compares to the original design:

At first glance, you can see that the Funky Fluff Stay Dry 2.0 is noticeably longer with a slimmer design. Those of you with younger babies may not appreciate this new feature, but as the mom of a 21 month old, the additional length is a godsend for my long and lean little guy; the additional length is perfect for longer babies, truly making this a one-size diaper fit for use from birth to potty training.

This side-by-side comparison illustrates some of the changes Funky Fluff has made to the Stay Dry diaper design:

Funky Fluff Stay Dry Cloth Diaper Comparison

the elimination of the double gusset, creating a trimmer fit
narrow design, allowing for a trimmer fit
not shown in the picture: a slightly wider back elastic to create a more snug & comfortable fit

Take a look at the fit of the Funky Fluff Stay Dry 2.0 cloth diaper compared to the original design:

The additional length of the Stay Dry 2.0, combined with a slimmer design through the crotch area, makes for a better fit. The rise is slightly higher, which I appreciate as the mother of a boy (the front waistband design of cloth diapers is important here) and for diapering a 21 month old. Do I dislike the fit of the original Funky Fluff One-Size Stay Dry Fusion design? Absolutely not, but I really like the design of the 2.0 in comparison.

The above photo makes it pretty clear that the design improvements of the Funky Fluff One-Size Stay Dry 2.0 cloth diaper have greatly improved the fit (especially in the back of the diaper). Removing the double gussets, adding additional length, and slimming down the middle of the diaper create a trimmer fit, without sacrificing the cloth diaper’s performance. Again, the design changes create an excellent fit for cloth diapering boys.

While I really liked the original Stay Dry design, Funky Fluff’s Stay Dry 2.0 gets two thumbs-up from me. I love how trim the diaper has become, and the additional length provides a higher rise for diapering my toddler son: win-win!

Previously only available to purchase the entire 3-in-1 diapering system, Funky Fluff is now selling their vibrantly colored covers separately [to allow you to customize your absorbency]! You can shop Funky Fluff cloth diapers, soakers/booster, wet bags, and cloth wipes by visiting their website: www.funkyfluff.ca

5 Reasons to Use All-in-Two (AI2) Cloth Diapering Systems

2014/03 By Lauren B. Stevens 4 Comments

Disclosure: I received this product as part of an advertorial, all opinions expressed are my own.

Our cloth diapering journey, twenty months in the making, has been varied and taken many turns. We’ve used flats and prefolds, pockets and fitteds, hybrid fitteds, all-in-ones (AIOs) and all-in-twos (AI2s). Pocket diapers were a very brief blip on our cloth diapering radar, as I just didn’t like stuffing them, or the fit on Declan, or trying to stuff multiple inserts for a heavy wetter — did I tell you that I really dislike stuffing pocket diapers? I am a huge fan of simplicity in cloth diapering (they’re just pee and poop catchers after all) and love using flats and prefolds with wool or PUL covers, but had to find a quicker way to diaper when my son hit the one year mark, as every diaper change was (and still is) a battle. I made the switch to using AIOs and AI2s, and find that I prefer using AI2s.

I had been using GroVia and Best Bottoms shells as covers for flats and prefolds, so adding inserts to our stash and using the diapers as AI2s wasn’t a huge investment. In fact, I felt as though I had hit the jackpot when a fellow cloth-diaperer suggested that I try using soakers with my AI2 shells (mommy brain moment on my part). Best of all, AI2s are very easy to care for and clean. Need some convincing? Here are 5 reasons to use AI2s:

1.) The snap-in insert system allows you reuse your waterproof covers. If you’re looking to save money using cloth diapers, you can easily save by having a small number of AI2 shells and reusing them after changing the snap-in soaker (blow-outs excepted). Buttons Diapers recommends purchasing 8-10 one-size covers and 18-24 inserts. I believe we worked with 6 covers in the very beginning, doing laundry almost daily, and we did okay.

2.) Laundering AI2 systems is a breeze as the detached soakers dry well (and typically faster than AIOs). No stuffing or folding, simply snap in the soaker and you’re ready to go.

3.) Shells can be used as covers or with a soaker for an AI2 system, providing options from birth to potty training. As I mentioned earlier, I actually began using AI2 shells as diaper covers from the start (by happenstance, really), so it wasn’t a huge investment to purchase inserts. I use my AI2s as AIOs, one use only (for ease with a flailing toddler), but you can make your diaper shells go farther by simply changing out the inserts at diaper changes.

4.) You can easily adjust your absorbency by changing soaker sizes/fibers/weights, rather than having to purchase a different diaper entirely. One of the best features about using an AI2 system is the ability to change your soaker. The Ability to easily adjust soakers/inserts to what will work for your little one is both a time and cost saver. Where AIO users would need to shop for different diapers or add soakers (been there, done that), AI2 users can simply change the soaker that they’re currently using (natural fiber, microfiber, doubler, nighttime soaker, etc.) but keep their shell.

5.) AI2s are a great option for heavy wetters. When my son suddenly became a heavy wetter at 16 months old, I found myself reaching for my AI2s whenever we left the house, as I found my AI2s to be the most absorbent of my diapers.

Buttons Cloth Diapers

If you’re looking to add some AI2s to your cloth diaper stash, Buttons Diapers are a wonderful option.

Buttons Cloth Diapers Packaged with Care

If you like to shop family-run businesses, then Buttons Diapers are a great choice for you. Run by a husband and wife, Buttons Diapers were designed and created to be an easy, affordable option for cloth diapering families. With a beautiful selection of pastel covers and multiple insert sizes and absorbencies, Buttons Diapers are a great AI2 addition to your cloth diaper collection.

I received our review diaper in Pebble, a pretty muted grey that is a wonderful gender-neutral choice (I’m seeing more and more cloth diaper manufacturers offer grey). I’d love to add Tangerine and Lavender covers to our stash — I don’t pay attention to gender-assigned colors (we have a few pink and red diapers in our collection).

Buttons Diapers One-Size All-in-Two

In addition to the pretty pastels, Buttons waterproof diaper shells feature a double leg gusset, perfect for preventing any leaks (a double gusset is a must-have when I choose covers).

Buttons Cloth Diapers – Fit On a 27lb. 20 Month Old

In a nutshell:
Buttons Diapers

are an affordable AI2 cloth diapering system, fitting babies from 9-35lbs.
come in a wide range of colors with plenty of gender neutral options
are a business run by parents for parents

Cons

I wish that there was a second snap row on the wings to prevent the sides from curling (see above photo)
For those of you, like me, that have small babies, this system will not fit right from birth (my son was just over 8lbs. at 2 months old)
Only two sizes of inserts to choose from (small & large) and only in microfiber (no natural fibers)

For more information about Buttons Diapers, visit their website at: www.buttonsdiapers.com. To find out the latest news, connection with Buttons Diapers via social media, on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Editor’s note: read my updated post (6/30/14) on Buttons Cloth Diapers

This post contains affiliate links. I received the product mentioned above, at no charge, using Tomoson.com. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Our Cloth Diapering Evolution: Best Bottom Diapers

2014/01 By Lauren B. Stevens 5 Comments

That’s right, our diapering journey has been an evolution, with Best Bottom Diapers being the only diaper [from the beginning] still in the game. I began diapering Declan with a couple dozen prefolds, some Thirsties covers, some pockets, and some Best Bottom Diaper shells. Eighteen months later, Best Bottoms are the only one of our original diapers still in the routine. In fact, Declan recently became a heavy wetter, and Best Bottoms are my go-to diaper (over my AIOs), especially for running errands.

Declan at 2-3 months wearing a Best Bottom diaper shell (Key Lime Pie)

To be honest, I had no idea what I was buying when I bought our first Best Bottom shell, used from eBay; I just knew that I needed covers and wanted to try different brands. From the beginning, I thought that it was weird that the cover had snaps on the inside, and it was definitely a heavier-duty cover than our Thirsties Duo wraps. When I did get around to looking further into Best Bottoms, we had already tried bumGenius pocket diapers (which I disliked), and the idea of dealing with a soaker was unappealing because a.) I didn’t think that it could contain explosive breastfeeding poos, and b.) soakers were the last thing I wanted to deal with in my sleep-deprived condition.

Declan at 5 months old, wearing a Best Bottom shell (Orange Sherbert)

Our Best Bottoms shells worked wonderfully over our prefolds, so I saw no reason to change what we were doing. Fast forward to the one year mark. Diaper changes for my mobile and [stubbornly] independent toddler were now wrestling matches, and trying to pin a prefold or put a fitted on with a cover was an all-out battle. As much as I loved my prefolds, I knew it was time for a diaper change (pardon the pun).

After having someone recommend using Best Bottoms, I had an “a-ha!” moment . I didn’t have to purchase a ton of all-in-one (AIO) and all-in-two (AI2) diapers because I already had three Best Bottom shells! Sometimes the answer literally has to slap me in the face. I purchased some Best Bottom soakers and was kicking myself for not starting using the AI2 system sooner.

At 18 months, our cloth diapering ‘system’ has undergone a major overhaul and an evolution. Our prefolds are gathering dust, and we have a wonderful selection of AIO and AI2 diapers. While I use our Best Bottoms similar to an AIO, disposing of the diaper after each use, I know I’d be able to stretch our three shells further by changing out the soakers after each use. (Stubbornly, I’m on the hunt for two more Best Bottom shells, as we currently have 5 soakers).

What I love most about using the Best Bottom AI2 system is the ease in laundering. I air dry our shells after washing, and the detached soakers dry in the dryer in no time. I often have to run another dryer cycle for my AIO diapers, which is a drain on our energy costs (and a pain to keep checking on them). Another thing I love about our Best Bottoms? The security. Best Bottom Diapers are my go-to errand-running diapers because the microfiber soakers absorb so much. Declan has recently become a heavy wetter, which has meant that we’ve had to make adjustments to our six-month-old diapering routine. Thankfully, our Best Bottoms have needed no additional soakers or doublers (three cheers for ease of use!).

I have a lot to think about for our next baby (if we’re so blessed), as I would now consider using our Best Bottoms as AI2s, shortly after we began solids. If you’re looking for more bang for your buck, longevity, ease of use, and a diapering ‘system’ that truly grows along with your little one, you should definitely look into giving Best Bottom Diapers a try.

What cloth diapers have ‘grown’ along with your little one(s)?

* This post contains affiliate links.

It’s Not a Disposable, It’s a Green Line Diaper!

2013/10 By Lauren B. Stevens Leave a Comment

*I received product to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are my own.

That’s right folks, Green Line’s All-in-two (AI2) diapering system, when used with their bamboo inner, is the trimmest diaper I’ve encountered in my cloth diapering career. You’ll have people claiming, “That’s a disposable!” But it’s not.

I am always on the lookout for new cloth diapers to try, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to try Green Line Diaper’s AI2 one-size diapering system!

“We love what we do and are thrilled to sew wicked covers for all the little ones out there!” Green Line Diaper is the work of a husband and wife team, Natasha and Kyle, living on a small island in British Columbia.

So, let’s get down to it:

What’s so unique & great about Green Line Diapers? Well, the prints for starters! My husband could care less about cloth diapers or their often cute & funky designs. When I opened the package to show my husband the Green Line Diaper, he stopped, smiled, and asked to take a closer look (that never happens). This is where the ‘husband’ part of Green Line’s ‘husband-wife’ team comes in! In addition to this funky, dudetastic robot and spaceship design, the diaper design itself was created by…a man! (Read: show this review to your non-convinced husband)

Using your Green Line Diaper is as easy as 1-2-3! Place your prefold/soaker/Green Line Bamboo Soaker, fold up & secure, and adjust legs.

Green Line sent me one of their bamboo soakers, made from 70% bamboo 30% cotton, but I also used hemp prefolds with the cover. I’ll be honest, the diaper became bulky when I used other prefolds. Green Line’s bamboo soaker is a great example of how absorbent bamboo is — the soaker is very thin, yet super thirsty. This is one of the reasons why this diapering system is the trimmest I’ve encountered.

Let’s talk about the cover, because a diaper is only as good as it’s outside layer. Green Line Diaper covers contain no PUL and function without elastic sewn into the waist and legs. Huh?! The cover is comprised of an outer layer of 100% cotton (in a funky print) and an inner layer of Ultrex, a breathable waterproof fabric (commonly used for outdoor gear/clothing). No PUL means you need not worry about delamination (and your baby’s buns won’t bake)!

Another great design feature is the heavy-duty hook & loop enclosure. Declan has recently mastered taking off diapers with velcro enclosures, but the Green Line Diaper is one that he can’t master. Green Line’s hook & loop is the same that can be found on swim diapers – no more Houdini acts by D!

One last feature is the drawstring & cord lock leg closure. This was my first time using an adjustable leg, so it took a little getting used to, but I have to say that I like the way it fits better than a typical gussetted leg. Again, this feature adds to the overall trimness of the diaper, and creates a great barrier against leaks.

Green Line Diaper at-a-glance:

Easy for both moms and dads to use
No PUL
Funky prints
Can use your own prefolds/soakers with the system
Dries quickly
Wipes off easily

Dinosaurs, Robots and Spaceships, OH MY!

I will note that there was a bit of a learning curve for me with this diaper, as I’ve not used adjustable leg closures before, and I did need to work on positioning the diaper to get the right fit on D. Natasha was incredibly helpful with my questions! If I did have to point out a downside to this diaper, I would say that I do miss having velcro tabs to secure the H&L tabs when doing laundry; I simply attach the diaper in the closed position & turn inside out to wash. I think the Green Line Diaper is a wonderfully versatile and affordable option for cloth diapering parents.

Diapers aren’t all Green Line makes – you can check out their bibs, fleece covers, nursing pads, mama cloth and more HERE. Feeling social? You can connect with Green Line via FACEBOOK.