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Natural Fibers for the Cloth Diapering WIN!

2014/12 By Lauren B. Stevens 20 Comments

I have to admit, I went ‘old school’ when I began cloth diapering two and a half years ago. In a money saving effort, I decided to use prefolds and covers to cloth diaper our son. Shoot, if it worked for my mom, it could work for me, right?

Do yourself a favor and skip microfiber when cloth diapering (you'll thank me later). Here's why:

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: AIOs, all, Cloth Diapering, Editorial, General Topics, Prefolds Tagged With: AI2, AIO, bamboo, cloth diapering, cloth diapers, hemp, microfiber, natural fibers, organic cotton, Prefolds

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

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:

FunkyFluff2.0Comparison.jpgAt 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:

FunkyFluffComparison.jpg

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:

funkyfluffstaydry2.0comparison.jpgThe 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.

FunkyFluffStayDryFitComparison.jpg

 

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

FunkyFluffClothDiaperColors

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Filed Under: AI2s, AIOs, Cloth Diapering, Giveaways, giveaways, Pockets Tagged With: AI2, AIO, cloth diaper, funky fluff, pocket

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.

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Filed Under: AI2s, Cloth Diapering, General Topics Tagged With: AI2, best bottoms, birth to potty training, cloth diapers

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.


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Filed Under: AI2s, Cloth Diapering, reviews|sponsored Tagged With: AI2, bamboo, cloth diaper, hybrid diaper, review

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Lauren B. Stevens is a former publishing rep-turned-writer, whose work can be found on ChildVantage, The Huffington Post, Scary Mommy and Care.com, among many other websites. When she's not chasing her precocious preschooler, Lauren pens hilarious and heartwarming stories about her life as a mother, ghostwrites blogs for businesses, and sometimes even finds the time to write a bit of creative non-fiction.
Look for Lauren's published essays in the books listed below:

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