Little Bee Cloth Diaper

I had the opportunity to do my first official review for a cloth diaper - the Bee Changed bamboo diaper from The Little Bee Co. For each diaper purchased, this amazing company donates a cloth diaper to an orphan in need. Not only does The Little Bee Co. make quality diapers, their mission is to spread care and love to little ones in need by making cloth diapering a possibility for babies all around the world, even in the most difficult situations. More information can be found at their website thelittlebeeco.com or you can friend them on Facebook.

Baby Bee has worn this diaper approximately 1o times over the last several months and her weight range has been from 25-29 pounds. She weighed 29 pounds at the time the pictures were taken. Please keep in mind that this review reflects how this particular diaper fits and works for my Baby Bee; your results might be different. Now, on with the review!

Design

Type: pocket

Fastening: strong snaps

Inserts: microfiber; hemp is also available for an additional cost; 2 inserts with a contoured newborn insert

Cover: bamboo inner lining; waterproof outer

Absorbency and Containment

Urine: I am pleased with the absorbency. Baby Bee has worn this diaper during awake time and during naps with no leak issues. I must note that she has worn this overnight one time stuffed with our usual hemp double inserts and she woke up with wet pajamas. She is a very heavy overnight wetter and leaks are pretty routine around here, regardless of what different mixture of diapers and inserts I have tried. She's even leaked while wearing disposable overnight diapers.

Solids: Baby Bee did have a messy situation (due to antibiotics), but it was all contained with no leaks thanks to a great fit around the legs. This diaper rinsed out quite easily with the diaper sprayer. I did have to pay special attention to the elastic area since snug elastic tends to make great hiding places for stool, but that shows that the elastic did its job.

Fit

Legs: The elastic is stretchy and comfortable. It also fits snugly; there were no gaps at all on Baby Bee.

Waist and Rise: I love the elastic waist in the front - it really makes for a perfect fit! The snaps are situated for a cross over fit. I love this feature because it allows for a customizable fit at the hips and waist, and the cross over makes it nice for rolling up and fastening soiled diapers.

Trimness: It fits about the same as some other pocket diapers I have, though it is slightly thicker due to the bamboo. In these pictures, the diaper is stuffed with the microfiber insert and the newborn insert added as a doubler.

Convenience

Ease of use: They are just as quick and easy as changing disposables if they are stored stuffed. Stuffing a pocket diaper takes about 45 seconds for me; I always add a doubler and a liner.

Space/Storage: This diaper does take up more room compared to a disposable, but that's the nature of the beast with most cloth diapers.

Care

Washing: I use the same routine for all of my diapers - no fabric softener; cold rinse, hot wash with detergent, and another cold rinse cycle or two to be sure all of the detergent is completely rinsed.

Drying: I have noticed that because of the bamboo, this pocket diaper takes a bit longer to dry than my microsuede pocket diapers. I generally hang all of my pockets on the clothes bar/drying rack and use the dryer only for the inserts. Most of my diapers are dry after spending overnight on the rack while my Little Bee diaper needs another hour to hour and a half to be completely dry.

Value

Length of Use: This diaper is one size so the diaper should fit from 8-35 pounds. The Little Bee Co. also makes a newborn diaper that fits preemie-12 pounds.

Price: $14.94 (newborn diaper) $19.95 (microsuede) $21.95 (bamboo)

Final Comments

I really have no complaints about this diaper. It fits Baby Bee perfectly, does a good job absorbing and containing, and it's nice to know that by purchasing from this company, other children who are less fortunate than my own Baby Bee are also getting the chance to benefit from cloth diapering. Even the names of the diaper are a part of the mission as they represent the countries where so many of these needy orphans live. If I was building a stash from scratch, I would be very inclined to use Little Bee diapers for most, if not all, of my stash. Thank you, Little Bee Co., for a job well done!

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Walking!

Baby Bee has been practicing walking a lot the last couple of weeks. A few days ago, she started getting really good at it, even standing from a seated position. There are only 4 days between these two videos and look at how much she's improved!




And yeah, she's usually in cloth diapers, but I'm treating them for a possible yeast infection so it's sposies for a few days.

Yesterday was Baby Bee's first birthday! We celebrated today by having a small family party. Our theme.....bumblebees, of course! She had a wonderful time and especially enjoyed the cake. I ordered the banner from PaperFollie on Etsy. I was very pleased with the customer service, shipping time, and the banner. The plates, flatware, and table cover came from Birthday Direct and the delicious cake came from Publix. I explained to the bakery ladies what I was picturing and had a couple of photos for inspiration and they did a wonderful job on the custom order.

Let's get this party started!

Almost Walking

We've come a long way from pulling up. Baby Bee is standing for about 15-20 seconds consistently and walking daily with the help of her dinosaur. It shouldn't be too much longer until she's walking on her own.

Baby Bee is pulling up!

Sunday night, Baby Bee finally managed to get her feet all the way under herself and pull up on the couch. She had been getting as far as her knees for about a week, so we knew that it wouldn't be long until she was on her two feet. She's been practicing every day, multiple times a day.

I'm tired of helping fold the laundry. I think I'll try getting up there with Mommy, now.


Half-way there!


Look at me! I DID IT!

Product Review: Dirt Devil Red Versa Powerstick

This is probably the BEST $18.00 I've spent in a long time! With a baby who is learning to eat finger foods, it's a must to clean up the floor after every meal and this little vacuum is perfect for those quick touch-ups in the kitchen and dining room (all tile floors.) The Red Versa is lightweight so I have been carrying it upstairs to vacuum the wood floors in the bedrooms. The head is small so it fits under cabinets, the edge of the stove, and around baseboards quite well and detaches quickly and easy to convert to a hand-held vacuum. My only real complaint is the placement of the power switch. It is located far enough down on the vacuum to get caught and switched off while vacuuming under some of the furniture. While it isn't strong enough to vacuum up the deep-down dirt out of the carpet for weekly cleaning, it does pick up the random little pieces of "unwanteds" on the rug in our living room quite well. However, I do use the hand-held portion on the carpeted stairs because it's so quick and easy to use; it does a good job getting the obvious pieces of fuzz and other things tracked down the stairs. It also worked pretty well for cleaning up the car; the crevice tool was very helpful for that job. I most definitely recommend this little Red Devil.

BFAR Update

If you're following my story, I updated a bit today.

Kissaluv Fitted and Marvel Cover

Overall: love it!
Design
Type: fitted

w/o cover approx. 12 pounds

Fastening: strong snaps with lifetime guarantee on both the fitted diaper and the cover; the cover has double snaps on both wings
Inserts: n/a
Cover: wipe-able PUL

Absorbency and Containment
Urine:excellent absorbency since the entire diaper is absorbent rather than just an insert
Solids: excellent job on containing messes; even with a huge blowout, we were leak-free!

Fit
Legs: diaper legs are snug and comfortable; cover has double gussets that are comfortable and soft
Rise: adjustable fit in both rise and waist; size 0 (newborn) has snap down center for a healing navel
Trimness: diaper is trim and fits like a disposable; cover is more bulky between the legs and around the waist depending on the baby's build - that's the nature of the beast with OS though - all of the unused portion of the diaper has to go somewhere

Convenience
Changing Inserts: n/a
Speed and ease: changing the fitted is just as fast as changing a disposable; more time is required when using the cover due to the double snaps on each wing (if both aren't snapped, the underside of the wing is unattached and will cause leaks)

w/o cover approx. 12 pounds

Space/Storage: take up considerable space in diaper bags and changing tables

Care
Washing: for fitteds use same routine as other CDs; covers are thin enough to be hand-washed if necessary
Drying: cover drips dry quickly or can be tossed in dryer on low; dry time for fitted diapers comparable to regular laundry loads

Value
Length of Use: fitteds are limited since they have to be purchased in sizes 0, 1, or 2; cover is unlimited at one size
Price: $13.95 per fitted (colors); $16.95 per cover; we purchased a Bundle of Joy starter pack in both small and medium. The pack included 6 fitted diapers, 1 Marvel cover, 12 terry wipes, 3 booster doublers, and 4 oz Lotion Potion spray for $99.00

Other Comments

w/ cover approx. 12 pounds

We've had no leaks or blowouts due to the fantastic absorbency and great fit around the legs on the cover. The cover takes some getting used to snapping on a smaller baby though. There are the double snaps which must be done to prevent leaks and the unused snaps for growth can get in the way. I find it's more difficult to do during the middle of the night changes when I'm already tired.

Also at smaller weights, the cover is a bit bulky because of all the gathering in the front from all the unused material. With weight gain, the cover will smooth out.

This diaper system does really well for naps and overnight when paired with a Kissaluv doubler.

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GroVia OS AI2

Overall: very pleased - This is Daddy Bee's favorite diaper.

approx. 13.5 pounds

Type: one size AI2/hybrid

Fastening: super soft hook and loop

Inserts: snap-in organic cotton soaker pads with waterproof backing

Shell: waterproof

Absorbency and Containment

Urine:great absorbency; the boosters make a addition for naps

approx. 13.5 pounds

Solids: breast milk poo generally escaped from the soaker pad and got onto the shell; solid poo stays contained

Fit

Legs: snug elastic leaves no gaps

Rise: 2 rows of snaps (1st row for newborn, 2nd row for infant, unsnapped for toddler)

Trimness: very trim fit; fit well under onsies

Convenience

Changing Inserts: soaker pads snap inside the shell; there is a definite front and back to the soaker though so it adds an extra step

Speed and ease:very quick and easy

Space/Storage: take up minimum space in diaper bags and changing table

approx. 13.5 pounds

Care

Washing: hot wash for soaker pads; warm wash for shells

Drying: dry time for inserts comparable to regular laundry loads; shells hang dry within a few hours

Value

Length of Use: can be used from birth until potty training

Price: $24.95 shell and soaker set, $16.95 individual shell; $16.95 2-pack soakers, $8.50-$9.50 2-pack of boosters (stay dry or organic cotton choices)

Other Comments

I have found that I can generally rotate two shells for the day by always having one on Baby Bee and one loaded up and ready to use. When Baby Bee wets, I just switch the whole diaper completely and then hang up the first shell to air dry for the next diaper change. Before Baby Bee started eating solids, I did have to add another shell into the rotation whenever she had a messy diaper because breast milk poo would always escape from the soaker pad onto the mesh interior of the cover. This would require a full change since the covers aren't wipeable.

The soaker pads are designed in such a way that two layers of fabric are sewn together at the ends leaving the middle unattached. Because of this loose middle, poo would also run down the back side of the top layer requiring rinsing on both the outer and the middle layers of the soaker pad. It did take a bit longer to rinse off the soakers but to me, it was just a small inconvenience due to the design of the soaker.

I generally avoid hook and loop on diapers but I LOVE the H&L on the GroVia system. The tabs are stretchy for a fast and easy diaper change. It's super soft and not scratchy since it is more tape-like. It spans the entire waistband making finding the perfect fit easy! The H&L tabs stays clean so they stay fastened as they should. I have found that the maintenance is minimal compared to other systems that use H&L. I have taken the clothes shaver to the waistbands a couple of times to remove some slight pilling at the frequent use spots.

The tuck under laundry tabs are a bit of a pain, but they work really well! The tabs are short and because of the thickness of the H&L, the tabs can be difficult to tuck under the loop. I have found that I can fold the tabs lengthwise and that makes it a little easier to get them into place.

For the occasional traveling or long weekends, I really like the biodegradable Gro Via inserts because they have gussets to help contain messes.

GroVia makes many other products including AIOs (newborn size, too), wipes, liners, and detergent. To see their full list of products, visit their website www.gro-via.com

edited 5.31.11

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gDiapers

Overall: just okay

Design
Type:sized AI2/hybrid
Fastening: high quality velcro wraps around back of waist (great for keeping LO from taking them off)
Inserts: cotton inserts fit in plastic liner which snaps into cover
Cover: cotton

Absorbency and Containment

approx. 9 pounds

Urine:good absorbency for the cotton inserts though they do need to be changed frequently to avoid leaks; good absorbency for the bio inserts
Solids: some poo usually escapes liner and gets onto the inside of the shell requiring a full change

Fit
Legs: loose band like that on a tshirt sleeve or neck; soft and comfortable
Rise: not adjustable; rides a bit high on smaller infants since the band touches the navel
Trimness:overall trim fit; fit well under onsies

Convenience
Changing Inserts: two steps 1) place new insert into liner 2) snap liner into the four corners of the shell; handling inserts and liners with poo on them can be messy
Speed and ease: slightly more time consuming than disposables even if liners are kept pre-loaded and rotated due to the 4 snaps
Space/Storage: take up minimum space in diaper bags and changing tables

Care
Washing: for inserts use same routine as other CDs; shells and liners can be washed with regular loads
Drying: liners drip dry quickly; dry time for shells and inserts comparable to regular loads of t-shirts and underwear

approx. 9 pounds

Value
Length of Use: limited; have to be purchased in S, M, L sizes as baby grows
Price: $30 for a two pack set of pants and liners; $30 for a set of 6 inserts, $14.50 for a 40 pack of disposable inserts

Other Comments
An advantage to this system is that they are available at Target and BRU rather than online diaper shops only.

We experienced several leaks with this system. Baby Bee has skinny legs and needs snug elastic which gDiapers just don't have.

I have found that I can start a rotation of two shells for the day by always having one diaper loaded up and ready to use. When Baby Bee wets, I just switch the whole diaper completely and then clean up the first diaper and load it up for the next change. The liners wipe clean with a damp cloth very easily. Poop always gets on the inside of the cotton shell so if she pooped or had a wet leak, then the shell must be taken out of the rotation for the day and be laundered, so I end up actually using all 4 shells for the day. That's the down side to the cotton shell. That also negates some of the convenience of having the biodegradable inserts. They make diapering on the go somewhat easy because I can throw away the insert, but I still have to deal with the wet bag like an AIO should she leak or poop while we're gone.

We are on a septic system so I have NOT attempted to flush the biodegradable inserts.

I bought the gDiapers for possible use during travel. Since the cotton pants have to be washed rather than wiped down if they get wet, this system does not offer the convenience for which I was hoping.

I have noticed that the corner of the velcro strip has scratched my wrist a couple of times when I'm breastfeeding Baby Bee. It's not painful, just annoying. One other small complaint is that the plastic snaps on the liner leave marks on Baby Bee's skin. They're similar to sheet marks so they go away after a bit, but it does make me wonder if she's completely comfortable in them.

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Best Bottoms

Overall: very pleased

Design

Type:OS AI2

Fastening: strong snaps or front aplix

Inserts: inserts are microfleece

approx. 11 pounds

Cover: wipe-able PUL interior

Absorbency and Containment

Urine:great; doubler makes for a leak-free night

Solids: some poo gets on the inside of the cover but as long as it doesn't get in the gussets it can be wiped down and used again

Fit

Legs: double gussets are snug and comfortable

Waist and Rise: snaps all along waist; 3 rows of rise snaps

Trimness: fairly trim fit but can be a bit bulky between the legs depending on the rise setting, but that's the nature of the beast with OS though since all of the unused portion of the diaper has to go somewhere

Convenience

Changing Inserts: one quick step - just snap new liner into shell (2 snaps); there is no bunching with these inserts

Speed and ease: just as quick and easy as disposables if shells are kept pre-loaded and rotated; just a few extra seconds if snapping in a fresh insert and immediately reusing the same shell

approx. 11 pounds

Space/Storage: take up minimum space in diaper bags and changing tables

Care

Washing: same routine as other CDs; shells are thin enough to be handwashed if necessary

Drying: shells drip dry quickly or can be tossed in dryer on low; dry time for inserts comparable to regular laundry loads

Value

Length of Use: shells have unlimited use since they are one size; inserts come in size S (birth-14 pounds) , M (11-22 pounds) and L ( 16-35 pounds) although Nicki suggests that many people can skip the medium insert

Price: $17 per shell; $3.75-$6.50 per insert (microfleece, hemp, overnight choices)

Other Comments

I have found that I can rotate two shells for the day by always having one on Baby Bee and one loaded up and ready to use. When Baby Bee wets, I just switch the whole diaper completely and then wipe out the first shell to air dry for the next diaper change. This system does very well containing poops. As long as none gets onto the gusset elastic, that shell can be wiped down as if it were a wet change. If anything is on the elastic then I add a new shell to the rotation and toss the dirty one in the hamper.

I would love to see Nicki come up with a biodegradable insert to use on the go, but I have tried bio inserts from gDiapers and Gro Via and both worked well. I prefer the Gro Via inserts because they have gussets. The beauty of doing this is that I can toss the insert but still use the outer shell eliminating having to deal with a wet bag full of dirty or wet diapers. Plus, the inserts are thin and take up very little room in the diaper bag. I throw in a few of those and a spare cover and I'm off.

A few final comments regarding aplix and snaps. The aplix can be loud sometimes; there have been a couple of changes where I have startled Baby Bee. Of course, the snaps aren't exactly silent either and they're a bit more challenging to change in the dark when you're trying to avoid turning on the light in the middle of the night. Also, the tabs can look rather fuzzy after repeated washings and need a little cleaning. A perk of the aplix shells is that the waist is completely adjustable to LO's size. With the snap shells, there is a slight limit to the adjustments since the locations of the snaps are preset. The edges of the aplix are rounded off so there's no scratching or irritation to either Baby Bee or me.

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Rumparooz G2 OS

Overall: very pleased

Design

Type: pocket

Fastening: strong snaps

Inserts: 6r soaker set- full size microterry w/ snap down setting and contoured newborn microterry insert

Cover: microchamois inner; waterproof outer

Absorbency and Containment

Urine: great for daytime; have had some leaks overnight due to long stretches of sleep

Solids: "poop scoop" design and double interior gussets keep explosions contained

Fit

Legs: double interior gussets have soft and comfortable elastic

Waist and Rise: 2 rows of snaps along waist; 3 rows of rise snaps

Trimness: thicker than disposables creates some bulk but they fit well under onesies

Convenience

Changing Inserts: inserts do have to be removed by hand for washing

Speed and ease: if stored pre-stuffed they are just as quick and easy as changing disposables

Space/Storage: take up considerable room in diaper bag and changing table if pre-stuffed

Care

Washing: same routine as other CDs

Drying: pocket dry time is faster than AIO; soaker dry time is comparable to regular laundry

Value

Length of Use: 6-35+ pounds

Price: $23.50

Other Comments

Though it is thick, this diaper fits well and is adorable on Baby Bee's bum. The newborn soaker works as a booster to add extra absorbency.

One thing that initially worried me about Rumparooz was that the diapers are made in China. I was concerned about my purchase supporting a possible sweat shop, but while I was writing this review I found out that Rumparooz had recently won a MACT award. One of the qualifications for this award is that the company provide fair and safe working conditions for their employees. You can read more here. (insert the following link http://www.award-winning-healthy-child-products.com/2010/12/17/rumparooz-one-size-pocket-diaper-wins-mact-excellence-award/ )

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Fuzzibunz Perfect Size

approx. 13.5 pounds

Overall: very pleased

Design

Type: pocket

Fastening: strong snaps

Inserts:microterry

Cover: microfleece inner; waterproof outer

Absorbency and Containment

Urine:great

Solids: great - we've had several blowouts with no leaks thanks to the great fit around the legs

approx. 13.5 pounds

Fit

Legs: stretchy and comfortable elastic that fits snugly

Waist and Rise: no rise adjustment but the angled placement of the snaps provides a great fit around legs and waist

Trimness: remarkably trim for a pocket diaper - since it's not a OS, there's less bulk; I forget that it's a pocket diaper when she's wearing it

Convenience

Changing Inserts: n/a

Speed and ease: if stored pre-stuffed they are just as quick and easy as changing disposables

Space/Storage: take up minimal room in diaper bag and changing table even when pre-stuffed

approx. 13.5 pounds

Care

Washing: same routine as other CDs

Drying: pocket dry time is faster than AIO; soaker dry time is comparable to regular laundry

Value

Length of Use: 4 sizes available though most babies only need 2 or 3 sizes

extra small: 4-12 pounds small: 7-18 pounds medium: 15-30 pounds large: 25-45+ pounds

Price: $17.95

Other Comments

This diaper fits beautifully on Baby Bee's skinny bum and legs; it's absolutely adorable on her. At 19 pounds, Baby Bee still wears the small so I feel that the sizing is generous. I'm hoping that with that generous sizing, we can use mediums up until potty training and not have to order larges. While I have had several of these diapers delaminate, Fuzzibunz replaced them for me and assured me that any that delaminate after my one year warranty will also be taken care of. I am overall pleased with the Fuzzibunz Perfect Size.

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Lil Joey by Rumparooz Review

4 days 7 pounds 12 ounces

Overall: pleased

Design
Type: AIO
Fastening: strong snaps
Interior: 4 layers of microfiber
Cover: PUL

Absorbency and Containment
Urine: good; they're small so they only contain so much; we changed every 1.5 hours
Solids: "poop scoop" design and double interior gussets keep explosions contained

4 days 7 pounds 12 ounces

Fit
Legs: double gussets have snug elastic
Waist and Rise: umbilical cord snap-down; 2 rows of rise snaps
Trimness: thicker than disposables creates some bulk but they fit well under onesies

Convenience
Changing Inserts: n/a
Speed and ease: just as quick and easy as changing disposables
Space/Storage: take up considerable room in diaper bag and changing table

Care
Washing: same routine as other CDs
Drying: thickness of 4 layers makes considerable dry time

approx. 8.5 pounds

Value
Length of Use: limited from 5-12 pounds approximately
Price: $30 per pair

Other Comments
Baby Bee wore Lil Joeys until she was about 10 pounds. Because of her long torso, she outgrew them before the 12 pound expectation.

Overall, we were very pleased with these diapers. We had some leaking problems but realized it was because she was outgrowing them.

Lil Joeys come in vivid solids and cute prints. They make newborn bums quite adorable.


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Kissaluv Marvel Review

Overall: okay (doesn't fit snugly around BB's legs)

Design

approx. 11 pounds

Type: AIO
Fastening: strong snaps with lifetime guarantee and overlapping wings
Interior: attached stay-dry fleece soaker
Cover: PUL

Absorbency and Containment
Urine: great
Solids: great

Fit
Legs: 1soft and comfortable elastic
Waist and Rise: snaps along waistline; 2 rows of rise snaps
Trimness: slightly bulky between the legs and around waist depending on baby's size - that's the nature of the beast with OS diapers since all of the unused portion has to go somewhere

Convenience
Changing Inserts: while the insert doesn't need to be changed, it does need to be restuffed after washing
Speed and ease: just as quick and easy as changing disposables
Space/Storage: take up considerable room in diaper bag and changing table

Care
Washing: same routine as other CDs
Drying: dry time is faster than other AIOs due to the fact that the insert washes out and essentially washes and dries as a pocket diaper

Value
Length of Use: 7-35 pounds
Price: $22.95

Other Comments
We've been lucky to not have any leaks because this diaper doesn't fit Baby Bee's skinny legs and bum very well. I try to get the rise and waist adjusted as tight as possible without being uncomfortable and it still leaves a small gap on the bottom of her thighs. She might grow into it more later on, but this should be a good diaper for chubbier legs.

The Marvel's claim to fame is that it is a "self-cleaning, no stuffing" diaper. I find the self-cleaning claim accurate since the soaker agitates out during the wash. I do find the no stuffing claim a bit of a stretch because once the soaker works itself out in the wash, it has to be stuffed back into the pocket and worked it into the corners. I'm not sure if the convenience of not touching the dirty diaper is worth the expense in comparison to most of my pocket diapers (RaR excluded) though since their care is the same.

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