The Doable Details: bumGenius Freetime Diaper {review}

I don’t really like to change things up very often.  When I find something that works, I just stick with it.  FuzziBunz and Rumparooz have worked good for us.  I was hesitant about the bumGenius Freetime diaper when it was first released.

One of my objections to the Freetime is that it is an AIO {all-in-one} diaper.  I don’t have a dryer, and it usually takes a long time for AIO’s to hang dry.  I prefer my pockets and prefolds for this reason.  Additionally, with an AIO if one part of the diaper wears out, you probably have to junk the whole diaper.  Whereas with a pocket diaper, if the cover delaminates, you can still use the insert in a different pocked.  Or if the insert wears out, just buy a new one and continue to use the pocket.

But the Freetime diapers were all the rage, I decided to give them  a spin.  Besides…I really wanted to get my hands on one in a Sassy color!

Fast forward 3-4 months, and this is my favorite diaper.  I’m not kidding!  Now, I don’t think it would matter as much to me if I were diapering a girl.  But this diaper is hands down, the best thing I have found for diapering a boy! 

The Freetime is not a traditional AIO with several absorbent layers sewn into the core.  There are two inserts, each attached at one end of the diaper.  The inserts are then “free-flowing” and can be folded or doubled however you want them. Two sewn seams make it easy to fold and size the inserts.  So…you can double or triple the absorbency right in the front where your little boy needs it fastest, or simply double the layers in the bottom for a girl.

Each insert is microfiber topped with stay-dry fleece, making this a great AIO diaper because it locks the wetness away from baby’s bum. 

I expected the stitching at the inserts to pull away, rip, or tear, as has happened to me with other AIO/attached insert diapers.  This has not been the case, and we use these diapers A LOT!  It is hands down the first diaper I reach for to put in the diaper bag.  It is incredibly absorbent and if I get stuck while out and about and can’t change the diaper, I don’t have to worry about leaks.  It is easy to put on because it is AIO.  It’s also easy to clean when I get home.  I don’t have to stick my hand into a stale pocket diaper that’s been in the wet bag for 4-6 hours and remove the insert.  Just dump the contents in the diaper pail and I’m done.

    

My one complaint is that it’s a bit tricky to use a diaper sprayer on this diaper because of how the inserts are sewn to the diaper.  I found this method on the Cotton Babies blog to be very helpful.  As in, aha!  Why didn’t I think of that? kind of helpful.  But…I still don’t like this particular diaper if Nolan poops. 

I prefer snap closures, and I have always liked the stretchy butterfly tabs on bumGenius diapers.  The Freetime is no exception – the snaps and closures provide a great fit every time.  And because it’s one size, it will grow with my baby and then be used with the next {if there is one}.

So go ahead…try the Freetime diaper.  I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Win-It Wednesday: Baby Legs

I don’t think it’s any secret that we love Baby Legs around here!  They were a lifesaver when Elaine was in the midst of potty training.  The weather was cold and our landlord hadn’t started the heat yet.  I didn’t want to have to mess with buttons and zippers to get pants down in time when Elaine was just learning to go on the potty.  So we let her run around the house in Baby Legs and her training pants.  It worked great!

 

Now that Nolan is crawling, we are using our Baby Legs yet again to protect his knees when he’s not wearing long pants.

 

Want to win some Baby Legs for yourself?  Doable Diapers carries the bumGenius designs of Baby Legs.  One winner will get their choice of in-stock colors!

 

To enter the giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter Widget below.  If you cannot view the widget (not visible from our homepage), then please click the “Read more” link to see the widget.

 

Genius Series by bumGenius!

The first of the new Genius prints by bumGenius! have arrived!  This series will feature designs created by the Cotton Babies design staff, and named after famous geniuses.  I have been waiting a while for these to get here – I fell in love with them at first sight!  These prints are available in the 4.0 One Size Diaper and include a newborn insert, an adjustable insert, and feature a snap-down rise.

The Albert diaper is named after Albert Einstein.  It’s chalkboard doodlings design is a great tribute to the man most well known for his theory of relativity.

The Lovelace diaper is a whimsical design perfect for a little girl. Countess Ada Lovelace was known for writing a paper that looked ahead towards what we know today as a computer and computer programs... over 100 years ago.

Elaine is now potty trained so I didn’t have a model for the Lovelace print.  However, Nolan was more than happy to pose in the Albert diaper.  He has just started sitting up and crawling (army style) at almost-six months.  Take a peek at these great new prints!

You can order your own Genius print by clicking here.  It’s not visible in the pictures, so I also wanted to point out that the Lovelace diaper has four different colored snaps on the butterfly tabs – one in each of the four colors in the design print.  It really stands out nicely!

Win-It Wednesday

Today you can enter to win a bumGenius! Tiny Socialite Artist Series diaper in your choice of in-stock print!

Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  It is easy!  Giveaway will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012.  Prize may only be shipped to a USA address.

Comparing Pocket Openings

I have three main brands of pocket diapers in my stash: FuzziBunz, Rumparooz, and bumGenius!  I like all of these diapers for different reasons.  They all have different features and serve different functions in my cloth diaper routine. 

I love the simplicity of my FuzziBunz, and the fact that there are not a million snaps down the front of the diaper!  Rumparooz are my #1 overnight diaper, and the double gussets are great for containing big messes.  bumGenius! diapers boast stretchy tabs that ensure a perfect fit, every time.

One difference between the three brands is the style of pocket opening.  While they are all pocket diapers (and thus completely customizable), they all have different pocket openings.

The FuzziBunz opening is flush with the waist line in the back.  The gentle fleece fabric usually sticks out of the top of the diaper, and keeps the elastic (though encased) from rubbing on my daughter’s skin.  The opening is generous, making it easy to stuff and un-stuff.  I l.o.v.e. that there is no flap covering the opening!  It really makes clean-up easy when there is no flap to get messy.  I think the FuzziBunz type pocket opening is my favorite.

The Rumparooz pocket opening sits slightly below the waistline on the inside of the diaper.  It is elasticized, yet there is no flap covering the opening.  On occasion, if I am not careful when diapering my baby, the opening will slide down, allowing the insert to touch baby’s skin.  It’s not really a problem, but it’s something to watch.  The opening itself is not extremely wide, but the channel of the pocket on the Rumparooz is wider than that of the FuzziBunz.  This makes it much easier to double stuff when extra absorbency is needed.  When I need a doubler or an extra insert, I reach for my Rumparooz.

The bumGenius pocket opening is also flush with the waistline of the diaper.  Unlike the FuzziBunz and Rumparooz, though, it has a flap covering the opening.  This flap has pros and cons in my book.  It ensures that the insert will never touch the baby’s skin.  It also means that no matter how active your baby is, the insert will never work it’s way out of the pocket (but I have NEVER had that problem with any diaper!).  Yet the flap is more of a con to me..especially wen my daughter poops.  Somehow, she always gets it on the flap.  This means that I have to carefully get my hand inside the messy pocket flap in order to remove the soiled insert prior to washing.  I absolutely despise doing that!  With no flap, you can always shake the insert into the pail if you prefer not to touch the insert at all.

It may seem like a minor difference, but depending on your diapering needs, the style of pocket opening may make a difference in your routine.  Which do you prefer?

SALE on Rumparooz Products!

 

In celebration of Earth Day, all Rumparooz/Kanga Care products are 15% off!  This sale will run through
April 30.

No coupon code is needed, so just head over to the website and start shopping!  Rumparooz sales don’t come around very often, so be sure to snatch this up while you can!

If we are sold out of an item that you want, we would be happy to order it for you.  Please contact us prior to placing your order to ensure that we can obtain the item.  Email info@doablediapers.com with any questions!

Here is a list of items included in this sale:

• Rumparooz G2 diapers (snap or aplix closure)
• Lil Joey Newborn diapers
• Rumparooz Diaper Covers
• Rumparooz Newborn Diaper Covers
• Rumparooz Doll Diapers
• Kanga Care Pail Liners
• Kanga Care Wet Bags
• Kanga Care Reusable Liners
• Rumparooz 6R Microfiber Inserts

Fine Print:  Not valid on previous or pending orders.  Gumball print is not available in G2 diapers.  Hemp inserts are sold out until further notice.  Sale on diaper covers applies to in-stock items only (we cannot order any more until the end of May). 

And don’t forget that the bumGenius 4.0 diapers are still on sale, Buy 5 Get 1 Free.  See more details on the sale HERE.

bumGenius! Buy 5 Get 1 FREE!

The bumGenius buy 5 get 1 free sale is back! 
This promotion is valid from April 1 through May 31st.

Sale is valid on solid color and Artist Series bumGenius 4.0 diapers.  Free diaper must be of equal or lesser value. 

To redeem this deal, use code BFGO511 at checkout.  Then, in the “comments” box at checkout write the color desired for your free diaper.  

Your free diaper will not show up in your cart, but it will be included in your order if you have used the coupon. There is no limit on the number of times you may redeem this coupon, either separately or on the same order.  You will receive one free diaper for every five diapers purchased, as long as you redeem the coupon code.

**If you do not use the code, you will not receive your free diaper.

Shipping is always FREE at Doable Diapers on US domestic orders.  We are unable to ship bumGenius products outside of the United States.

Please order only in-stock colors.  You may contact us prior to checkout if you want a color that is sold out, and we will let you know if we can get it for you.  While supplies last.  No previous or pending orders discounted.

Flash Giveaway–win a bumGenius 4.0!

I thought I would offer a flash giveaway.  One Doable Diapers follower will win a bumGenius 4.0 diaper with snap closures in their choice of in-stock solid colors.

 

 

Mandatory Entry:

Follow Doable Diapers via Google Friend Connect

 

Extra Entries:

• Tell me what color you would choose if you win
• Follow Doable Diapers on Facebook
• Follow Doable Diapers on Twitter
• Follow Doable Diapers on Networked Blogs (right hand sidebar of the blog)
• Subscribe to the Doable Diapers Newsletter
• Grab the Doable Diapers button for your blog.  (Right hand sidebar of the blog).  Leave the URL of your blog so we can find it.
• Blog about this giveaway (5 extra entries).  Leave the URL of your blog post!
• Tweet about this giveaway.  Your tweet must include @DoableDiapers, and a link to this giveaway.
• Make any purchase from Doable Diapers during the dates of this giveaway (10 extra entries) 

Fine Print: Giveaway will be open through Wednesday, March 23rd at 10 pm EST.  Giveaway prize may only be shipped within the United States.  All entries will be verified.  All entries must be made using the form.  Any incomplete entries (be sure to read the instructions carefully!) will be deleted.  Winner will be contacted by email and posted on the blog.  Winner has 48 hours to respond and claim prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Click HERE to enter the giveaway

On Sale NOW - bumGenius 4.0 Diapers!

Announcing a special sale on bumGenius! 4.0 One Size diapers…

From March 17-20 you save 15% on all in-stock bumGenius 4.0 diapers in solid colors! 

Plus, Doable Diapers is offering FREE shipping on all orders to the Domestic United States.

Click HERE to visit Doable Diapers and place your order today.

Fine Print:  We are unable to ship any bumGenius products outside of the United States.  Sale applies to in-stock items only.  We reserve the right to cancel and/or refund an order, or to offer you the choice of a substitution if we sell out of a particular color. (Please do not order an item that shows “0 in stock” to avoid this).  Sales tax may apply.

Retired

This week my daughter finally outgrew her small sized FuzziBunz pocket diapers.  These six diapers were the beginning of my stash, and gifts from family and friends at my baby shower.  I think I got a lot of “mileage” out of them.  At 13 months, my daughter is a skinny 18.5 pounds.  So these six FuzziBunz are retired…until June or July when the next baby arrives.

I still have a colorful stash of pocket diapers, as you can see from the picture below.  I have FuzziBunz One Size and medium Perfect Size diapers.  I have bumGenius 4.0 diapers with snaps, and Rumparooz G2 One Size Diapers.  I also have a Doopsy, a Knickernappies, a Kissaluvs, and a Happy Heinys.  And of course, I have dozens of prefolds!

The six diapers that are now safely tucked away awaiting baby #2’s arrival were nearly enough for a whole day of cloth diapering.  In their absence we will be returning to prefolds and Flip One Size diaper covers.  The majority of our diaper stash which we purchased consists of prefolds and covers.  After all, we started using cloth diapers to save money, and stocking up on prefolds and covers is probably the most economical way to do cloth diapers!

I don’t mind using prefolds.  They are not quite as easy and convenient as pocket diapers, but there is something nice about their simplicity.  My prefolds are a little “crunchy” because I don’t have a dryer.  Sometimes I just like the soft polar fleece in my pocket diapers.  But prefolds have been around for a long time – they are definitely tried and true!

How about you?  What kind of diapers make up the majority of your stash?  Were they gifts, or purchased by you?  What factors influenced your decision to go with that type of diaper?

Great News for Cloth Diapers!

CBS Eye on Parenting recently did a segment featuring cloth diapers.  Natali Morris took a month long challenge to try cloth diapers on her baby.  Watch to see the results and what she thinks of cloth diapers now!

Tereson Dupuy, the creator of FuzziBunz and the mother of the modern cloth diaper was invited to be a guest on this segment.

Cloth Diapers: The Pros and Cons

**CLOSED** Win a 4.0 bumGenius pocket diaper!

Enter here to win a Grasshopper colored bumGenius! 4.0 pocket diaper with snaps! This one size diaper will fit your baby from 8-35 pounds.

Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment telling me your favorite item at the Doable Diapers store.

Please leave your email address in your comment.  This is a random giveaway and will close at an undetermined time.  Winner will be posted here on the blog and contacted via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize, or another winner will be chosen.

Bonus Entries:

• Follow our blog via Google Friend Connect.  Leave a separate comment.

• Fan our Facebook page.  Leave a separate comment.

• Suggest us to your friends.  Post it on our Facebook wall, and then leave a separate comment.

• For five (5) extra entries: make any purchase from Doable Diapers on Black Friday.  Leave five separate comments.  Leave the order number and date in one of your comments.

• Rate us at the Diaper Pin.  Leave a separate comment.

• Follow us on Twitter.  Leave a separate comment.

• Fill out our Obsession Confession survey to be featured as a cloth diaper addict on the Doable Diapers blog.  Just copy the questions into your email and send them back to info@doablediapers.com. 

• Sign up for our newsletter.  Leave a separate comment.

• For three (3) extra entries, blog about this giveaway.  Be sure to include a link to our store, Doable Diapers.  Leave three separate comments.  Leave the URL of your blog post in your comment.

Thinking About Cloth Diapering? Read this! (But get a snack and get comfy...) part 1

guest post by Crystal Biehl

 

Lately, I have been getting several emails from expecting mom friends wanting to know about cloth diapers.  They see the cute pictures of my little man in his fluff and want to know more! I've actually compiled a standard email I send out with all the things I've learned over the last 10 months! I thought it would be fun to share it as a blog post! So, read and let me know what tips you would share too!

 

Brands
I've won several different brands that I love--I recommend most of them.  Here  are my all time favorites-- bumGenius, Softbums, Babykicks, Pixie Poppits, Lollidoo overnight eco-pocket, IttyBittyBums. 

 

A little about each brand--all of these are One-Size fits all except Ittybittybums:  (I won some Rumparooz cloth diapers but haven't tried them yet--I've heard great things so I will let you know). 

 

One Size Diapers
BumGenius OS:  They make these in Velcro closures (also called Aplix) and also snaps.  Don't be afraid of snaps.  I was and I wish I hadn't been.  They are super easy to use.  Even the Hubs would agree.  The Velcro tends to look a little worn 9 months in...it's still super sticky and works great, just doesn't look as good.  These come in a pocket style--that means you put the insert inside the diaper pocket. 

 

 

Softbums: These are cool because you adjust them with hidden drawstrings.  I won one of these and now I wish I had more of them.  These are called an All-in-2 because you just snap the insert into the diaper--no pocket to stuff an insert into.  Also, these adjust to fit a 5 lb. newborn! BumGenius OS fit starting around 10 pounds.  Honestly, Softbums are my number 1 favorite diaper.  Hands down.

 

Babykicks:  These are side-snapping diapers and I just really like the way they fit Collin.  A great fit on a chunky baby. I especially like the soft fleece leg gussets! Very gentle on the skin!

 

Lollidoo Overnight Eco-Pockets:  You are going to want probably 3 of these once your baby gets bigger and pees more at night.  These are amazing night time diapers.  Collin will wear it for 12 hours, have a big poop, and nothing leaks out.  They are really soft and just awesome.  But they cost 32 bucks a piece--I know, expensive, but worth it, I promise.  I actually have 4.

 

Pixie Poppits:  These come in Velcro and snaps.  They are made in Australia so they will tend to cost more.  But the fabric they are made out of is awesome.

 

Sized Diapers
IttyBittyBums:  A girl on Etsy makes these.  I love them and they are only 10 or 11 dollars a piece.  They come in Velcro and snaps.  These come in sizes though.    They are called All-in-2 because you just lay the insert in it.  No pocket stuffing.  I actually plan on buying lots of these for my next newborn...some day!

 

Save Money!
I DO recommend one-size fits all just because it will save you some money in the long run.  Plus, in the beginning, there were days where Collin would wear the diaper at one size and then I'd have to change it part way through the day. He was a growing boy! And, if you go with Softbums, they WILL fit your baby at birth.

 

 

Crystal is a SAHM to one handsome little man.  She lives with her hubby out in the country, and wouldn't have it any other way.  She started cloth diapering Collin at birth and has never regretted it! Besides her love of fluff, she enjoys skiing, snowmobiling, baking, and any activity outside! You can read more about Crystal at her blog, Biehl Adventures.

 

Come back tomorrow for part 2!

bumGenius Artist Series is released!

Welcome the bumGenius Artist Series diapers.  This first series by Chelsea Perry is called “Tiny Socialite”.  The response seems very mixed on the social network pages.  It seems that you either hate these, or love them.  I personally like them, but mostly the Eiffel Tower print.  I am diapering a girl, so I’m sure that’s why these appeal to me!

Here is the announcement of the new diapers, as well as answers to your questions:

I think that the colors need to be clarified.  To me, it appears that each one has white in it, except for the “Jet Setter” print.  That is not the case.  Here are the descriptions from the Cotton Babies blog:

Concrete Jungle is Red over Sweet (pale green)

Eiffel Tower is my favorite in the series – Black and White

Free Spirit is Clementine over Noodle (cream)

Jet Setter is Dark Purple and Blue/Twilight – this is the hardest one for me to see based on the picture!

Retail Therapy is Teal over Lavender

These diapers will ship from the manufacturer beginning November 16th.  They are available for preorder on our site.  You can purchase them individually at $19.95 each, or in a package containing one of each print (5 diapers) for $96.75.  Use code ARTISTSERIES to receive free shipping on these diapers.

One final note…I saw a lot of complaints about the price increase.  I just want to point out that almost every cloth diaper manufacturer adds a small amount to the price when moving from solids to prints.  $1-2 extra is about average from what I have seen.  I was surprised to see so many complaints on this topic.

Have a comment?  Like ‘em or hate ‘em?  Can’t wait to get them?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts and feedback!

***CLOSED*** Back 2 School Game - #2

 

For rules on the game, please visit here. 

 

Question:

What is my baby’s name, and when was she born (month and year only)?

Prize:

Free bumGenius Babylegs with any $20 purchase

The winner is Lynn Wilson (comment #1).  Please email iwon@doablediapers.com so we can give you instructions on claiming your prize!

The Answer: My daughter is Elaine Cristin and she was born in November, 2009

I’m Obsessed…with cloth diapers!

I know.  It’s weird.  But I am.  Obsessed I mean.  With cloth diapers.  Want me to prove it? 

On July 8th, Elaine & I arrived at the subway station at 5:05 a.m. (yes…that is 5 in the morning) headed for Manhattan.  We were joining Jenn from Cotton Babies and a group of cloth diapering mommies convening on Rockefeller Plaza during NBC’s The Today Show.  Jenn is the creator of the bumGenius! cloth diaper line, so all of our babies were wearing bumGenius! diapers.  To say thanks for showing up and supporting cloth diapers, Jenn gave each one of us a  t-shirt and the all new 4.0 bumGenius! diaper with snaps.  This was very exciting to me for several reasons.  First, I love free stuff, especially cloth diapers!  This diaper is not yet available for purchase, so I get to try it first.  I have not been a huge bumGenius! fan in the past because they have only had velcro closures on their diapers.  I prefer snaps, so I am very glad that bumGenius! has included this feature in the new diaper.

 

I also met up with Bryana Guckin from Diaper Junction.  This was my local cloth diapering store in Virginia Beach.  Bryana and her staff explained the modern cloth diapering options to me when I was pregnant with Elaine and inspired me to set up a registry.  Since then Diaper Junction has closed their retail store and become online only.  Bryana drove from Virginia Beach to take part in the morning’s activities.  

Elaine & I with Bryana’s sister & her 10 week old Lydia 

Elaine and I didn’t make it on TV, but we had a blast anyway!  The biggest cluster of cloth diapering moms were featured during one of the camera shots around the plaza.  The camera panned the audience a couple of times and came close to us, but alas it wasn’t meant to be!  However, one of the anchors for the Today Show, Ann Curry, came out to greet the crowd during a commercial break.  Elaine just reached her arms out and gave Ann a big hug!  It really surprised me!  Elaine was mesmerized by the balloon of the person next to us.  She tried to steal it so many times that the nice lady finally gave it Elaine! 

When the crowd began dissipated we also headed for home.  I was grateful for some very kind gentlemen who helped me with the stroller up and down the subway steps.  It was a lovely morning.

Elaine & I at The Today Show

bumGenius 4.0 with Snaps

How many of you have used the bumGenius 4.0 pocket diaper with snap closures?  I must admit that I have been a die-hard FuzziBunz snob up until this point because bumGenius diapers only came in hook & loop closures.  I was very excited to hear the announcement of the 4.0 version of the bumGenius one size pocket diaper.  I eagerly anticipated the arrival of this diaper, now with snap closures.

I actually received my first 4.0 before they were on  the market.  How?  I went to the Today Show Plaza with Cotton Babies on July 8th. Everyone who came received a new 4.0 Grasshopper diaper with snaps!

The Flip one size diaper cover came out just after the birth of my daughter.  I ordered my first Flip at that time, and I have been “hooked” ever since.  I love the new 4.0 pocket diaper because it is basically a Flip cover that has been turned into a pocket diaper. 

FuzziBunz have microfleece lining, and it works very well at wicking the moisture away from Elaine’s bum.  I am discovering, however, that I really like the microsuede lining on the bumGenius because it is a little bit easier to spray off the poo!  Not by much, but it is just a little easier.

I also like the new colors…well most of them.  My favorite by far is Bubble.  It is    such a sweet, delicate shade  of lavender, and purple happens to be my favorite color!  The Sweet colored diaper is also very lovely.  The Noodle diaper seems just a little too pale for my taste, but it is very gender neutral.  I am looking forward to bumGenius returning with some bright color options in the pocket diapers, and perhaps some prints!

If you haven’t tried the bumGenius 4.0 diaper yet, I would highly recommend that you try it.  The snaps make this great diaper even better and much more durable!

View a complete product description here and here.

My Elaine in her new Bubble bumGenius 4.0 diaper

Inventory Update: bumGenius! & Flip

Now available at Doable Diapers are the bumGenius! 4.0 one size stay-dry pocket diaper, and the Flip diapering system.  For more information on the Flip system, please click here.

The Flip system can be purchased as a diaper cover only, the Flip system with either stay-dry insert or organic cotton insert, and a day pack.  The day pack includes 2 covers and 4 inserts.  There are also disposable inserts available.

The Flip one size color is my favorite diaper cover, and it works extremely well with prefold diapers. 

We will also be stocking the bumGenius! 4.0 one size diaper.  The 4.0 made several improvements over the popular 3.0 version.  Benefits include new pastel colors, snap closures in addition to aplix, a leak stopper at the front of the diaper, and replaceable elastic.  

New pastel colors include Bubble, Sweet, and Noodle.

 

Come and check them out on the website, and order yours today!