Mama Speaks

Swaddlebees Diapers

1 organic diaper. 2 styles. 3 sizes.

Cloth diapers just keep getting better and better and the new Swaddlebees Econappi [$29] is no exception.

Made with super soft, melt in your fingers soft, organic cotton velour inner layer and waterproof PUL outer, the Econappi also comes with a one-size organic cotton velour and hemp liner. This new lovely comes in both snaps or velcro, and multiple color and pattern choices. We tried out the Seaspray, a great neutral color for girls and boys alike, and the Pink Lemonade print is too cute for words.

One size pocket diapers are incredibly versatile, fitting both small babies and large toddlers with easy snap adjustments. You can also use this diaper as an all-in-two by placing the liner on top of the diaper and only changing the liner unless the diaper is soiled. This makes for one incredibly economical diaper, and a great one too!

-Brittany

BUY

Kissaluvs

Tops for bottoms!

If you know anything about cloth diapers you've probably heard the name Kissaluv. They have been around for over 10 years and have proved themselves with their high quality cloth diapers. They now have a new organic cotton/hemp fitted diaper [$17] and I was lucky enough to be able to try it out.

The diaper is made of a mix of naturally durable and anti-bacterial Hemp, and certified Organic cotton. And what a great combination it is! The material is soft, absorbent & wonderful quality. It has elastic leg and back openings with sturdy plastic snap closures. This is one diaper that is sure to fit great on skinny and chubby babies alike. It fit my twins [11 & 12 pounds] beautifully and held the moisture great... even without a cover. However you will want to use a diaper cover with them since they do not have a waterproof outer layer.

If you are looking for a high quality, organic, super soft & amazingly absorbent fitted diaper this is one you should defiantly be trying out!

-Brittany

Bummas

Soft As A Baby's Bum

In just the few short weeks since having my baby girl, I've had my share of surprise squirts and messes and diaper rash. Bummas [$17] are tiny little wash cloths made of woven velour terry cloth perfect for your sweet baby's delicate skin. The soft wiping possibilities are endless- I can be found carrying the hot and light pink Girls in my bag for a quick spit up or nose wipe, and definitely to dry the bottom after a diaper change. In the bath, Bummas are gentle and the perfect size for getting all the chubby rolls of my newborn clean.

Moms of little guys will love The Boys - or maybe more fittingly The Wild Ones- to protect from stray sprays during naked time... and let me just say Moms of girls can use Bummas for that, too! 10 tiny washcloths for $17 does seem pricey, but their usefulness, absorbency, and softness is so worth it.

-Steph

Diaper Cakewalk

The Icing On The Cake

We've all seen the frou frou diaper cakes at baby showers, obviously homemade by a friend and all dolled up with plasticky baby trinkets- cute for some new Moms, but I admit it's not usually my thing.

Sure, diapers are a no-brainer. When you have a baby you need them, and if you use disposables a diaper cake is a very helpful gift. So, I started to change my tune when I saw the fabulousness of the eco-friendly diaper cakes offered at Diaper Cakewalk.

I love anything that strays a bit from the norm, so when I received the Pink & Mocha Eco-Friendly Diaper Cake [$89] made with Seventh Generation diapers and adorned with Burt's Bees baby care items, I was a little giddy. Really. It came packaged so nice and secure, and was actually quite lovely to look at! A sweet teddy bear even perched at the top. My diaper cake stayed on display for a couple weeks, actually, just so we could admire it. And maybe I showed it off to everyone that came by. Yeah. It was that impressive.

One of my very favorite things about Diaper Cakewalk, other than the fact that they carry something besides the "name brand" diapers, is that it is not constructed with newborn sizes. Size 1 diapers are used to make each eco-friendly diaper cake. So, a new Mom can enjoy this fun gift and not worry about baby growing out of that size. This was totally the case for me as my newborn never even fit in the newborn size!

I am surprised to say that it is now my new favorite alternative to sending flowers... something that can be enjoyed and then so useful when you take it apart!

-Steph

Blueberry Diapers

Comfy, plush, fun...not exactly what first comes to mind when you think of cloth diapers. With cloth diapering on the rise, companies are taking cloth diapers to a whole new level. Blueberry Diapers, a division of Swaddlebees, was created to put some style and fun back into cloth diapering.

There are many reasons to use cloth... money, environment, health, comfort & now style! I had a chance to try out the “Minky"  One Size Pocket diaper in blue on Chocolate [$33}. As soon as I laid eyes on the diaper I couldn't wait to feel it... it looked so soft... and definitely is! The Minky plush fabric is oh so silky and the inside fleece is equally as comforting. It just makes you feel good about putting it on your babes little bum. As a mom who has been cloth diapering for a while, I know there is a lot more to a good cloth diaper than how it looks and feels. The one-size diaper can adjust to fit babies from 8-35lbs. Set on the largest setting it fit my 24 lb. 21 month old son "just right". The Velcro tabs are high quality and have a very strong hold to foil the plans of prying little hands. When washing there are laundry tabs inside to hook the Velcro too so it doesn't stick to everything else in the washer or get laden with lint in the dryer. The pocket diaper comes with one adjustable Micro fiber/Hemp Combo Insert. It held up awesome overnight with no leaking or wicking.

As a mom who has only used solid color cloth diapers I couldn't help but giggle at how adorable it was to see my little guy wearing a fun printed diaper. Who would have thought cloth diapers could be so fun!

-Brittany

 

The Madeline Backpack by Bumble Bags

A Diaper Bag For Your Back

We here at Mama Speaks know bags. Diaper bags, shopping bags, totes and more. We are connoisseurs. But I have a little secret for you all- I, myself, have never really used a diaper bag. I never thought I had much to carry- and if I did, it made more sense to stuff all of my little one's stuff into my bag. Ok, so maybe that was just a big mess, but it worked for me. Sort of. Maybe it's that we always traveled by sling and actually carrying a bag was a challenge? But oh my, how times have changed.

I now have a busy toddler who is, more often than not, on his feet or sitting in the stroller. And with 2 year old snack attacks and our full reliance on undies over diapers, I definitely need to be sure I have a full arsenal of supplies ready at a moments notice. Supplies that I couldn't consolidate to my bag if I wanted to. I've found that the Madeline Backpack from Bumble Bags [$116] is just what I've never known I needed. The butter soft, perfectly sized bag is great for a day on the go, with pockets and compartments that are just right for stashing snacks, drinks or an extra set of clothes. One of my favorite features is that in true backpack style the whole bag zips closed meaning when it inevitably takes a spill down your enormous flight of stairs (not that this happened to me, or anything) the contents may get all shook up, but at least they'll stay contained.

The Madeline Backpack also touts some sweet stroller straps so that when you're ready to take it off your back you can easily attach it in a still functional place (not that you'll want to take it off, because you'll barely know it's there). With six prints to choose from I'm sure you'll find the style that's right for you and don't worry about messing up the pretty paisley with baby goo, you can toss the whole bag in the washing machine and pull it out good as new.

Win it!
We're giving away 10 (yes, ten!) Bib and Cloth sets from Bumble Bags [$28 each]! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Bumble as you subject. Let us know what you favoite Madeline Backpack print is and if you'd like a set in Pink, Lime or Blue if you win. Good luck!

Want it?
Enter code "affiliate" for 10% Bumble Bags at Baby Browns.

Kushies

Koolest Toys Around

 

My son sticks everything in his mouth, and I mean everything! He doesn’t hesitate to grab a stinky shoe, the cat’s food, or my iPhone (ah!) and cover it with his wonderful baby slobber. Yet, I have had a hard time finding something that is meant to go in his mouth that he actually wants to put in there. So, when I discovered Canadian-based Kushies and their fun and eclectic line of toys, I knew we were in business.

 

The Zolo Linko – Clip Together Teether & Toys [$32] is one of the coolest looking toys I have seen in a long time. It consists of 11 separate pieces that your little one can play with individually or link them together for a cluster of colorful fun. Each section has a different texture and shape to it to stimulate baby’s senses, with his hands, eyes, or mouth.

 

Aside from my new favorite toys, Kushies also has a wide variety of other baby related products.  From the  the Splish Splash Rain Jacket and Pant Set [$47] to the Swimsuit Diapers [$11]. Both come in bright colors and prints, that make sure your little guy or gal stands out, whether  jumping in a puddle or playing in the sand. It makes me long even more for the winter to hurry up and end already and bring on the April showers and some Summer days.

-Jen

Win it!
We're giving away a Shangrila Multi-Sensory Activity Mat and Portico Archway Accessory [$120]! One runner-up will a hooded-towel and booties set [$24]. To enter, send an email to giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight November 30 with Kushies as your subject.

Happy Heiny's Diapers

The Happiest Heiny on the Block

After almost 2 years I feel like I'm finally getting a grasp on this cloth diapering thing. Of course I would now that my son is nearly through with them. I started out pretty primitive with prefolds and covers, but it seems that with every new line I try, these things just keep on getting better!

Not new on the market, but new in my house are Happy Heiny's, and they live up to their name! The custom milled fleece makes for the softest diaper I've ever touched and it remains just as snuggly wash, after wash, after wash. Their nappies also don't have leg casings which means no irritating red marks on those chubby little thighs.

Our current favorite is the pocket diaper (which comes in black and a skull print I might add) but that might change with Happy Heiny's new one sized diaper on the scene. The series of snaps and cross over tabs allow one diaper to easily grow with your babe from birth on up to 35 pounds. Seriously, it's like magic.

What we love best is that while Happy Heiny's are one of the largest manufacturers of the modern reusable diaper all of their diapers are made in the US by Mama's working from home. Knowing that I'm supporting Mama's like me, taking it easy on the environment and making at least one little heiny happier is just enough to make my day.

Win it!
We have a Happy Heiny's Pocket Diaper (neutral yellow, size large) for one of you to try! To enter, email review[at]mamaspeaks.com by midnight November 09 with Happy Heiny's as your subject.

Time For A Change? Put That Booty On A Pedestal

If you live in a house with more than one room it seems there's always the problem of where to change the baby. Sure there's that lovely padded, well stocked changing palace, but it's in the bedroom. Upstairs. And this baby can't make it through that flight.

I felt like I was always dumping diapers in random rooms and quickly discovered that a "simple" diaper change on the couch or the floor is anything but. Seriously, the next time they open submissions for new Olympic sports I'm first in line. Eventually I bought an extra one those cheap foam pads for down stairs, but it was an eyesore that got tripped over more that it got changed on.

Aren't you glad us mom's think alike? Also, tired of the diapering Olympics, mama Sue Wong set out to find a solution and ended up inventing the Ubi Modern changing table [$90]. This baby is make you gasp gorgeous, and best of all it delivers. The low slung, bent plywood table gets baby off the floor and positioned perfectly for a change. The retro-mod (is that an oxymoron?) fabric selection is easy on the eyes, a breeze to clean and resistant to germs.

Thanks to the belly buckle baby won't be going anywhere and the fastener strips keep will keep that fresh diaper where it's supposed to be. The verdict is still out on the deluxe version's [$119] spring loaded diaper dispenser,  but we're pretty sure we're sold.

Win it!
Who wants one? We have one Ubi changing table for one of you! Send an email to reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com by midnight October 24 and let us know what fabrics are available. We'll choose one winner at random and your table will ship directly early December.

Cloth Confusion? A Diaper Guide

Cloth diapering is best for the environment. Some would say it's best for your babies bum, but is it best for you, Mama? Many of us shy away from the cloth scene worried about laundry and stink and where to begin. There are so many cloth diapers out there it's easy to get overwhelmed before you get started. All-in-one's, prefolds, pockets, are there pins and liners and stinky pails to be fussed with?

Our guide to the world of cloth gives you a sneak peak at the best of what's out there for baby bottom.

All-in-One (AIO's) - A completely fitted diaper with a waterproof outer, these are the closest thing to disposables. No folding or stuffing required, but they're also the most expensive option.

The PVC, phalate and lead free, made in the USA, AIO's available from Bumkins are a favorite. While one of the priciest at $25, the 6 interior layers of cozy flannel are pure luxury. And the extra "air flow panel" makes laundering a breeze.

Fitted Diaper - Similar to disposables, these have a contoured shape, gathered legs and fasten with snaps or velcro. Fitted diapers require a separate water proof diaper cover.

Kushies Classic [$8] are a great option. With oh, so soft cotton and a large range of solids and prints you'll find one you love. The patented interior flap for extra absorbancy makes dumping solids mess free.

Pocket Diapers - The newest thing to hit the cloth diapering world. These are similar to an AIO but have a pocket to slip in an absorbent insert. The waterproof outer layer makes these another easy option for diapering on the run.

It's no surprise that Fuzzi Bunz ($18), the first pocket diapers, are still the best. Super soft with a whispery outer layer, easy to stuff- super absorbent insert and adjustable fastening system that ensures all babies get a leak free fit, make these top notch. We also like the trim underwear like fit. In fact, our sometime diaper wearing toddler likes to slip these on just like undies when we need to run.

Prefold - The cheapest option in cloth diapering. A rectangular cloth (more absorbant in the middle) is folded to fit. Prefolds can be pinned or fastened on alone or folded and tucked inside a cover.

Our fav? Bummis can't be beat. Their unbleached cotton prefolds quilt up beautifully and the Whisper Wrap is comfortable and easy to use with flat or fitted diapers! If you're new to cloth they also have a cloth diapering kit [$118] with all you need to get started.

One Size - Well, this one's pretty self explanatory. While you save money in the long run, one of the deterants to cloth diapering is the large start up cost. Thinking you might have to shell that out 2 or 3 or 4 times as your little grows can seem daunting.

The geniuses at bumGenius have thought up our favorite solution. Their One-Size Cloth Diaper 2.0 [$19] fits babes 8-35 pounds! With a simple snap system the diaper will grow with your little one from their birth day through potty training.

Win Win Win!
Diapers anyone? We have a Fuzzi Bunz pocket diaper, a mini Bummis kit (Whisper Pant, 6 prefolds, roll of liners!) and a Kushies Classic fitted diaper to give away to some lucky readers. Just send us an email (reviews@mamaspeaks[dot]com) by midnight, September 26 with Cloth as your subject.

Check back for some awesome discounts on our favorite nappies.

If you're still in need of more info Diaper Pin is a GREAT resource.