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Showing posts with label Product Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Product Review. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 19, 2013 0 comments

Product Reviews: Nicki's Diapers Pocket Diaper and Bamboo All-In-One

When it comes to cloth diapering, my family has tried it all. That means two things: first, I know exactly what works for us and what doesn’t; second, I’m always interested in trying new stuff to augment or improve our diapering regimen.  So, when I saw that Nicki’s Diapers had released a signature line of diapers, I figured I’d give them a try. We’ve used a number of similar all-in-one and pocket diapers, so it was pretty easy to judge the diapers not only on their own merit, but how they compare to similar products.

The first diaper we tried was the Nicki’s all-in-one diaper, which features a bamboo lining and snap in liner. My first impression was that the bamboo lining extended too far to the exterior of the diaper, and that leakage would be a concern.  However, the roll in legs were easy to adjust and upon using the diaper, I found the opposite to be the case. After a month of using this diaper I’ve had not a single leak, neither from my skinny 2 ½ year old (who wets like it’s a competitive sport) nor from my more Buddha-esque 1 year old. Almost as importantly, the dyed bamboo has been good to both of my girls’ sensitive skin, and the diapers are slim and easy to put on (tantrums notwithstanding, naturally).  The snap out liner makes the diaper easier to dry than some all-in-one competitors, which is nice now that winter is coming and the clothesline is going to become less usable. Bottom line: these diapers are now fully in the rotation, and are a go-to for a last-second diaper bag stuffing. Whether you’re just starting cloth or a vet, these are a good buy.

We’re not a family that uses a lot of pocket diapers. They tend to require more labor on a use-by-use basis
than either my husband or myself are interested in investing. One of the nice improvements in the Nicki’s pocket is the presence of openings in the front and the rear of the diaper. Once you stuff the insert, you can forget about it, as the agitation of your washing machine will pull the insert out while it’s washing (of course if you don’t use a washer, your mileage will vary some). The microfiber insert is fantastically absorbent, and allows the fleece lining to stay dry against bottoms, even for our competitive tinkler. In the fit department, these diapers seemed to fit our on our Buddha baby’s legs better than the beanpole, but again there was no leaking to speak of. While this diaper did not make pocket converts out of the family, it is still a solid product, priced and designed as good or better than the competition.

Overall, the Nicki’s signature brand is off to a great start.  The diapers are available in a number of vibrant shell colors (as well as a couple of prints), and are a good value, as they are competitively priced and are easily adjustable, meaning that your kids can wear them from birth to potty training.

Thursday, November 8, 2012 7 comments

An Inside Look at the New Imagine Stay-Dry All-In-Ones

Yesterday Imagine Baby Products released 2 new products to their economical and bullet proof cloth diapering line. In this blog post, I'm going to tell you about the features of the new Imagine One-Size Stay-Dry All-in-One and tell you why I think every cloth diaper stash needs a few of these on hand!
At first glance, the  Imagine One-Size Stay-Dry All-in-One looks like any other all-in-one diaper. It's completely waterproof on the outside, offers a snap up and down rise in the front to fit babies 8-35+ pounds and is available in snap or hook & loop closure. Open it up and you'll find out what sets this diaper apart and makes it a smart buy!

The entire inner of the Imagine One-Size Stay-Dry All-in-One is lined with super soft polar fleece. This means your baby has only the most gentle material touching their skin. The 4 layer microfiber soaker pad is extremely absorbent and is also topped with the same polar fleece to wick away moisture and keep your little one feeling dry. The insert is snapped into the front. That means that no matter what snap rise you use, the absorbency will be where you need it to be. This also keeps the diaper nice and trim fitting in the back, which can sometimes be a difficult feature to find in a one-size diaper!
Something very unique about the  Imagine One-Size Stay-Dry All-in-One is that you can utlize other snap-in inserts from the Imagine Baby Product line. One of my favorite options is the new and improved Imagine Bamboo Soaker Pads. Snap one of these babies in your  Imagine One-Size Stay-Dry All-in-One, lay your stay-dry soaker on top and you've got a GREAT overnight diaper! Bonus: Because the absorbent soaker pad is removable, washing the diaper in a piece of cake! No stinkies from sewn in absorbency and the insert can be deep cleaned if build-up or yeast were ever to occur. 
Why is this diaper a must-have for any cloth diaper stash? This no-frills diaper is easy for anyone to put on your baby! Babysitters, grandparents, and spouses that are hesitant to use cloth diapers will find this cloth diaper just as easy to put on as a disposable diaper. There is no stuffing, folding or removing of inserts. These also make the perfect diaper bag diaper. No other pieces to remember with this diaper, toss one in your diaper bag and you're set! Finally, this diaper is so reliable that it would be a great diaper to build your entire diaper stash from! A cloth diaper newbie would feel confident using this diaper!

It gets even better, for a limited time the Imagine One-Size Stay-Dry All-in-One is on sale for only $10.95! That's an unheard of price for a top quality All-In-One. Grab some to try out risk free, our 15 Day Wash Program insures that you'll get full store credit if you don't love it (but we know you will!). 

Would you like to win a set of TWO Imagine One-Size Stay-Dry AIOS? Head over to our facebook page and click on the giveaway tab! 



Sunday, October 7, 2012 0 comments

The Cutest Accessory in the Nursery- Our Planet Wise Wet Bag

A good friend recently stopped by to meet the newest addition to our family. I showed her all the cute stuff I had accumulated, but she kept gravitating back to our cloth diaper stash- especially the Planet Wise wet bag hanging from the bassinet. All she could keep saying (over and over) was, “It’s just so cute!” 

When we were initially considering how to build our diaper stash, we debated over whether or not we wanted to have a diaper pail or simply use a large wet bag when at home. The decision was made when I saw all the cute prints Planet Wise had for their wet bags. It may seem frivolous to care that much about looks, but I have a philosophy that if you have to look at something every day, make it something beautiful. Apparently the fabric purchasers at Planet Wise agree with me! 

We started using our owl print wet bag with our older child, and I was immediately grateful for my decision to go with a wet bag, and for more than just aesthetic reasons. After disposable diapering our oldest child for over 2 years, I was so tired of our house smelling faintly of dirty diapers. Our Planet Wise wet bag, however, holds in any and all smells all the time. It was literally a breath of fresh air (sorry, bad joke)!

Once we got brave enough to venture out with cloth, we also started using the small Planet Wise wet bag we received as a free gift from Nicki’s Diaper for our $225+ order. While not my favorite color , it definitely does the job when we’re out and about. The small size is perfect to hold 1-2 pocket diapers or 2-3 prefolds or stay dry inserts; it’s perfect for a morning or afternoon running around town.

When we stick closer to home, the large size wet bag easily holds 2-3 days of diapers. One of the best features of the bag is that we can fill it with diapers, carry it down to the washer, dump the diapers out into the washer, and then throw the wet bag in the wash with the diapers. I LOVE not having to handle the dirty, gross, smelly diapers before they go in the washer. In fact, I’m not sure I would be so quick to cloth diaper if we still had the old wet-pail and bleach system. Yuck!

To sum it up: we love both of our Planet Wise wet bags. In fact, the large owl print has significantly upped the cute factor of our nursery. They’re well made, do the job, and the price is right. What more could you ask for?


Guest Blogger, Heather is a work-at-home violin and piano teacher, but she considers her full-time job chasing around her two sons, ages 3-1/2 and 2 months. She lives in Great Falls, Montana and loves getting outside and enjoying her incredible surroundings.

Monday, June 4, 2012 2 comments

Product Review: Small Planet Wise Wet Bag and Designer Changing Pad

My son was 5 months old when I first visited Nicki’s Diapers. When I walked in, I was immediately drawn to a table filled with vibrant colors and beautiful patterns. I had no idea what the Planet Wise Wet Bag was, but I couldn’t stop sifting through the multiple patterns of these great bags that I knew I had to take home. (Ask my husband, anything that is appealing to the eye I want immediately, even if I have no clue how I’ll use it.)

I decided on a small wet bag and matching changing pad, as I was tired of the bulky all-in-one changing systems I had previously been using. They weren’t flexible, they were heavy and they were huge! But as a new mom, I didn’t know any different from purchasing all of my baby needs at big box stores.

The Small Planet Wise Wet Bag turned out to be perfect for my son and me. He wasn’t going through as many diapers as he had been when he was younger, and I was ready to get rid of my huge diaper bag. The small wet bag fit just what I needed to take my little guy out and about — two to three diapers, the matching changing pad and a travel case of wipes — and it allowed me to start carrying a purse again.

My son is 15 months old now, and that wet bag has traveled all over the place. I’ve received multiple compliments along the way — from how cute and stylish the pattern is to how compact and easy it looks to use, people take notice, and I’m more than happy to say where I got it from and how great it has been in my life! When I’ve had to throw a wet diaper in the bag until I found a place to toss it, I’ve never had an issue with it leaking through to other items in my purse nor have I had to deal with a permeating funky smell.

It’s been so useful in our life that with our second baby due in the fall, I’ve already purchased another wet bag and changing pad. This way I can still keep the bulky diaper bag at bay and give the kids a little flair in their diapering identity. Not to mention the ease that will come for both my husband and I with grabbing one little bag filled with all the diapering needs when either one of us takes only one of the kids out and about.

About our Guest Blogger: Jenna is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Verona, WI, with her husband and 15-month-old son. They are expecting their second little one in late September. She looks forward to sharing her experience about transitioning to cloth diapers!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 0 comments

Aden & Anais- Mum & Bub Skin Care, perfect for the whole family!

Aden & Anais are well known for their 100% cotton and bamboo swaddle blankets, and they've recently made waves with their amazing crib sheets. They continue their tradition of excellence with their newest line, the Mum & Bub Skin Care Collection!


My family has very sensitive skin, so I was hesitant to introduce new skin products to them, but after reading about the ingredients and how they were formulated, I decided to give them a try! With the help of a Ellen Gendler, M.D., a leading New York City dermatologist, the Mum & Bub Skin Care Collection was created with fresh, fermented pawpaw fruit, which is known to relieve, cleanse and protect skin. It is also free of phytoestrogen, parabens, added hormone disrupters, petroleum oils, phthalates, dioxanes from sulfates, gluten, soy, petrochemicals, DEA and artificial hormones. 
The first thing I tried was the Soothing Ointment. I immediately fell in love with the delicious light vanilla scent of this ointment. I struggle with eczema on my hands, so I put a little of this ointment on my bad spots. I love that it's not greasy and just the right consistency, not to thick or thin. It calmed my cracking skin and kept the spots well moisturized for hours! I also used it on Emmett's diaper area and it kept him nice and clear! My almost 3 year old had a horrible cold with runny nose that made his upper lip so cracked and chapped. He is a BEAR to try to get any sort of cream on, but happily let me put this on after I let him smell it. He even ASKED for "the medicine that smells like birthday cake" for his lip several times! This truly is an all-purpose ointment, and I can't wait to find more uses for it!

Next, we tried the Hair & Body Wash at bath time. Could this really be gentle enough to use on Emmett, my 4 month old, yet get my almost 3 year old and 4 year old who spend hours outside on the farm clean? YES! The pump bottle makes it so easy to dispense the right amount when handling a slippery baby, and easy enough for my older boys to squirt into their wash cloths on their own. It is truly tear-free, and left their hair so soft and very fresh smelling! There is really nothing like rubbing your nose in the hair of a freshly bathed baby! :)
After baths, we applied the Ultra-Gentle Lotion to all of them, and I applied a liberal amount to my hands. It spread nice and smoothly and absorbed into their skin fairly quickly, leaving their skin silky soft! When my hands are really cracked like they are now, lotion often burns, but not this stuff! I love how my hands felt restored and smelled like sandlewood.
There is nothing I'd like more to do that simplify the amount of products we use! With the Aden & Anais- Mum & Bub Skin Care Collection, we can do just that! No need for different products for everyone. These would be great products for any family with sensitive skin, or who are concerned about the ingredients in the products they use. They would also be great gifts for new moms! You can get you own here!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 92 comments

Oh Katy One Size Pocket Diaper Review and Giveaway!

There are so many one-size pocket diapers on the market, and I feel like I've tried them all! When we got the Oh Katy One-Size Pocket Diapers in at Nicki's Diapers, it was one that I hadn't tried yet. I wanted to know, "What makes this diaper special?" As soon as I got my hands on it, I saw a few things that made this diaper unique! The first thing that grabbed me were the colors. They are bright and different from every other diaper color out there. I also love that they match their snaps to the color of the PUL. That is attention to detail that I appreciate!

Some other features that caught my attention was the pocket opening in the front of the diaper. Removing the insert from a dirty diaper can be a little scary, but having it in the front means you are much less likely to get messy hands! There are also a lot of snaps on the Oh Katy Diaper, and after playing with it for a few minutes, I found that those snaps are part of their ingenious design! To prevent wing droop on a little one, they have hip snaps, and there are also cross over snaps on the tabs for newborns!

When I tried this diaper on Emmett for the first time, he was just over 10 pounds. The fleece on the inside is SUPER soft and the gentle elastic in the legs contains leaks but doesn't leave red marks. It came with 2 inserts, a one-size insert and a newborn insert. Since he was still so tiny, I used the newborn insert on him and it made for a really nice trim fit! Of course, the most important part of a cloth diaper is it's performance, and with this one I didn't have any leaks! The Oh Katy washed up beautifully in my wash!


Would you like to try an Oh Katy One-Size Pocket Diaper? Now through February 27th, get 10% off all Oh Katy One-Size Pocket Diapers with free shipping on ALL pocket diapers at Nicki's Diapers! You can also enter below for your chance to win an Oh Katy Pocket Diaper in your choice of color!




Thursday, February 9, 2012 2 comments

Product Review: Flip Training Pants

My middle son, Sean, at 2 1/2 is pretty much the epitome of a 2 1/2 year old middle child. He's spunky, stubborn and needs lots of attention. After we potty trained my oldest son, Ian, in 3 days, I knew we'd have a much harder time with Sean. Isn't that how it always goes?

Sean CAN go on the potty all day, but usually doesn't want to and isn't afraid to tell us that! Now that Emmett is moving into the one-size diapers, we have fewer diapers available for Sean. Knowing that we need something that is easy for him to pull up and down himself and something that will protect from accidents, I was excited to see the Flip Training Pants arrive!

The Flip Training Pants Package comes with 5 Organic Cotton inserts that attach into a one-size shell with hook & loop at the front and back. If the insert gets wet, simply change it out for another one! The stretchy side panels have snaps to allow for easy changes, if necessary. They are also interchangeable, allowing your child to customize their trainer! You can also purchase additional 3-packs of inserts if necessary!

Sean is not quite 30 pounds now and these fit him on the smallest setting. He's able to pull them up and down with ease and because of the natural fiber insert, he KNOWS when he wet! They are economical in that it's essentially 5 training pants in one. They also protect his clothing from leaks because the shell is waterproof! Once he's daytime potty trained, I envision these being a great option for catching overnight accidents.

The top two pictures are Sean (2 1/2 years old, about 30 pounds) and on the bottom is Ian (4 years old, about 40 pounds and heavily bribed for this picture).



Tuesday, January 24, 2012 22 comments

Thirsties Duo All-In-One Review and Giveaway

When I think about modern cloth diapers, one of the first brands that come to mind are Thirsties. Every Thirsties product that I've ever tried has been of the highest quality and has always exceeded my (admittedly high) expectations of cloth diapers! When I heard they were coming out with another new product, I was very excited to give it a try! With 2 currently in cloth diapers, I always have a willing set of buns :)

First, let me tell you a little bit about the new Thirties Duo All-In-Ones! Their signature Duo sizing has the Size One Diaper fitting 6-18 pounds and the Size Two Diaper fitted 18-40 pounds! Each size has 2 rows of rise snaps, giving them a combined 6 rise settings! The inner is lined with a super soft fleece to keep baby feeling dry. The built-in microfiber soaker makes super easy diaper changes with no folding or stuffing. The waterproof outer means no cover needed! These are available in snap or aplix closure.

Emmett is 2 months old and 12 pounds so I used the Size 1 Snap (Mud) on him. He is on the middle rise setting and still has plenty of room to grow in both the rise and waist. I was surprised when I noticed that Thirsties didn't use their double leg gussets on these, but I was so please that it held messes in just as well and the gentle leg elastic didn't leave any marks on his legs. Emmett is a super soaker so one of my favorite things about this diaper is the ability to add more absorbency! There is a pass through sleeve where I can stuff a Thirsties Hemp Insert or any other doubler when Emmett is wearing the diaper overnight. Many one-size diapers are still quite bulky on Emmett, but because Thirsties uses their Duo system, this diaper is really nice and trim!

Sean is 2 1/2 years old and about 30 pounds so I used the Size 2 Snap (Hoot) on him. He is also on the middle rise setting with lots of room to grow (although I hope he potty trains out of diapers before he grows much  more ;-)) Sean is a little thicker built and we still did not have any problems with red marks on these. They are SUPER trim and fit great under his jeans! He has INCREDIBLY sensitive skin, so I was thrilled when he was able to wear this overnight (with a prefold used to add absorbency) and wake up DRY and without irritation!

Would you like to find out about more wonderful Thirsties Products? Request their catalog here! Would you like to win a new Thirsties Duo All-In-One in your choice of size, print and closure? Enter below!!



Thursday, January 19, 2012 97 comments

Product Review and Giveaway! Best Bottom Diapers Microfiber Doubler and Hemp/Organic Cotton Overnights

I didn't think I could love a diaper more, but I was recently proven wrong! Best Bottom Diapers has released new Micofiber Diaper Doublers and Hemp/Organic Cotton Overnight inserts, adding 2 new great options to a line of the most versitile cloth diapers available!

The Microfiber Diaper Doubler is made of 2 layers of microfiber and has snaps on both sides. Simply snap your Diaper Doubler into your Best Bottom Diaper Shell, and snap your Stay-Dry or Hemp/Organic Cotton insert (of the same size) on top! This is a great option for a heavy wetter, nap-time or long car rides! I've found it difficult to find a trim cloth diaper option that is absorbent enough to hold Emmett's heavy wetting. He's teetering on the edge of the next clothing size and in order to get a few more wears from them, we need a trim diaper! I've found these fit the bill perfectly!

If heavy wetting is a concern during the day, imagine what it's like at night! Emmett is still nursing every 3 hours at night, but we've found he is WIDE AWAKE for HOURS if we change his diaper. Enter... the Best Bottom Hemp/Organic Cotton Overnight insert! This insert snaps into your Best Bottom Diaper Shell and you snap a Stay-Dry or Hemp/Organic Cotton Insert on top. This creates a bullet-proof overnight diaper!

You might tag a look at the price tag and get scared off. $9.99 for an insert? The truth is hemp is one of your best options for absorbency but it's often a little pricer. But think of it this way, you'll only likely need 2 or 3 of them (depending on how often you wash) and buying a $9.99 insert to turn your daytime diaper into a night time diaper is a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a diaper specifically for night time!


Thursday, April 14, 2011 1 comments

Product Review: Weehuggers

I heard a lot of hype about the Weehuggers covers before I saw one.  I looked them up after seeing a bunch of rave reviews, and the first thing I noticed was the CUTE prints.  Lots of great options for both boys and girls, and in both snaps and hook & loop.

I liked the idea of two sizes, as sometimes one size covers are too bulky on little babies and too small for my big boys.

I finally got to touch and feel them in the store, and grabbed a size 2 to try out on my kids.  I first put it on my youngest, who is almost 18 months old and around 27lbs.  An Econobum prefold fits very nicely folded inside.  I was amazed that it was so roomy even at the top of the weight range.

I was so impressed, in fact, that I decided to try it on my older boy -- who is 3.5 years and almost 40lbs.  I used a Babykicks hemp insert topped with a doubler, and was shocked that it was even roomy on him!  The picture shows that even on a very large kid, there was still another set of snaps to use if necessary.

The double leg gussets provided great leak protection.  Another unique feature is the flaps that hold inserts in place -- they are soft fabric against baby and PUL waterproof underneath so that no wetness seeps through.

Overall this is probably my favorite cover.  The features plus the fit and prints make it a great choice.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011 0 comments

Babykicks Bumboo Pocket review


When I first grabbed the Babykicks Bumboo Pocket, I was intrigued.  It had a couple features that I'd never encountered before in a pocket diaper.  One thing I immediately noticed was that it was incredibly trim.  It comes with a Joey Bunz insert, which I found to be very absorbent.  I didn't think it would hold up to my little guy's intense heavy wetting, but it did the job!

The main feature that separates this diaper from other pockets is the "air gussets."  They are made out of a fleece material that allows better airflow and helps prevent rashes because they contain no PUL.  I was worried that they would mean seeping out the legs, but amazingly enough there was no leaking.  The soft gussets also mean no red marks around little legs!

The 3g version made some improvements over the last style -- and the thinner sides really made a difference to accommodate my big baby's thighs.

Overall, I was very impressed with a diaper I didn't think I'd like.

Monday, July 19, 2010 18 comments

Product Review: GroVia All-In-One Cloth Diaper

The well-known cloth diaper brand, GroBaby, has recently re-branded and expanded their cloth diaper line to include "A diaper for every family, a healthy way for every little one." Whether you're looking for a healthier disposable diaper option, a hybrid diaper with the option of cloth or disposable, or you're going to use strictly cloth diaper, GroVia has something for you! GroVia was generous enough to sponsor this review! After nearly 3 years of cloth diapering, I've tried just about every diaper out there. I have a large variety of diapers in my stash, from prefolds, to fitteds, to pockets, to all-in-ones, to all-in-twos. I find that I prefer certain diapers for certain occasions. If you are looking for a diaper that will work for EVERY occasion, the GroVia All-In-One is the perfect diaper for you. The GroVia All-In-One is a one-size cloth diaper, so there is no need to size up as baby grows. Unlike many one-size diapers, this diaper is TRIM! The side snap closure is on stretchy panels, which hugs your baby, giving a custom fit without leaving red marks. The organic cotton inner is super absorbent and butter soft. There is no need to stuff any pockets with an all-in-one and the soaker pad is attached at one end to ensure quick drying. The GroVia All-In-One diaper is very attractive looking with a streamlined front that has matching snaps and side panels. It is currently available in three colors; Vanilla, Cosmos and Ice. I used this diaper on my 1 year old son (22 pounds) and my 2 1/2 year old son (33 pounds) and had a great fit on both of them. My younger son still had one snap left in the rise setting and my older son had the diaper fully open, but plenty of room for growth. This diaper also made a great training pant for my older son. With the stretchy side panels snapped one snap looser than you would when using it as a regular diaper, it's easy for him to pull up and down. Check back on Thursday for your chance to win a GroVia All-In-One Cloth Diaper!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 19 comments

Guest Post and Product Review: TotsBots EasyFit One Size All-In-One Cloth Diaper

I've been using the TotsBots EasyFit All In One for about a month now. I wasn't all that impressed at first look - well, other than the gorgeous colors it comes in - but was intrigued enough to give it a try. I have to say that I am REALLY glad I did! One of my hesitations was that my toddler is already 35 pounds so I wasn't even sure that it would fit. Well, not only does it fit, he's got room to grow in it. Also, I'm a fan of natural fibers next to skin and the bamboo inner on this one is really innovative. Normally with a natural inner I would expect wicking but the TotsBots has a bamboo strip down the middle and then the stay dry material on the edges. Because of this design, I've had no leaking or wicking even when my toddler goes 3 hours between changes during the day. We've used it at night laying in a hemp doubler and our mornings have been nothing but dry. I did use this diaper after just washing it twice and it did leak then. Since it does have bamboo it does need extra prepping - 6-8 washes and even though I knew better I just couldn't wait to try it. Did I mention how trim this diaper is? Jeans are not a problem with this diaper. Trim, trim, trim! Now let me talk about the velcro. I love the laundry tabs on this diaper - they fold right over to the inside so when you go to put the diaper on they are easily accessible. By that I mean there is no fishing out the tabs from under baby - it actually reminds me of a disposable in this regard - super easy. Oh, and the laundry tabs have stuck through every washing I've done. The outer material is not quite as soft as other PUL I've used but it doesn't pill at all and is still as bright as ever. I'm always torn over whether I should use this diaper first thing out of the wash or save it for the diaper bag because of how easy and dependable it is. It does require that you stuff the insert back in when its out of the wash but since its all attached its easy enough and since it agitates out in the wash I'm a happy camper! I am really happy with this diaper and can honestly recommend it to anyone looking for a new all in one to try! The TotsBots EasyFit One-Size All-In-One Cloth Diaper was reviewed by Sarah, Senior Sales Associate at Nicki's Diapers and Mom of 3 beautiful children.Her youngest son, age 2 1/2 and 35 pounds tested this diaper :) Check back on Thursday for your chance to win a TotsBots EasyFit One-Size All-In-One Cloth Diaper, sponsored by the manufacterer!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 18 comments

Rockin' Review: Rockin' Green Detergent!

If you are a cloth diaperer, or are considering switching to cloth diapers, one of your biggest questions or areas of interest are, "How do I get my diapers clean?". You've probably researched different wash routines and searched out different cloth diaper-friendly detergents. Well, look no further!
I was first introduced to Rockin' Green when I began working at Nicki's Diapers. I had already been cloth diapering for nearly 2 years and had tried a few different laundry detergents and dozens of different wash routines. Some of the failed miserably on the first try, others worked for a while but after a few weeks, we'd have stink/leaking/rash issues.
Since so many customers seemed to like Rockin' Green, I thought I would give it a try. I did a lot of research on the internet and found nothing but GREAT reviews on it! I wasn't sure what was at the root of my cloth diapering stink problems, but it seemed like whatever the problem was, Rockin' Green had an answer!
I read about the "Rockin' Soak" and decided to give it a try. I filled my washer up with hot water and 3 tablespoons of Rockin' Green. Then I dumped all my clean diapers in and let them soak. You could soak for as little as 30-60 minutes, or if you have bigger issues (or forget about the diapers soaking, like me :)) you can do an overnight Rockin' Soak! After you're done with the soak, empty your washer and run a couple washes without any detergent. Voila! Your diapers should come out smelling fresh and clean! I was so thrilled to open up my dryer and smell... NOTHING!! No funk, no overwhelming smell of detergent!
I've continued using Rockin' Green in my normal wash routine and I haven't had a single problem since! I'm officially a Rockin' Green "Groupie" and it's one of my favorites to suggest customers that come in with stink or build-up problems. Rockin' Green has recently re-vamped their site and their product! They've added a "Hard Rock" formula targeted for thos who have troubling hard water and they've also changed their scents to be 100% naturally scented!
Rockin' Green comes in 3 formulas and 6 scents, plus unscented! Chose from Soft Rock for those with sensitive little ones or soft water, Classic Rock for those with moderate hard water or those battling stinkies, and Hard Rock for those with very hard water. The scents have great names! Chose from Rage Against the Raspberries, Smashing Watermelons, Orangevana, Montley Clean, The Plain Green Teas, Lavender Mint Revival, and their unscented formula is Bare Naked Babies!
You can feel good using Rockin' Green. It's free of dyes, enzymes, whiteners and brightners. It's also 100% phosphate free, animal by-product free, never tested on animals and biodegradable!
Check back this week for your chance to win a bag of Rockin' Green Detergent in your choice of formula and scent!

Monday, April 5, 2010 3 comments

Product Review: Glamourmom Nursing Bra Top

When buying a baby shower gift or present for a new mom, do you have a go-to gift? For me, that gift is a nursing tank. I believe that every nursing mom needs a few nursing tanks in their wardrobe! Glamourmom was generous to provide me with a Nursing Bra Top for the purpose of this review. Nursing Bra Tops and Tanks made by Glamourmom are the essential piece of nursing gear for so many reasons. They provide great support and are comfortable enough to be worn without a bra! I often times recommended that our pregnant customers who come in looking for a nursing bra, opt for a nursing tank or top instead. This allows for fluctuations in cup and rib cage size without having to buy a new bra every few weeks! The same size nursing top can be worn throughout pregnancy (especially a Glamourmom Nursing Bra Long Top!), into the first few weeks that your supply is stabilizing when your cup size may be larger, and then throughout the remainder of your nursing time when you're at a more consistent size. Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tops and Tanks are wonderful for new moms to take in their hospital delivery bag. Many hospitals don't allow patients to wear bras with metal hooks. A Nursing Bra Tank or Top would allow you to be up and moving around in comfort, but still allow you to nurse your newborn just after birth! Their also great for complete tummy coverage when you may be entertaining guests to your hospital but still want to be able to nurse your baby on demand. Glamourmom Nursing Bra Long Tops and Tanks are wonderful to have just after you baby is born and you're still wearing maternity jeans. They are long enough to hide the maternity panel and offer great support and style. Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tops and Tanks are very useful well into your nursing experience! My youngest son is now 10 months old and I still wear a nursing tank or top daily. They are perfect for layering and come in a great variety of colors that can be worn by themselves in the warmer months! So what sets Glamourmom apart from other nursing bra tanks or tops? So many things!! The inner soft-cup frame offers discrete nursing and enhances breast support. The mesh lining holds your nursing pads in place so you're never having to fish around for them after you're done nursing. The clip is easy to use with one hand and the flap opens down for easy access.
© 2010 Glamourmom LLC
If you chose the Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tank or Long Tank, you'll notice the straps are the same soft cotton to match the tank and the clasps sit flush against your skin. They are fully adjustable! This is the perfect nursing to tank to wear on it's own. Most won't even know it's a nursing tank! This tank is available in sizes S-XL and comes in a wide variety of colors to match anything!
© 2010 Glamourmom LLC
If you chose the Glamourmom Nursing Bra Top or Long Top, you'll notice the straps are a little thicker and are made of smooth elastic. They are fully adjustable and have the traditional nursing bra clasp that matches the straps and tank. It is available in sizes S-XXL and has many colors to choose from!
© 2010 Glamourmom LLC
I'm so thankful that Glamourmom was kind enough to let me review their Nursing Bra Top! It's a staple in my wardrobe and I can't do wash fast enough to wear it next! It was perfect for layering in the winter, so comfortable to sleep in when my son was still nursing at night, and as it's warming up, I can't wait to wear it by itself in the summer! If you're looking for a perfect shower or mom-to-be gift, or you're just looking to spoil yourself, I highly suggest a Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tank or Top. You won't regret it! For your chance to win a FREE Glamourmom Nursing Bra Top or Nursing Bra tank in your choice of size or color, check back on Thursday for our Weekly Giveaway, sponsored by Glamourmom!

Monday, February 22, 2010 2 comments

Thirsties Duo Diaper: Two Sizes May Be Better Than One!

Have you experienced the frustration of having to find a newborn diaper for your baby to wear before they grow into their one-size diaper? How about having a tall toddler who out grows the rise of their one-size diaper before they're ready to potty train? Thirsties has come up with a diapering system that will address those problems. My oldest son was 3 months old when we started cloth diapering so we were able to use one-size pocket diapers from the beginning. However, when I was pregnant with my second son, I realized we'd have to find a diapering system to use until he grew into his brother's one-size diapers. Most one-size diapers don't fit till baby is close to 10 pounds. Lucky for me (well, maybe not so lucky:)) I have big babies, so that time from birth till 10 pounds is only a matter of a month or so. If you have more petite babies, that can be months! Using disposable diapers for those first couple of months is always an option, but with a newborn going through 12+ diapers a day, that can be very expensive! Thirsties has introduced a wonderful new diapering system called the Duo Diaper. They were so kind and gave me a size 2 Duo Diaper to try out on my boys. I'm so thankful I gave this diaper a try, it's one of my absolute favorites now! The Duo Diaper is a 2-piece system that has a super absorbent insert (a combination insert of thirsty microfiber and jersey hemp) and a water-proof outer pocket. The pocket comes in 2 sizes (size 1 and size 2) and each size has 2 sets of rise adjusting snaps, making 3 sizes per diaper! This diaper will absolutely fit the average newborn from birth!
One-size pocket diapers are extremely bulky on newborns. The size 1 Duo Diaper starts at 6 pounds and goes up to 18 pounds. That means half as much bulk! The size 2 Duo Diaper starts at 18 pounds and goes up to an astonishing 40 pounds! No more plumber crack from your toddler who is outgrowing the rise of their one-size diaper.
We've trusted Thirsties covers with their super gussets to contain my sons' EBF poop and you'll be happy to know they've used their trademark gussets on their Duo Diapers, too. And another very cool feature (this diaper is jam-packed with them, hey?!) , a pass-through sleeve that makes for easy insert stuffing AND allows the insert to agitate itself out in the wash. No touching dirty inserts! One of my favorite parts of this diaper and other Thirsties products in the waterproof material on the inside of the diaper that prevents the insert (or prefold in the case of their covers) from peaking out the top. That means my boys, who are tummy sleepers, can wear this diaper overnight and I'm not worried about moisture wicking onto their jammies and sheets!
I'd never pass at an opportunity to show my kids off. Here is my youngest son wearing a size 2 Duo Diaper. He's about 20 pounds. The diaper is on the tightest setting for him.
Here is my older son in the same size 2 Duo Diaper. He's about 30 pounds and wears it on the middle setting. Still lots of room to grow!
My overall impression? This is a quality diaper and an ingenious idea! Why buy a newborn diaper, a one-size diaper and later on a larger diaper for your toddler when you can just buy 2 sizes of Duo Diapers and be assured of a great fit?! This never leaked on my boys, still looks as new as the day I got it and is a cinch to care for. To find out more about the Thirsties Duo Diaper and other great products from Thirsties, request a FREE copy of their catalog or visit their facebook page!
Check back on Thursday for your chance to win a Thirsties Duo Diaper in your choice of size and color!