G diapers and Bumgenius diapers
This past Saturday, I (senior web editor Helen Racanelli here) attended the Greenmom spring market in Toronto. I loved that this market had all the green products I've been reading about for babies (I'm expecting my first child in October) but haven't yet seen up close.
One of my favourite products that I came across was the G Diaper, which is a cross between a disposable and cloth diaper. The outer breathable shell is cloth, with cute velcro tabs that fasten in the back, and the disposable part is a refill you stick inside. It's compostable, toilet flushable pulp fluff from farmed trees.
Of course I have no actual idea how well these will work, especially what with my experience changing, oh, maybe three diapers, but I bought a starter pack anyway, including two covers and about 8 refills for $30. This isn't a perfect solution (read our story The Great Diaper Debate) but it's one worth a try on my part, I think.
Another product I've read rave reviews about is the Bumgenius diaper, which is a cloth all-in-one with velcro. So no folding, diaper pins, and rubbery or PVC diaper cover needed. Each infinitely reusable diaper costs $20 each. I bought one to try when the time comes. I have to admit, it looks bulky compared to the sleek stylings of the G Diaper and maybe not suitable for a newborn as it looks larger, but it will last and last and last.
Have any of you tried these products? I'd love to hear what you think, even if you haven't.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:03 am
I cloth diaper my son, and I use a variety of diapers from Mother-Ease. They use snaps (velcro tends to lessen over time, and might not fasten well). I swear by these diapers, and have never had explosion problems. They are easy to take care of and have lasted for 3 1/2 years. I plan to use them on my 8 month old daughter too. I use the One Size, Sandy's and All-In-One. They all work well, and if you use them with the liners, they contain all leaks (night time) and also make clean up easy. We just rinse the dirty diapers in the toilet, and then into a dry diaper pail. Once full, we put them in the washing machine as per the instructions.
I've read some reviews of the G Diaper, but never tried it. Some people like it, some don't. Depends on your comfort level with being able to stir a dirty diaper and break it down in order to flush it. I have a couple of Bumgenius, and don't particularly like them so much. They've leaked and as I stated above, the velcro isn't as sticky as it could be.
June 19th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I plan on using the FuzziBunz pocket diapers, which are similar to Bumgenius. They use the snaps instead of velcro, so I'm expecting them to hold up longer. Several of my friends have sworn by FuzziBunz, saying they have been the ones that are virtually leak-proof. Fingers crossed they that work great!
PS - A lot of people say that you're wasting electricity and water by cloth diapering, but when you look at the cost of disposables (financial AND environmental), and also compare cloth diaper services, look at the fuel used for the trucks that pick up your diapers every week.
October 21st, 2008 at 9:21 am
I use disposable diapers on my five month-old daughter, so I have no actual experience with cloth diapers. I considered it, but I always wondered, what do you do when you're out? Sometimes we go out for the whole day, to an amusement park or family gathering and I couldn't imagine having to cart all those around, until you get home to your diaper pail!