My So-Far Stash

I wanted to give my first impressions after using my cloth diapers for about a month and a half now. As mentioned in my earlier post, I started with one Happy Heiny, two Fuzzi Bunz, one Bum Genius Organic One Size All-in-One and one Bum Genius One Size pocket. After a quick trial I decided that I definitely needed (and wanted) more diapers so I picked my favorite of the bunch, the Bum Genius One Size Pocket and ordered more of those so they would make up the majority of my day-to-day stash. I call this my “So-Far” stash because, as I’m writing, I have an order en route to my house with three new brands/styles of diapers to try and, let’s face it, even that won’t be the end of my stash building! I say it’s all in the name of “research” so I can share my findings and help others make informed decisions. Truth be told… these things are a vice for me, much like chocolate, soft cheeses and Cherry Coke!

I’ve listed my likes and dislikes, as well as a summary, based on my own experiences with these diapers.

Happy Heiny:

• Likes: strong aplix, good fit, soft fleece, easy to clean, comes out of the wash looking brand new, sizing will last as my daughter grows, not too bulky, easy to stuff, Velcro can overlap for snug fit
• Dislikes: leaked once (very early on, could have been user error), sometimes insert can stick out of the back
  

I really like the Happy Heiny diapers. They are a very nice, secure fit which makes them seem very comfortable for my daughter. They aren’t the trimmest, but they certainly aren’t the bulkiest diaper either. I have never had a leak since that one time. Honestly, I think I would reach for this diaper more often, but I really dislike the color that I ordered (pathetic, I know)…and after all fashion is a key part of my cloth diapering experience. Overall, it’s definitely at the top of my list.

Fuzzi Bunz:

• Likes: very soft fleece, cleans easily, doesn’t hold stains, fluffs right up with washing, easy to stuff, no leaks, snug fit if you can get it right
• Dislikes: snap positionings are tough for the right fit, bulkiest diaper in my stash
  

There are several things that I really like about Fuzzi Bunz, particularly the soft fleece that keeps my daughter very dry and the ease with which I can spray it off with my diaper sprayer. The snap configuration never seems to fit my daughter quite right, but that could just be a body type issue. It is a bulkier diaper so I reach for it for naps or when my daughter will just be around the house in just a dress or t-shirt. In the end, though, I really love putting it on her because it seems so soft on her little bottom.

Bum Genius One Size Pocket Diapers:

• Likes: trim, easy to use, goes on easily (much like a disposable), insert is tucked away nicely, colors are beautiful, never a leak, use it overnight with a doubler with no leaks
• Dislikes: the pocket flap that I love for keeping the insert is tough when using my diaper sprayer: the poop can get caught in the pocket and water builds up in the flap, the aplix tab can be scratchy and the aplix is starting to get slightly frayed so can see where they might not wear very well over time.
  

Right now this is the diaper I will always reach for. It is incredibly easy to put on my daughter, not too bulky and has worked impeccably without one leak or blowout. I do worry that the aplix may start to give me problems down the road. The colors are beautiful and I get a ton of compliments on how cute they are. I can color-coordinate with just about any outfit my daughter wears – my husband calls this obsessive. I say, anything that I can do to raise awareness, interest and appeal of cloth diapers should be called “activism.” It’s all for the cause!

Bum Genius One Size Organic All-In-One:

• Likes: very trim, the ease of AIO, just grab and go, organic, easy to clean, drying time not a big deal to me
• Dislikes: moisture stays close to her skin
  

I really love the idea of this diaper, but the number one priority for me is a dry bottom. I have found with the Bum Genius Pocket diapers the moisture is pulled away from my daughter’s skin, whereas with the Organic All in One it stays in the fabric that’s touching her. I have never had a leak or any type of rash with this diaper and she doesn’t seem at all bothered by it, so it may be just my perception. I’m more likely to stress about changing this one sooner than the others. That being said, there are many out there that absolutely adore this diaper.

-- By Jennifer G.