This is such a fun post to write! I have a terrible memory so digging into the deep recesses, although difficult, will be exciting none-the-less.
2010, has been of year of much experimenting, trying out new things and problem solving. From FL woes to ammonia to the irresistibly cute cloth diapers that are sent my way, I’ve not had a bored moment yet.
In my list of favorites I’ve included more than just cloth diapers. Anything to do with cloth diapers was evaluated and ranked.
Enjoy!
(these are in order from my #1 to #10)
1) Kawaii Baby: This line of cloth diapers is going to allow many families to cloth diaper when they didn’t think they could financially. Kawaii Baby diapers don’t leak, are easy to put on and get a good fit, are really cute and as I mentioned are affordable.
2) Sustainablebabyish Knit longies: Shhh, don’t tell anyone but I have this little love affair going on with sloomb/sustainablebabyish products. They are all fantastic. The Snapless-Multi is an excellent nighttime diaper and is one-sized. The sized Sbish bamboo fitted is my favorite nighttime fitted for newborn/infant breast-milk poop. Containment and absorbency.
I am (im)patiently waiting for the arrival of Sterling’s knit longies in Mocha and Peacoat. One day, Sloomb will resume production of their interlock longies and I’ll be even happier–although you can score a pair off Cotton Babies and occasionally Spot’s Corner like I did last night :)
3) Funk Rock: Okay, so I’m like everyone else in that I don’t like the price and the small package. But, it has worked very well for me and when you find a solution you gotta stick with it or the problem will return. I use 1 TB in every prewash and so far the ammonia hasn’t returned.
4) Monkey Foot Designs wet bags: I want 5 Monkey Foot Designs wet bags. Do I need them? No. But, they are SO cute and they work SO WELL! The most solid bag I own by far. Never a leak or moisture or smell and it has held up to many, many washes and dries.
5) Bum Genius 4.0 artist series: Sterling always reaches for these first. I like them for their cute prints, easy application and day/night use. Containment is excellent and I can easily spray off poop because of the smooth suede cloth inner.
6) Grandma El’s: Love the smell and this stuff works. It’s an excellent barrier ointment for nighttime diapers that aren’t stay-dry and for guarding against ammonia burns. I have not had staining or repelling issues when using it.
7) Rumparooz: At the moment I don’t have a single Rumparooz in my rotation yet, I still love and highly recommend them. You can’t beat the “Poop Scoop” and the prints are unique and cute. Rumparooz are one of my first recommendations to new cloth diaper parents and especially to those who are set on buying a OS from the beginning. I do have some itty bitty Lil’ Joey’s just waiting to go on our new baby…whenever it comes!
8 ) Pooters hemp fitted: THE #1 fitted for affordable nighttime cloth diapering. Pooters completely smashes the competition with price, trimness and absorbency.
9) Green Gamboni jeans: I haven’t reviewed them yet but Green Gamboni jeans were made specifically to fit over fluffy cloth diaper bums. I was worried this would create a problem at the waist on my skinny Sterling but the fit is perfect. I can put on the biggest cloth diaper or the trimmest and the fit is nice. They are made of 98% organic materials with a 2% stretch.
10) Re-diaper.com: Excellent resource for those who want to purchase used cloth diapers in like-new (in many cases brand new) condition. Re-diaper fills a need that existed in the cloth diaper community.
What has been your favorite cloth diaper or cloth diaper product of 2010?
Its so nice to read all your posts. Tons of information. I am awaiting my baby in sept and have got real encouragement to CD from you. I have decided to start with prefolds,covers and some fitteds ,which i got from hyena cart. I was not sure which one to get from hyena cart, i have got Little Boppers NB, Mandis Menagerie NB and some custom Sweet Lil Bum bum. I am not really sure whether i made the proper choice. I have got few dozens of prefolds from GMD and nickis and some newborn covers. I think once i really venture into CD will get to know what works good. Im still confused on which detergent to start with.. Even to prepare the prefolds do we need the CD detergents or just washing in hot water with no detergent will be ok? Im looking for some not so costly but good detergents.I feel our water is not so hard also. If u have any suggestions throw some light. Do you really think NB need a night time solution, cos as per what i understand they need to be changed very often like day time.What is your opinion?
Hi Autumn,
Thanks for the site; it is a huge help in navigating the cloth diapering world! I’m a first time mom and have cloth diapered my 6-month-old from the start. My little guy is on the big side – 20-ish pounds and long/tall – with chubby thighs. I am enjoying cloth diapering but am starting to have problems snapping my one-sized diapers; everything is getting tight! I’m a bit stumped on what to do during nap time especially. I have been using Pooters fitteds -both hemp and bamboo, which we initially used for night time, but he is beginning to look like a plumber the diapers are riding so low in the back! We switched to Bububebe and Goodmamas at night, and those seem to fit much better, but I think my husband will have a heart attack if I suggest spending another $30 on a diaper. Any suggestions for an affordable fitted that will cover my baby’s little bum? We always seem to have leaks with our BumGenius and Kawaii, and those are getting tight as well. Other than the thighs, he’s really not chubby but does seem to have a longer rise and be pretty wide across the hips (judging from how his diapers are fitting). From your experience, do you think the diapers will begin fitting a bit better if his thighs slim down as he gets more mobile? Thanks again for such a great resource!
Most of the time babies do thin out when they become mobile. But, not always :) What about toddler sized prefolds?
Hi, I see you have A LOT of info on CD. I’m super excited. I don’t see any reviews on Grovia diapers. Have you looked into them at all? The daycare where we are going to send our future baby uses these on the majority of their kids. Any thoughts?
https://www.allaboutclothdiapers.com/what-do-you-think-about-grovia-cloth-diapers/ Just posted it ;)
Dear Autumn, we follow your review also from Italy. Nice to read you!
Ciao from Italy
Hi
I am getting ready to move this week, and I found the Sustainablebabyish wool my son outgrew. I have 3, and I remembered you love these. Would you be interested in taking these off my hands?
Hi Autumn!
I previously wrote to you about being a first time cloth diaperer. After MUCH research, I have decided on the sustainablebabyish snapless multi-fitted diapers with wool covers. Today I purchased 24 of those babies and can’t wait to use them!!!! I gave you the referral too ;-). Thanks for your site…it helped so much in my research!!!
You’ll be so happy with your decision!
I love your website! I came across it this morning and have been sitting here for a couple hours jumping from post to post filling my brain with more cloth diapering information than I knew was possible.
I am currently expecting our first child and I am due in a couple months. After processing all this information I think I am going to try the Kawaii one-size pocket diapers. My plan is to order some for daytime use and some of the heavy duty for over night use. Since these diapers are one-size and I plan on using them until potty training is achieved, how many diapers should I order for daytime use and how many should I order for over night use?
Also, each diaper comes with 2 inserts, is there any reason to order extra inserts, if so how many?
Thank you for sharing your wealth of information on this subject! You are making many mom’s & dad’s life’s a little easier.
I would start out with an order to get you through then if you like them order more for the long term. 2 inserts each is more than plenty. I’d have at least 4 nighttime diapers on hand. I’m sure you’ve ran across this in your reading but the one-sized diapers might not fit your baby from the beginning depending on his/her size. If you have a big baby then you could make it work but even then you may have some leaking until baby reaches 10+lbs.
I want to purchase new cloth diapers for the newborn in Guatemala. I”m wondering what is the best brand name that you can recommend for hot humid weather, where the diapers are line dried. Would a bamboo diaper and a wool cover be a good choice for keeping baby’s skin cool in hot weather? If so, which brand do you recommend? If not, would a hemp/cotton diaper with wool cover be cooler than a bamboo diaper? If not, which diaper do you recommend for hot weather?
Pooters makes a one-size hemp or bamboo diaper that would be great. As far as covers, you could go with any brand interlock wool soaker. Sustainablebabyish has an awesome knit wool soaker.
Are hemp and bamboo equally absorbent and equally cool (air flow), or is one better than the other for hot humid weather? Are they cooler than cotton gauze diapers?
I just realized that my daughter will have to hand wash these diapers as well as line dry them. So the diapers and covers need to be easily hand washed clean in cold water and line dried. I believe bamboo and wool are the only antibacterial diaper fabrics. Is this true? Perhaps a bamboo flat diaper with wool snap cover would be best for hand washing and line drying in a hot humid climate. Do you agreee? Which brands do you suggest?
Flats would probably be the easiest option for her. They wash and dry in no time. Readers who live in similar locations have reported to me that wearing PUL diapers isn’t a problem…if you are concerned about that.
As someone who has lived in the tropics, I would second Autumn’s suggestion of going with flats. Things can take FOREVER to dry in muggy weather. Flats are cheap, easy to wash, quick drying, adjustable to fit any size and pair with boosters for extra absorbancy. Lots of great bamboo flats out there… check out SBish and Orange Diaper Co.
I am living in hot humid area and i have no problem with PUL. They dry easily. I dont hand wash them, but if you need to perhaps you may want to hand wash and then spin dry the inserts so that they dry faster. I have just tried on bamboo fitted diaper which i bought from http://www.niceclothdiaper.com and they dried pretty fast. :)
I will be hand washing because I won’t have a washer and dryer, so I won’t be able to spin dry them. I need diaper fabric that can go from water to clothes line and dry quickly.
Which diapers do you recommend for very hot humid weather? My grandchild will be living in Guatemala soon after birth in the fall. My daughter has used FuzziBunz diapers with her older child while living in cold Colorado. I wonder if the synthetic fabric may cause heat rash in the hot humid weather. Also, she will be line-drying the diapers, so she needs diapers that dry well in the sun. I want to purchase whatever is best for the baby in this climate, and for line-drying. I’m not concerned about the cost. What do you recommend?
Pockets wash and dry really easy. He shouldn’t have a problem with the PUL.
I don’t have a large variety of cloth diapers, maybe four
different brands. I have used Baby Kangas, Bummies, Fuzzi Bunz, and
my now favourite GoGreen Pocket Diapers. I am absolutely in love
with the variety of sizing options of the diaper and that they fit
my 32lb two year old who’s resisting toilet training. I love that
they are cost effective, at $8.99 – $14.95, which makes cloth
diapering much more affordable for me. We could not have afforded
the brandname prices to have the stash that we no have. They are
great pocket diapers!
Hi Autumn,
I was wondering if there is a one size, cloth diaper, but with no waterproof attached outer layer that’s good just for using round the house. I keep hearing how prefolds are great early on because you go through diapers so quickly and they wash and dry more quickly than say the pockets or AIOs. But I like the idea of it being an entire cloth diaper, not just a prefold inside a waterproof cover. I was looking at Pooters as a possibility. Maybe this isn’t important and I should just start using my One Size Kawaiis and Bum Geniuses from day 1?
Pockets actually wash and dry the fastest. Pooters are an excellent diaper. I’m not sure how big your baby will be at birth but Kawaiis and BG (unless you have xs) probably won’t fit.
Would Pooters fit straight away (the small size)? Do they dry pretty quickly?
I thought BG one size were supposed to fit, but I guess if your child is less than 8 lbs you may have to use something else for a couple of months?
Thanks Autumn!
I began using BG os at about 12lbs. Pooters will fit a big newborn from the beginning. They dry fairly quick (the hemp fitted).
I used Rumparooz Lil’ Joeys on my newborn and loved the inner gussets for those newborn poops! I tried GroVia dipes but got tired of the snaps and they just weren’t as absorbant as my Flip diapers and they took longer to dry in the dryer. They are nice and trim, though. Now I use Flips and I just discovered Sprout Change diapers. I love that they have reversible covers in cute colors, they are one size and you only have to adjust them to fit baby once every couple months as they grow! I can use my Flip inserts in them too. I also love that they are made in the U.S. and they have a 1 year warranty on all their products and a lifetime warranty on their snaps! Check them out at http://www.willowpads.com.
I just looked into the sprout change diapers on their website. Thanks for the tip, Karissa! They seem like a good concept but I would love to hear from people actually using them about their ease of use, absorbency and whether the liner stays in place well. Have you ever heard of them Autumn?
We didn’t get a good fit with them but Sterling doesn’t fit well in side-snap diapers.
Hi Autumn,
Can you recommend a night time diaper for my 7 month old? I use Bum Genius 4.0s during the day. I double stuff to get through naps, but sometimes those leak for a very long nap. My baby is a belly sleeper. Also, she is very rash prone, so I need something that will keep the moisture from her skin.
My thanks!
Double stuffed Flip.
Hi Again Autumn,
In your opinion would the sustainablebabyish fitted with a cover (and a fleece insert to wick the moisture away) be a good choice for her? Or just try the double stuffed flip?
Thanks Again!
If you were choosing between BG organic and BG artist series for day/night transition what would you recommend? I have a good daytime stash of itti bitti’s which I love and I have rumparooz which I hate (they are periodically smelly and leak every time I use them) but nothing holds up overnight. I have tried original version bamboo pop-ins but these also leak.
Just to clarify, the artist series is both the 4.0 and Elementals (organics). I’d go with 4.0 if you want to use it for nighttime.
Hi, all these differant options & opinions make my head spin :) I’m 19 wks. pregnant with my 1st ( a boy) & am very interested in cd just a lil’ scared & confused. Strong smells? Having to re-wash? Special diaper creams & washes? Hope I can figure it out & make a few good choices :)
You can enter to win my Ultimate Guide to Cloth Diapers over at Simply Stacie. http://simplystacie.net/the-great-cloth-diaper-event-the-ultimate-guide-to-cloth-diapers-review-giveaway-ww/
You should look into Ragababes. They have great customer service and their facebook page is incredibly helpful. I know exactly how you feel about being overwhelmed. Autumn’s site and the Ragababes site have made me feel better. My five week old is still in disposables- we were given several size 1 diaper boxes when I was pregnant. The Ragababe store is currently closed but as soon as they reopen, I’m placing a big order. Joy, the owner, has already been helpful with my questions on her facebook page. Good luck! I wish I’d started thinking about cloth diapers early in my pregnancy!
Has anyone tried the SoftBums Omni? I’m debating between that and the Flip. I might try both but I’d like to hear what people think of the Omni. Thanks!
I prefer Flip.
Rumparooz are THE worst diaper I have ever used. There is nothing I could do to keep that expensive thing from leaking. I would never ever recommend it to anyone. They are expensive and bulky and they run really small. I have used less expensive diapers that are way more reliable- as well as more expensive ones that are worth the money.
Don’t forget that Kawaii and Tweedlebug diapers are made in China! Please support our American cloth diapering manufacturers. Also, i have two Pooters os organic bamboo pocket diapers and they are so luxurious and gorgeous, but i was so dissapointed that they were too small. The fit is even smaller than bum genius, and i just can’t use them at all. They would be wonderful for newborns and petite babies though. BTW, my baby is 17 months and 24 pounds, and these are supposed to fit up to 35 pounds.
I’ve been loving my GroVia diapers! I scored a few on craigslist and have purchased several more. They have great features: Soft aplix, the loops to thread the tabs under work great, and the snap in inserts with an extra layer of PUL are wonderful. I’ve used my 6r soakers as well as plain prefolds in them and no leaks. The lady I got them from threw in disposable soaker pads, which have come in handy on Christmas trips….also no leaks!
Hi Autumn! I’m so excited to see that Green Gamboni jeans made your list! I’m SO happy that you are loving them! All my best to you and your family! Have a wonderful New Year!
Best,
Anne
I found Nifty Nappy diapers. I love love love the peachy keen. Hoping to make that second baby soon so I can try them on a newborn, lol. Guess that means I need to buy more too to accomodate the newborn, darn :)
I’m intrigued by the funk rock. I’ll have to try the classic rock first to see if that makes a difference but as of right now the ammonia is mostly under control. I can definietely tell when I need to do extra rinses. Maybe classic rock will rinse better and that in itself will solve the problem. One can hope right :)
Have you tried the Tots Bots Easyfits yet? They deifinitely rank at the top of my 2010 list. So soft, extremely easy to use and the prints are beautiful! http://www.bummis.com/ca/en/easy-fit.php
I’ve been looking into Grandma El’s diaper cream- luckily my newborn hasn’t needed it yet. I wasn’t sure if you could use diaper cream with cloth diapers. Does it affect the diapers at all?
Search the blog for “cloth diaper safe creams”. Grandma El’s is one that has caused problems for some cloth diaper users but I’ve never had problems.
We had quite a few customers with serious repelling problems after using Grandma El’s on their pocket diapers with no liner. I love the smell, and I like how it works, but I only use it with a liner now!
What do you mean by a liner?
A disposable liner such as the GroVia or Bummis ones, or a fleece liner that would be washed separately from your diapers so it doesn’t cause transfer to your diapers in the wash.
Not everyone who uses Grandma El’s without a liner has problems, but for those who HAVE had serious repelling from it, it has been hard to remedy! I’d err on the side of caution with this one, or use CJ’s BUTTer, which hasn’t caused any repelling.
I would say my favorites are the Thirsties Duo, Smartipants (though my daughter is outgrowing them now– waah!), and my old friend the BG 3.0’s. I have several good WAHM dipes too, I almost prefer them because there’s much more flexibility in materials and prints. I love cute prints!!! But for rash cream, I LOVE Earth Mama Angel Baby’s bottom balm. Smells great, and my daughter even asks for it when she’s red/sore!!!
I have to say we are VERY happy with our Envibums! They don’t leak and are cute too!
Great review! Your website is one id my top go to sites for anything to do with CD! Thank u for sharing your CD wisdom with us all! Merry Christmas!
RagaBabe diapers are my new favorite! Love them!!
I love them, too! :D
I have tried many diapers and Bum Genius organic one size is still my fave! I would like to try Kawaii, but I ordered some Antsy Pants for my 20 month old. Can’t wait to try them. MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! from Canada. And GOOD LUCK Autumn, your due date being today and all!!
Okay so I talked to Kim a little bit about the ammonia smell with my diapers and she sent me some hard rock remix. I tried it and soked them over night and they still smell really bad maybe worse. I guess I need to try the funk rock. What is your wash routine and could you include what you do to strip them and how often. Do you have a front loader, because I do and that makes washing really difficult for me. Could you post your routine? Thanks and Merry Xmas!!!
My favorite diaper is the new BG artist series. Rumparooz is a VERY close second with goodmama and BSRB as #3 and #4. Monkey Snuggles is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE nighttime diaper, but comes in at #5 for daytime use.
I love the internal rise OS size from Cutiepoops with the 1/2 and 1/2 design that make the diapers wick free.
Me too!
Great list. I feel so honored that my Pooters Fitted made your Top 10!
TWEEDLE BUGS! I have one and I LOVE it. I need to try kawaii i guess. 3 friends have mentioned it and now you! Hubs is even coming around to the cloth diapering thing.
Grasshopper diapers! Love, love, love.
Grasshopper diapers were on my list of Top 12 but I had to cut it down to 10 :( Love Grasshoppers.
I second this. They have been wonderful for us.
So is this ranked in order from your MOST favorite (Kawaii)?
Yes. I should have made that clear. Oops.
Great list! I also love Grandma El’s, Rumparooz, and the BG artist series. Can’t wait to try our new sbish bamboo fitteds that just came in the mail, are prepped, and wrapped for xmas!!!!
Thanks for the great tips, it’s been super helpful, especially for me in Hawaii with very few cd resources over here.
Mele Kalikimaka !!!
What a great “year in review” – I think when I hit a year of cloth diapering, I am going to have to do some soul-searching reflection as well. My hubby just said to me the other day “we have SO many kinds of cloth diapers!” and I said, ‘Yep! I love it!” :)