If you can afford to spend that bit more on a pram or stroller, but don’t know which one to invest in, check out this great review.  All the info you could ever dream of! Thanks so much, Kate!

Product Type/category: Prams/Strollers.

Brand Name: Combi.

Price: $549.99 (Urban Walker Prestige)

Available at: Most baby shops, Australia wide. For other countries, you can visit the website for your country and you will be able to find some retailers.

Target Group: Babies-Toddlers.

http://www.combi.com.au/

A pram was the first thing I started looking for when I found out I was pregnant, I am extremely picky and knew it would end up being the hardest thing to find one that I actually loved. I knew in my mind exactly what I wanted and ended up falling in love with a pram that was going to cost me over a thousand dollars and in the end couldn’t justifying spending that much. I didn’t end up purchasing a pram until I was 7-8 months pregnant. The Combi was nothing near to what I ever wanted, but I am so glad I ended up going with it.

Combi is a Japanese brand, first being made in 1957 and is slowly but surely making it’s way in to Australia. Each pram is lightweight, convenient and extremely practical. There are 6 different prams that you can purchase, I ended up going for the Urban Walker Prestige.

The UWP (Urban Walker Prestige) is a lightweight pram weighing in at only 6..3 kgs. This is super convenient-it’s easy to get in and out of the back of your car, it’s light to push but extremely sturdy. It folds up so easily, with the slide of two buttons it’s folded in to a slim, self standing position. For me this was perfect as I don’t have a lot of room in the back of my car and also good for anyone catching public transport. The UWP has a reversible handle, which is exactly what I was wanting and as a bonus it has a huge canopy which covers most of the pram when down, so when in the sun there is no chance of bub getting burnt or irritated by the sun in his/her eyes. All the seating fabric is washable, which is amazing for when bub gets older and is able to eat you can wash away all the little bits of food/drink that is left behind. The UWP is suitable for a newborn up to 20 kgs which was another thing that won me over, as I am sure that you all see ladies pushing around smaller strollers when they have a toddler where as with the Combi, I won’t need to downgrade to anything smaller. The UWP also comes with a detachable boot cover, which makes bub look really cute and snug in the pram while they are a newborn. This smaller pram is also awesome as you’re able to fit in to majority of shops! You all know it’s a pain in the butt when you go to walk in to a shop but you can’t as it’s extremely tight fitting. The Combi brand can fit in most stores (even Diva).

The UWP comes in two colours: Navy and Champagne. Check out the website to see the other prams/colours!

Pros: Lightweight, easy to fold, 12 month warranty with an extra 3 months if you register it online, large canopy, reversible handle, large basket, boot cover, compact, high handle for taller parents, fits in to most shops.

Cons: I haven’t found any cons with this pram as of yet.

I rate this product ten out of ten

Product Type/category: Toiletries/Bath
Brand Name: Natural Instinct
Price: Around $10 per product
Available at: Pharmacies, some supermarkets
Target Group: Babies

http://www.naturalinstinct.co.nz/Product.aspx/Baby

Design & functional aspects:
The range consists of a few different products, I’ve bought the Nice & Clean Bath Wash, Nurturing Moisturizer and Calming Massage Oil. The packaging is simple, with an easy pump for quick use. I have used a few different baby bath products in Noah’s short time and have decided to stick to this one. It’s a New Zealand Company, and is aimed at a more organic and natural approach at baby care. The whole range smells really botanical and lavender, so It promotes relaxation in baby too.

Nice & Clean Bath Wash
This is a gentle bath wash and body cleanser. It is enriched with  Jojoba Oil, which is good for dry skin. This is a simple cleanser that washes without stripping away your babies natural skin oils. I occasionally use this on myself if I shower just before bed. It smells amazing

Nurturing Moisturizer
This is a gentle moisturizer which incorporates a blend of mango butter and jojoba oil, also some apricot kernel oils, it gently moisturizes babies skin without irritating it, or leaving it feeling greasy. Again, it smells great.

Calming Massage Oil
This has a blend of botanical oils to use for a relaxing massage. I found this helps to be incorporated into a night time routine.

Features & benefits:
The features are simple, botanically derived and in  touch with nature. The products are all sulphate-free and free from harmful detergents that strip and irritate your babies soft skin. There are lots of other products in the range worth checking out, like a nappy change cream, shampoo and conditioner.

How & why you use or like this product:
I found that J&J irritated Noah, and left his skin quite dry. I saw this one day in a pharmacy and decided to grab it and give it ago. It’s not too dear, probably mid-range of baby bath products. I love the smell, Noah always smells like soft lavender. His skin hasn’t been dry or rashy since switching to this range.

Discuss negatives:
Probably the price. I guess the smell for some people, it is very botanical smelling and can be overpowering. Smell it in the store before buying it. I don’t know how you’d go using it on extra sensitive skin, because of the fragrance.

Tips and tricks you’d like to share:
Use it yourself before bed. Relax and smell the smells.

Pros: Gentle on skin, natural ingredients,
Cons: Price, not suitable for extra sensitive skin

I RATE THIS RANGE EIGHT BUBBLES OUT OF TEN

REVIEW BY LITTLEJACKSON

Here’s a great bath product review from Sarah, she lives in the UK and has a lovely little lad named Jacob. She has the coolest accent and a top blogger.

Product Type/category: Toiletries
Brand Name: Johnson’s Baby top-to-toe wash
Price: Approx £2-3 for 500ml
Available at: Boots, supermarkets, etc.
Target Group: Everyone!

http://www.johnsonsbaby.com//

Design & functional aspects:
This body wash comes in two different kinds of bottles. One is your standard squeezy bottle with flip cap, and the other (my personal favorite) has a push down pump, which makes it really easy to use one handed. It’s also great for if your little one wants to use it by themselves, as you don’t have to worry about them tipping the whole bottle everywhere.

Features & benefits:
Top to Toe is an all over body wash. It is extremely gentle, and perfect for sensitive skin. It can be used as bubble bath, a soap and even as shampoo. As a mother of a child who hates having his hair washed, I couldn’t speak highly enough about it.

How & why you use or like this product:
I discovered this product while I was in hospital, in the middle of labour! My midwife suggested I go and have a bath to ease the pain a little, and they had a bottle in the bathroom. I remember telling my husband (in between contractions) to find a pen and paper to write down what it was called, because I loved the smell and how soft it made me feel. He thought I was crazy at the time, but now he loves it too.

We have a bottle in the bathroom, and one in the kitchen for use as a hand wash. I spend a good hour of every day hearing my son say “wash my hands” over and over again, so apparently he loves it too.

The wash has a lovely fresh smell, which lingers for a long time after you use it.

Discuss negatives:
I have honestly yet to find any.

Tips and tricks you’d like to share:
A little goes a long way - you don’t need to use a lot.

Pros: Gentle on skin, fresh smell, multiple uses
Cons: None found yet!

I rate this product ten out of ten

We have another fantastic review, you guys need to go visit this lovely lady. Her name is Jesikah and she’s over at cyrusgabe. Her son Cyrus is the sweetest little guy. She’s a great mama, and always good for support and a kind chat.

Product Type/category: Baby Monitor
Brand Name: Graco Direct Connect Digital Monitor
Price: $59.99 US from Gracobaby.com, cheaper at Amazon.com
Available at: Amazon.com & Babies R Us
Target Group: Parents

www.gracobaby.com

There are two “models” available for purchase. They’re the exact same thing, except that one comes with two parent receivers. We purchased the one with just a single parent receiver because we didn’t really have any need for two.

Graco claims that their product has a range of 2000 ft & while I don’t know exactly how far away from the base station we’ve gone with the thing, I haven’t had too much trouble with loosing signal. The only time I occasionally have lost signal is when I go too far away from the house while doing something outside.

Base Station: It works off 3 AAA batteries but there is also a place for it to be plugged into the wall using the 6V DC cord provided with the product. We end up leaving the base station in the crib with our son since it is so small & wireless. The button on the top of the base station turns on the night light feature, which has two settings of varying brightness.

Receiver: The receiver itself is rechargeable & is charged via the 6V DC cord that is provided. On the back, it has a plastic clip so it can be carried around on the waistband of your pants, etc. The front features the screen & various buttons surrounding it: On/off, vibrate, Increase & decrease volume, intercom, & night-light button which gives you the ability to turn the base station night light on & off. On the top is a light that provides a visual cue as to when your baby is making noise.

What really drew us to buy this product was the intercom feature. Being able to press a button on the parent receiver & talk to my son to let him know that everything was okay was something that really appealed to us. As far as I know, not many monitors have this function.

Another function that is especially useful is the fact that the digital screen provides the temperature of the room that the base station is in. I like being able to know whether I need to turn the AC down in the room for my son or what-have-you. Other than that, the screen provides all other information about the room; whether the night light is on, how high or low the volume is, if the vibrate function is on, how strong the signal is, & if the receiver has low battery [it also makes a beeping noise if it’s going to die]. The parent receiver also makes a noise to warn you when the base station has died and/or is turned off.

So far, we haven’t come across any negatives. The battery life is good & long; we’ve had the system for a few months & I’ve only had to change the batteries & charge the receiver once or twice & we do use it quite a lot. Every now & then the receiver will cut out for a millisecond, but it doesn’t really bother me at all.

Possible improvement: The only possible improvement that I can come up with is the fact that they could have made the screen on the receiver back-lit, but it really isn’t all that much of a problem for us.

Pros: Intercom. Wireless base station. Visual, audio, & physical cues as to when the baby is making noise. Chargeable receiver. Temperature indicator.

Cons: Screen not back-lit.

I rate this product NINE out of TEN.

Reviewed by Jesikah

Kimbah is a mother of two beautiful babes, so she knows what she’s talking about! If you are all about swaddling, or have a baby that always escapes from their wrap, then this is the review for you!

Product Type/category: Wrap Me Up 

Brand Name: Love Me Baby

Price: $39.95 AUD

Available at: Various online baby stores but I personally purchased mine in store at Baby Kingdom.

Target Group: Sizes start from newborn 3-6kg and go up to 8.5-11kg.

Website: lovemebaby.com.au

I am a big online shopper for baby goods, I love my online modern baby boutiques where you’re more likely to find the newest innovative products for babies and children. I came across the Wrap Me Up on Urban Baby and made the final decision that the Wrap Me Up will be our swaddle wrap of choice.

We currently have two Wrap Me Up’s in newborn size, one white the other in pink, we’re so happy with this product I am out to purchase the next size up being medium come next week. After reading this review and overlooking the product on the official website, I am sure you too will want to go out and purchase one.

Talk about features & benefits:

The wrap is known as ‘a safer smarter swaddle’ and I couldn’t agree more, it allows your baby to sleep in their natural position with arms up, it’s also designed to have a womb-like fit. It’s Australian designed and you have your choice of colours, sizes and either have the option of a 30% lighter wrap for those extra hot days and nights or you can pay more for an organic version. The Wrap Me Up Baby swaddle is the simple answer to safely wrapping your baby perfectly every time. 

Your babies arms rest in the wing position, which helps prevent your baby rolling onto their tummy (preventing the risk of SIDS). With babies arms up it helps self-soothe and sleep longer. The Wrap Me Up is designed with a single layer of trans-seasonal cotton spandex fabric, helping to prevent from overheating. Not only is it a safer way to swaddle your child during sleep, it’s practical and has some great features like the twin zipper - instead of having to remove the entire wrap during diaper changes, you simply zip the bottom zipper up to remove legs which makes for easier night changes. The wrap can be used safely in your babies pram/stroller with seatbelt access. You will also notice a feature called the toggle tent which keeps the zipper toggle under cover making more comfort for your baby.

Talk about how & why you use or like this product:

I will admit, I am one of those paranoid mothers when it comes to wrapping/swaddling my child and even bedtime can become an anxiety issue for me. The word SIDS can be to much for me and as the Wrap Me Up by Love Me Baby is backed up by medical research and is now approved by the INPAA this gave me that instant sense of comfort. 

I have used the Wrap Me Up since arriving home from the hospital, we have been lucky with a good sleeping baby. Day and night when it comes time for sleep, Indy is swaddled in her Wrap Me Up, perhaps she just likes sleep and we have been blessed but I like to think it’s the help of the wrap allowing her to be swaddled in her natural sleeping position with arms up also allowing self-soothing, the womb-like fit and the soft cotton spandex fabric.

Discuss negatives:

I honestly have no complaints, not one, it’s seriously a fantastic product and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The only negative thing I could think of would be the need of at least two wraps due to feed times, babies do spew and due to baby having access to their hands, sucking and slobbering can occur which makes need for a wash, so a second wrap is needed. 

Tips and tricks you’d like to share:

The Wrap Me Up itself has been a sleep trick for me since purchasing.

Pros: natural position, womb-like fit, INPAA approved, inside out seams, toggle tent, twin zipper, seatbelt access, many options.

Cons: At least two wraps needed.

I rate this product 10/10, yes 10/10! I have not yet found one fault with the Wrap Me Up, it has been a treat and I am extremely happy with my purchase.

Thank you Rose for this awesome review. If you’re looking at buying a new pram or stroller, make sure you read this review first. You’ll pick up lots of tips!

Product Type/category: The Discovery Pram

Brand Name: Childcare

Price & Where: I bought mine for $150 AUS from Target although I’m positive it is sold other places and for other prices! Google is your friend…



When I started looking for a pram I knew what I wanted and I had a checklist of requirements that needed to be ticked off. Seeing as I won’t get my license for another year I needed a pram that was light and easy to fold up and down so I could use it on public transport without a lot of drama. I wanted something with a massive basket underneath so I didn’t have to carry much due to being a lazy sod and I also wanted a pram where I could flip the handles so I had the options of having my baby girl face me or face outwards. These were my requirements.

The Discovery Pram is super easy pram in every sense. It can flip both up and down within 5 seconds and without a whole heap of button pushing and this pulling and complications. Trust me, I’m completely mong when it comes to putting things together and pulling them apart and even I can do this with one hand. That is saying a lot. It’s handle is a one bar and very comfortable to push so your hands won’t get sore anytime soon and it also comes with a little leg bag that you attach to the front of the pram so anything baby drops won’t get lost and as they get older their feet and legs are protected. The seat itself is nice and padded whilst still being firm and has 4 different levels going from sitting up straight to lying pretty much completely flat. These are very easy to adjust. The basket is huge (hoorah!) and the handle flips with ease so you can face your baby or have them facing out to the world. All in all, this pram ticks all of my boxes.

Except one box that I didn’t have until now and wish I had. This is a 4 wheel pram which I wanted but unfortunately the two back wheels are attached and not free standing. This means they go one of two ways. Back or forth. They don’t go sideways, they do not turn around. This doesn’t pose a problem when baby is facing outwards as the two front wheels turn 360 and can lead the way. The problem comes when you want to face your baby and move tight corners. So far from my experience this is impossible. I was in a shop today actually lifting the pram to try and maneuver corners and in the end had to give up and flip the handles so I was no longer facing her. One of my biggest boxes that I thought had been ticked (which technically it had) has become unticked. I cannot face my daughter if I want to turn tight corners.



Pros: Handle, seat, basket, lightweight, extremely easy to fold, comfortable.

Cons: Those damn back wheels that make it impossible to face your kid if you want to turn corners.



I rate this product a 7/10. It’s pretty much the perfect pram and I love it and will keep using it, but if I had my time over? I’d buy a pram whose back wheels were free standing and could turn 360 degrees. There is only one problem with this pram but unfortunately it’s a pretty big deal breaker.

Wow, check out this awesome review by Heather! She is your go-to lady for all things teethers. If you have a teething bub, or one who will be teething soon, make sure you read this!

nalleyeveryday:

Hey guys! Heather here over at NalleyEveryday. I was approached to do a teether review for Mama Knows Best, because I’ve tried so many with my Nalley, and well, here it is. 

All mamas have a teething child at some point in their parenting journey. It’s just a fact. Is it fun? Not at all. Is it a joyous experience for your beautiful baby? Definitely not. I’m here to help you find a little relief when that time comes. If you’re already at your wits end: HOLD ON! Don’t pull out that last bit of hair just yet. Ready? Go!

This entire review fits into the category of teething.

Read More

(via whattdoesitake-deactivated20120)

Product Type/category: Disposable Wipes

Brand Name: Huggies

Price: 384 wipes $18.98, 240 wipes $14.98

Available at: Coles, Safeway, independent supermarkets, K-Mart, Big W, Target, Chemists etc.

Target Group: Babies/Toddlers in Nappies, Mothers.

Australia’s Huggies Website

Huggies wipes are thick and luxurious. They offer enough wipe ‘fuzz’ to grasp onto butt mess to easily wipe off. They have a cute unisex design. They’re perfect for the usual butt mess clean ups, wiping off sticky fingers and surfaces and for my own personal use, removing my makeup.

They come in 2 different varieties; Fragrance & Fragrance Free. They’re enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E, they’re soap and alcohol free and are hypoallergenic which is a godsend to sensitive little baby butts. They claim to help prevent the natural onset of nappy rash.

Huggies wipes are the only brand I use. I have tested out other wipes and I’ve found that they’re not as economical as Huggies. I find that when I use Huggies wipes, I don’t have to use as many to be able to clean up all H’s butt mess. They’re soft and easy to handle. I’ve found with other thinner wipes that they’re harder to maneuver and clean everything to near eat off condition.

I don’t like how every 4th or 5th is conjoined with the next wipe. It makes quick ‘wiping’ difficult as I have to stand around pulling and waving my arms around until it detaches.

I would love to see Huggies identify the problem of the conjoined wipes and promptly FIX that issue.

Tips and tricks you’d like to share:
I keep travel packs of wipes everywhere! I have one in my car, Calvin’s car, the Nappy Bag, Harrison’s room, our room, in the lounge room and anywhere else I thought they may be needed.

Like stated previously, I only use Huggies wipes. They do the job well and there’s no messing about. They’re soft, thick and I don’t need to use anymore than 2 to get Harrison’s butt looking spick and span. They also feel lovely on my skin when I remove my make up.

Pros: Thick, Soft, Fragrance Free, Economical
Cons: Wipes that are conjoined

I rate this product nine out of ten

xo Natasha

Thank you Natasha! What a great review. If you guys haven’t checked out this lovely ladies blog already, you’re barking mad. She’s beautiful, and her little son Harrison is quite the handsome boy! Thanks again :)

Product Type/category: Infant wind drops/medication
Brand Name: Infacol
Price: I paid about $8 for mine at a discount chemist
Available at: Pharmacies, supermarkets
Target Group: Infant/children

AUSTRALIA SITE
UK SITE

Design & functional aspects:
It’s a small bottle with an easy dose system when you insert the syringe into the hole in the lid, tip upside down, pull your amount required into the syringe that comes in the box. It’s a 30mL pack, and the dose for 1mnth-2yrs is 0.2mL, over 2yrs is 0.4mL. Each 0.1mL contains 100mg simethicone, an anti-foaming agent. Basically, it is designed to bind the small air bubbles together inside the infants stomach, and bring it up towards the top of the stomach for easier expulsion. You dose into the feed or orally, I find into the feed of formula or emb works better for me. In each feed, no more than 12 times a day. My particular formula is very foamy, once I drop in these drops the foam literally dissolves in front of your eyes. Agitate slightly to distribute through milk and feed to infant.

Features & benefits:
The small dose and easy dose system means it’s a very economical product. You don’t waste a drop and you get heaps of doses out of one little bottle. It’s a small bottle and syringe so I can pack it with me and it takes up very little space in my diaper bag. It’s especially good for babies with colic, as it really does bring up all the air bubbles and with a firm burping, the air is outside babies tum and causing nobody any misery!

Why you use or like this product:
I got told about this product from a lady on the bus once, and I thought. Nosy woman, mind your own. However, she swore it saved her sanity. I saw it when I was grabbing diaper supplies the other day and on a whim chucked in my basket. Couldn’t hurt. It does say check with your doctor before use in infants under six months, so I’d advise that you do that. I used to work in a pharmacy, so I gave my work a buzz and they said it would be fine. A few doses later, and Noah was belching up everything! Air, that is. He became really hard to wind at one point and was getting so irritable towards the end of the night because he was so bloated. I could hear it in his belly. We’ve been using these drops for a few days now, and things have been peachy. I kid you not he’s been going to sleep at 6:30PM, wake at 10PM feed, then sleeping eight hours solid. Then waking for a morning feed, then sleeping another three to four hours. We get up at 11am now. It’s fabulous. I blame it on the wind, keeping him up and making him cry so much. I wish someone had of told me about these before.

Negatives:
It is a medicine, so I guess some people would prefer to steer clear of medications. But I don’t have an issue, if It helps us both. Not sure about long term use just yet, I need to check with my doctor if It’s ok.

Possible improvements:
They need better advertising. They’re a life saver. All mums need to try them as a last resort (by all means try to eliminate other reasons for your babies crying before turning to medicines) for screaming windy, colicky babies.

Tips and tricks you’d like to share:
Use it in the bottle, not orally, it works far more effectively.

Pros: Everything about it is a pro.
Cons: It’s synthetic medicine.

I rate this product 10 Burps out of 10

REVIEW BY LITTLEJACKSON

Product Type/category: Nappy Bag
Brand Name: Babymel
Price: AUD$130 (we got it on special for 120)
Available at: Babies Galore and other baby shops, online, official website.
Target Group: Parents, expecting parents

When I first laid eyes on this bag, I was in love. It was the only bag I wanted and no others would do. I didn’t care how much it cost, and I didn’t care who I had to fight to get it. It was beautiful.

Once I finally had it in my hot little hands, I was overjoyed. I took photos and posted about how much I loved it and how perfect it was.
Then, the baby came. I had to carry that bag around every day. I had to fill it with nappies, wipes, creams, spare clothes, bottles, food, spare formula, water, my keys, my wallet and later, books and toys. That is a lot to fit in one bag, and sadly the bag just wasn’t big enough.

There is only one big section, no dividers. The insulated bottle warmers were small and only fit the tommee tippee closer to nature line of bottles. The inside pockets aren’t wide enough to fit nappies so the nappies end up scrunched up at the bottom of the bag and I had to take out the changing pad because with it in there, I couldn’t fit nappies and wipes.
However, it is made of an easy to wipe clean material inside and out.

Features & benefits:
The bag has pram straps so you can secure it to the handle of your pram or stroller. This is helpful if your bag isn’t heavy, otherwise it can throw your pram off-balance.

How & why I use or like this product:
I still use this bag today, over a year later, because we can’t afford to go out and buy a new one just yet. $120 is a lot to spend on a bag, even if I did get it with a gift card, and I’m going to use it until it falls apart. However if I could go back in time I’d go for function, not fashion.

Negatives: Too small, too fiddly, not set out well. I got a girly design, so Mick doesn’t really want to walk around with it.

Possible improvements: Bigger pockets, and a more practical layout.

Tips and tricks: Make sure you think with your head and not with your heart. It doesn’t matter if you’re getting it with a gift card, or if someone is buying it for you, if it’s not functional how pretty it is doesn’t mean squat.

I rate this product 5 out of 10.

Review by Jessica Christine.

We have been lucky enough to have our very first guest blogger, the beautiful mama of two, Carlee [sosmommy] to kindly do up a review on her cloth diapering escapades. Her babies Silas and Olivia are just divine, she’s originally from the states but is currently living over in Germany while her hubby is on military work. Pay her a visit, she’s something to behold.



Product Type/category: Cloth Diapers, yo’!
Brand Name: BumGenius, GroVia, and Flips

Price: BumGenius and Flips are the cheaper options, at about 18 dollars a shell + insert. It’s cheaper if you buy in bulk, about $204 for a pack of 12. GroVia are more expensive, but again, cheaper if you buy a bundled package, and well worth the cost. 

Available at: Online at cottonbabies.com is one of my favorite sites to shop, but they offer them all over the interwebs at sites like kellyscloset.com, gogreennursery.com, etc.  Google it, and I guarentee you’ll find about a hundred more sites that sell them. Ebay also offers “off-brands” too for WICKED cheap. 10 diapers + inserts for 50 dollars and free shipping. One of my great follows, Tawny [littlemama] uses them, I’m pretty sure. And I’ve heard nothing but good things about them.

Target Group: From wee babes to terrible toddlers

CHECK IT!

www.cottonbabies.com
www.gogreennursery.com
www.kellyscloset.com
www.gogreenpocketdiapers.com
www.greenmountaindiapers.com

Design and functionality:
Cloth diapers can be intimidating, but they are SO easy to use. I was really scared to use them at first, and we all have the same questions when considering cloth diapers. Do you have to wash them every day? Sure, if you want to, but if you have enough diapers.. it’s not necessary. I do a load every two days, and it hardly takes any time. Is it hard to wash the diapers? Not at all. Once you figure out a system (through trial and error, because there is no one washing system that works for everyone), it’s easy as pie. Is it expensive? Initially, yes. Very much so. But it will pay for itself in the amount you would be spending on disposables within a month or two, depending how much you buy up front. Are they more bulky than disposables? Yes, but some cloth diapers fit better than others, are more trim than others. If anything, you just need to put your little one in a size bigger clothing  to accomodate, but I have never found this necessary, as cotton baby clothing is quite stretchy.

Features & benefits:
There are so many GREAT benefits to cloth diapering. The obvious being they are environmentally friendly, and they save you a boat load of cash. The next great thing? There are so many OPTIONS. I think that might be one of the most intimidating parts to cloth diapering is deciding which type of cloth diaper is right for your baby. The answer, if you ask me, is there isn’t just one right diaper. I use four different types in my CD rotation and they all work for certain times. Cloth diapering has come a really long way since the days of prefolding little towels and safety pinning them, although those are still an option nowadays too. Also, I can proudly say in the two months I’ve been cloth diapering my son, he has not ONCE had a diaper rash.

Now I’ll go into specifics about the diapers that I personally use:


BumGenius 4.0: The diaper has a waterproof outer shell, the pocket part of the diaper is made of super soft fleece, great for baby’s boo-tay, and the inserts are microfiber. This is a super absorbent diaper, which is the best feature. I’ve never had an issue with leaking, BUT the microfiber and the fleece are the worst when it comes to retaining the yucky pee smell. However, once you get a good washing system down, this isn’t really an issue, and stripping your diapers every now and then really helps cut out the funk. This is one of the bulkier diapers, but I think the puffy butt is actually kind of cute. These diapers are great for every day, at home use.



GroVia AI2’s: One of my favorites. You can reuse the outer shell all day, and the insert snaps right into the middle. Makes for a longer diaper changing process, but for public outings all you need is a shell and your extra inserts. It’s one of my favs to use when we leave the house. The inserts are made of cotton, and the shell has a mesh liner which I find helpful for catching a leaky poop. The gussets of this diaper rock (that’s the stretchy part around the leg hole), and I agree with another mama (sweetbabybaker) who said this is an especially great feature for cloth diapered boys. As you may know, their pee has no sense of direction. This diaper is especially fit and trim making it a better option if you have to put baby in an outfit that requires a small booty. What I love best is that the shells come with some really cute designs. My favorites have owls on them, and another with airplanes. Who doesn’t love a cute pattern on a little baby butt, right? The only downside I can think of is that of all the inserts for all my diapers, this brand holds stains the worst. But that’s nothing a little time in the sun can’t take care of.


BumGenius Elemental (AIO): This is an “All In One” diaper. They are most like disposables, as in, everything comes already attached. You just wash and wear. This is a great option for a family whose child is in daycare or frequently uses a babysitter. Instead of throwing it away like you would a disposable, you just change and toss it in your pail/wet bag. The insides are made of cotton, the outside, again, a waterproof shell. Like the other diapers I already mentioned, this diaper comes with the option of snaps or velcro when you purchase them. They’re a wee-bit more expensive than their pocket diaper counter parts, but well worth it. Also one of the more bulky diapers, but very absorbent.



Flips: This is a “hybrid” diaper. Much like the GroVia, you can reuse the outer shell and interchange the inserts throughout the day. What I don’t like about this diaper is that the inserts are just tucked under two flimsy flaps in the front and back of the diaper. You kind of have to position it just right or you’ll get some leakage. The gussets are also kind of lame. I’ve had more leaks with this diaper than the others. The inserts are microfiber, just like the pocket diapers, and they are very absorbent, but again.. the microfiber retains the stink more. I usually only use this diaper on laundry day when all my others have been used already. It’s not a bad diaper, but not my favorite. The nice thing about them is they’re perfect for buying a pack of cheap Gerber prefolds to use as inserts. So if you’re on a strict budget, you can purchase a few shells, and then get the prefolds from Wal-Mart or Target, a pack of 12 for 10 dollars and they work just the same as the microfiber inserts. AND prefolds are multi-functional.. cleaning around the house, burp cloth, diapering.. you name it, you can use a prefold for it.

Negatives: I personally don’t find any negatives to cloth diapering. If you’re not privy to doing laundry every couple days, then it may not be for you. I stay home full-time, so this is something that works well for me and my family. I have a system that works well, and I’m sure any working family considering cloth diapers can find a system that works for them too. The biggest negative is those who have to leave their children with daycares, I hear it’s a bitch to get daycares to agree to do the cloth diapering. My pediatrician told me at our last visit that he had a women requesting he write her a doctor’s note to have the daycare cloth diaper her child there, because they refused. Our friend that has babysat our children doesn’t really prefer to use the cloth diapers when she watches them either. And that’s fine for me, but if you’re adamant about cloth diapering 24-7, 7 days a week, 365 a year, then you’ll have to get the people you leave your children with on board with your cloth diapering too.

Possible improvements:For specific diapers, I’d like to see the Flips have a more body shape to them. They have the potential to be a great diaper, but inserts could be more flexible and form fitting, the gussets of the shell could be tighter, and the flaps to tuck the insert under could maybe use some velcro to keep the insert from sliding around while you’re trying to put the diaper on the baby. 
For cloth diapering in general, I’m sure there will always be more improvements to come. Up until I joined Tumblr, I had no idea cloth diapering is what it is today, and most people don’t. I would like to see more “awareness” being put out there. Selling cloth diapers in common stores like Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, etc. More advertising. It really is a great alternative, and it’s sad that most people only hear about it by word of mouth. 

Tips and tricks you’d like to share:Washing cloth diapers is the tricky part, especially if you have a front load, energy efficient washing machine, as they use less water. Ironically enough, you need MORE water for washing cloth diapers. I’ve found that pre-soaking my diapers before adding them to the wash gives them enough water to clean efficiently. And you don’t necessarily need to go out and buy the special soaps for diaper funk. Simply adding some oxy-clean or vinegar to a wash every few weeks is helpful. Putting your cloth diapers in the sun for a few hours, or even by a window that sees some sunlight is the BEST way to get rid of stains on your diapers. Use a water softener in your wash if you have hard water. Dryer sheets and fabric softener WILL ruin your diapers. Google is your best friend. If ever you have a cloth diapering question, I guarentee you will find your answer on the internet. There are so many great forums and websites offering up advice. And, as always, Tumblr is a great resource, as there are so many cloth diapering moms on here.

Pros: Eco-Friendly, Wallet friendly, No diaper rashes ever, and surprisingly fun to do. 

Cons: A little more laundry, a little more bulky than disposables, but what’s any of that matter when you save so much MONEY! Your wallets will be fat, y’all.

My Ratings:
BumGenius pockets: 8/10 
GroVia: 9/10
BumGenius AIO: 9/10
Flips: 6/10

This has been a cloth diapering review brought to you by Carlee at SOS Mommy. Thank you, and goodnight!

Product Type/category: Diapers
Brand Name: Huggies
Price: Variable. Approx $35 per box of 99
Available at: Supermarkets, Pharmacies, Baby Retailers
Target Group: Newborn up to Junior

http://www.huggies.com.au/

Design & functional aspects:
They’re contoured around the legs and fit really snug, they don’t bulge or require huge butt pants to be worn. The tabs are re-fasten able, stretchy. They feature Winnie The Poo on them, as the child grows the design becomes more colorful and bright. They come up nice and high, don’t sag at all and don’t leave pressure marks on Noah’s belly or legs that some other nappies have given him.

Features & benefits:
The volume content for these nappies is really high, they hold a lot of wee basically. They come in both boys and girls, with the most absorbent part in the front for boys, and in the bottom for girls. Makes sense considering they wee out of different areas! They have three layer technology, a top mist surge layer that works on drawing moisture away towards the outermost layer, which keeps the babies skin nice and dry. Noah has never had nappy rash, and at night for his first feed he wakes up for, I don’t need to change him. He stays dry. They hold up and he stays comfortable so I don’t need to undress or change him, thus waking him and causing me more time to re-settle. They also hold odours very well.For the newborn nappies there is a neat little wetness indicator, a blue line that fades when nappy is wet. When Noah was born, I literally had no idea when a nappy was wet. This line taught me what a wet nappy felt like from the outside. They also have a poo pouch type thing in the back waistband which stops that runny newborn poo from going right up baby’s back. Again, the tabs are really stretchy and they fasten well. They are light weight, and made of cotton for a soft and breathable wear. The leg guards are generous and hold in contents well; personally I have yet to have a leak or poo explosion. The materials used in this nappy are strong and I haven’t had any problems with tearing or falling apart. I find with Huggies, I go through less nappies on a per day basis. Frequent changing isn’t required. I go through anywhere from 6-10 a day. Which benefits my pocket and also my time. Less changes, equals more play time with baby!

How & why you use or like this product:
It’s the quality that gets me with this brand. The fact Noah seems the most comfortable and content in them. Other brands I’ve tried seem to irritate him, and fit wrong. Or they get so wet he ends up with a sore bottom. I do love Huggies a lot. You can get them anywhere, so they are convenient. They do come in smaller packs for in an emergency when you’re away from home or out and you don’t want to purchase a bulk pack. Be prepared to pay more per nappy in the smaller packs.

Negatives:
My only gripe is the cost. But you can’t expect a good quality nappy to be cheap. They are a world recognized brand also, so they can get away with their pricing.

Possible improvements:
None.

Tips and tricks you’d like to share:
Buy in bulk, when they hit a sale. Buy up, because eventually you will use them. It’s handy to have extra when you may find one week you’re coming a bit short in the financial department. Sometimes the bigger supermarkets knock up to $10 off a bulk pack or do a ‘two for’ deal. It’s worth it if you’re saving some money and having a back up. My method is, As soon as I open a box, I buy another. I always keep an unopened box in storage. They’re also good to have on hand, to put everywhere you go. I have a small stash at both my mother’s and my mother in law’s houses for surprise visits. If I have any left over when Noah bumps up a size, which happens frequently, I donate my left over nappies to the Salvation Army (a charity in Australia that aids people who are doing it tough) to hand out to needy mothers. Win win!

Pros: Keeps baby dry, holds a great deal: less nappies required, good leakage control, snug fit, strong tabs, cute designs.

Cons: Price.

I rate this product 9 out of ten

Review by littlejackson