Mother-Ease Diaper Pail Review

Mother-Ease Diaper Pail
Retails for $49.95 CAD
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Company Description
Our odour-free diaper pail is the most eco-friendly and best diaper pail on the market today as it is made from durable, recycled plastic.
Its natural odour control system uses a carbon filter and basic air flow. Odours are eliminated by absorption through the carbon filter and are not artificially masked. This odour control system helps ensure diapers do not mold or create unwanted moisture within the pail. The filter is positioned on the lid, which snaps down and is secured by side handles. The diaper pail is ergonomically designed and is easy to seal, carry and empty. While blending well with nursery environments, our diaper pail is also ideal for diaper services.

Our diaper pail is vanilla in color and has a 7 gallon capacity (holds about 18 diapers). It is designed to be space efficient and compact. The smart looking lid offers ventilation for the diaper pail. The ventilation opening is shaped as a teddy bear and will be a cute fit in any nursery. The filter case snaps into the lid making it easy to replace the natural odour absorbing carbon filters. The lid is secured by 2 durable side handles which snap down over the edge of the lid. The container is 12.5" wide x 14.5" high.


Replacement Carbon Filters
Retail Price: $5.25 CAD

A package of 2 replacement carbon filters which naturally absorb odour. Simply replace the used filter in the teddy bear filter case on the lid of our Diaper Pail.


Review

I tried the regular old garbage pails, diaper pails, some swear by reusing Nellie's Soda's empty suds tubs. I found something that was functional - wasn't HUGE and was easy to use. I was a little disappointed that it only comes in Vanilla - til I realized it matches my room. (Unexpected score!) My one BIG problem with it's design is the HUGE ugly logo slapped on the front. It's pretty hideous, but I flip by pail around and voilà! The only one who knows about that big green stain is the wall.

Kate's room is a very small room. I was afraid that poopy smells would linger in there forever in such a confined space - but the ME diaper pail seems to get the job done! Especially with the smelly disc insert that I sneak in between it's carbon filter and lid. Before buying this product I read a bunch of reviews where a lot of people were saying that it was just as good to get yourself a cheap garbage can and throw a towel with some Tea Tree Oil in there... Tried that. It raped my nose. I caved and bought the over-priced diaper pail. I'm happy I did. I noticed a HUGE difference in wafting smells. The alternate would probably work in a larger room - but like I mentioned, Kate's room in a walk-in closet. I'd rather pay the extra and not let her nose suffer as much as mine. (Sidenote - I rinse poopy diapers and try to take out stink bombs as much as possible. I launder every other day.)

Grandma would have been proud...

Choosing Kate

This pretty much sums up how we came to choose the name Kate.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-11765366
It was a lot of my doing - I've always loved the name Kate (yes, stemming way back from my days at home sick with my mom indulging in treats while watching Days of Our Lives - and then they introduced Kate... That name always stuck in my head... then Cate (Winslet) was reintroduced through Titanic... and then Serendipity with Kate Beckinsale - I had finally forgotten about it (or ignored Kate Gosselin)... til I saw Indiana Jones 4 with Cate Blanchett. Shortly thereafter - I found out I was pregnant. :)

I've always been fond of names like Jane, Claire, Marie, Lynne - simple and unpretentious. Kate seems to be the one that's followed me through my life. My grandmother was a huge follower of the Royal family. She would definitely have approved of Kate. RIP.

I'm just really happy that after 3 baby books, I looked at Eli and said... "How to you feel about Kate?" ".. I like it!" SOLD!

New Diaper on the Block

MiniMaestro from an Ottawa Mom!
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I spend a lot of time looking on-line for new and better cloth diapering options. I'll be honest - I find it hard to stop. There's so many different kinds of diapers we've tried (FuzziBunz, Little Beetle, GoodMama, MonkeyDoodlez, White Elephant, KiwiPie, Kawaii, Anne-Marie Padorie, AppleCheeks, Jamtots, Dream-Eze, Diapeze, Econobum, Woolly Bottoms and there's still a few others on my list which I'd like to try.

Mainly a NEW diaper introduced here in our own back yard...
"Sophie Gratton wanted to make cloth diapers that fixed some of her pet peeves from when she cloth diapered her children. She wanted a trim diaper, that was leak free, made in Canada and of course affordable. MiniMaestro diapers are made in Montreal. The manufacturer is a non-profit organization that fights poverty and violence and ensures it provides fair working environments and wages. The manufacturer’s mission is to help people, mostly immigrant women, single, unemployed or living on welfare." - Namaste Mommy

MiniMaestro offers a variety of purchasing options. Great affordable bundles or a la carte diapering. I'm so happy to see more Canadian alternatives to cloth diapering. I hope to get my hands on a diaper real soon - and you can too!

GIVEAWAY!! A head over to Namaste Mommy to take your part in a chance to win a “Taster Bundle” which contains 3 same size diapers with inserts + 1 doubler, a value of $62.69!

Or buy now! :) www.minimaestroweb.com

UPDATE!
I saw these in person over the weekend. They look like Happy Heiny's, but are a little more bulky. However the Aplix closure seems FAR more baby-proof. Will update when I get my hands on them.

Fuzzibunz Review

Fuzzibunz - 4 out of 5
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Retails for $19.00-$24.00 CAD

I am going to start out by saying we tried out several versions of the FuzziBunz. Kate is short and skinny for her age, which made the sizing chart useless for us. We had to test out the diapers on her once a week until she finally seemed to fill them out without too many gaps. This review will be done in three parts : Older version of Perfect-Sized FuzziBunz (triangle tabs), Newer Perfect-Sized FuzziBunz, Newer One-Size FuzziBunz. What attraced me to FuzziBunz? A suggestions from a local retailer, but mostly the Mom reviews... Let's get this party going!

I started my stash with FuzziBunz because I read many reviews while I was pregnant, claiming these were one of the best. Invented in 1999, they change every few years become better and better, fixing their quirks. I was a little skeptical at the beginning (but that's because we were fixed on what the sizing charts claimed she should wear...) I put them away and went back to my other small diapers. I came across a woman who was ridding herself of her stash and I ended up buying the older version of the FuzziBunz at a RIDICULOUS price. I now had an extra 10 diapers in my stash which I wasn't quite a fan of to begin with. I soon realized that the rise on the older diapers were quite shorter... which meant Kate finally had a FuzziBunz that didn't double up as a romper!

It fit her baby butt in a nice trim way. No bulk! I was able to drop back down in her pant size... something that I can't do with any of her other diapers... These diapers were previously used by 2 other babies... they are still absorbent 1 out of the 1- had staining which I put out for a day to sunbathe and is back to new. I did notice that the inserts weren't as absorbent as the new ones.. so I opted to buy new inserts (which still made these diapers a steal for me - they were THAT cheap). These are now some of our favourite daytime diapers there's still a bit of room in the thighs, but no blowouts. Thumbs up. I sold off my Large sizes that came along with my steal of a stash and took the money to buy new size smalls which brings me to theewer Perfect-Sized FuzziBunz diaper. Woa woa woaaaa... these don't fit. The rise goes up to her nipples. but fit her legs. I read reviews on this and apparently it was because of complaints that pants were tucking into the diaper at the waist. I never had this issue, so I didn't realize it was a problem. I think they'll fit great once she grows a bit more... I got a shorty on my hands! Pro? I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new prints!!!! They introduced beautiful vibrant colours and limited edition prints which is what keeps me coming back for more... I'm a sucker. I realized that there was a cheaper option out there... and that's the one-size version. I was skeptical because of other companies that offered one-size: bulky and loose on the legs, or fit the thighs but left red marks. What's different about the FuzziBunz one-size? The adjustable elastic in the legs.... Brilliant. Bonus? They're replaceable. You not only adjust the waist, but you can also adjust the legs. The fit is snug and we've only had 1 leak... my bf realized that legs needed to be tightened and now these are HIS favourite. I am really please no real complaints, but I'm always open minded to try new diapers - but they do rank up there. I like that there is no flap on the pocket easy dump into the diaper pail. Washing is easy, and drying is fast.

The one con I can think of is that the "stuffing" does intimidate caregivers,... but it's a quick learn. A monkey could do it. I've tried many diapers and FuzziBunz Perfect Size ranks on top of my favourites list. I LOVE that they actually have a warranty of their diaper!

Pros:

• Absorbency - good for regular flow
• Fit - Trim and sleek under clothes. Older version is great for a short torso, newer version apparently is a favourite among other moms.
• Leaks - no leaks with the new version - used 2 liners for nighttime though
• Softness - SUPER soft microfleece - even after wash and line dry.
• Drying time - covers take an hour or so
• Retail price - competitive!!! Can get them on sale for as little as $14.95 if you're willing to do the hunt.
• Insert - microfleece, very absorbent
• Ease of Use - Snaps! No velcro issues in the dryer

Cons:

• Absorbency - not ideal for a heavy wetter - I sometimes add an extra liner for nightime use if I'm out of my favourite nighttime diaper but does lead to a BULKY BULKY butt.
• Fit - Wasn't great for Kate until her legs got a little chunkier - the One-size with an elastic leg band was a WAY better fit o the legs... but too fit for her tummy.
• Leaks -Suffered 1 leak... realized afterward that the liner was an old skinny and seen it's days liner. Once I changed it to a new liner... no leaks!
• Softness - no issues here!
• Drying time - new liners take an overnight dry - old liners (they're thin) take a couple of hours max - but aren't as absorbent.
• Insert - doesn't come with a booster, need to use a second liner for heavy wetters
• Ease of use - a little more challenging with a kicker... snaps are strong... one of my diapers has a sticky snap.

Bonus Video! Preserving your Fuzzibunz with Flushable Liners




NOTE: I did not receive any compensation for this review. All diapers were purchased at full or sale price.

All things Good, Kiwi and Woolly

Testing Goodmama Bamboo Serged Fitted - 3.5 out of 5
Retails for $29.00 US
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I've been using this diaper now for about 2 weeks as a nighttime diaper. The fit is ok, for my girl however I find the crotch to be a little too skinny - but so far.. no leaks. So maybe I'm just used to seeing crotch bulkiness and this that that's normal? It's a cute diaper, the shrinkage was minimal and it stays soft after a quick tumble in the dryer. (I hang dry my diapers and boil them once in a while to get rid of any potential crunchiness. If they get a little stiff, I will give them a slight tumble in the dryer.) I read over reviews claiming they had issues with missing or breaking snaps. I have yet to have this problem and my diaper is a second hand well used but still in great condition diaper. I'm not a fan of the soaker. It twists and sometimes sneaks out from the leg holes. I don't think I'd ever willingly buy this diaper at full price. I find it a little too steep. In all honesty, I don't understand the hype over this diaper. Good PR?

Pros:

• Absorbency - VERY absorbent, but needs a cover
  
• Fit - stretchy for a snug fit
  
• Leaks - none at all
  
• Softness - incredibly soft
  
• Drying time - 1-2days
  
• Insert - booster is attached inside, slide an insert in between the diaper and the booster
  
• Ease of Use - fairly easy
• Style - Comes in cute patterns!
  

Cons:

• Absorbency - I didn't know much about bamboo diapers... got a big wet bed when I realized I was half asleep and forgot to put a cover on it.
  
• Fit - bulky especially with a cover, crotch area is skinny.
  
• Leaks - unless you get a good fitting cover, you may feel wetness after an overnight pee
  
• Retail price - a little steep for my taste
  
• Drying time - takes a long time to dry
  
• Insert - twists
  

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Kiwi Pie One-Size Bamboo Fitted - 3.5 out of 5
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Retails for $25.00 CAD

Made by The Natural Baby Company (think GroVia). I love this diaper. It's very trim for a one-size bamboo. Incredibly absorbant! Super soft and stretchy, and I love that the snaps are hidden. The serging is soft, so it won't irritate the baby's skin. I use this as a nighttime diaper. It has 2 doublers inside and I use a wool soaker from woollybottoms.com as a cover and this seems like it's water tight. All in all I think this is a great diaper. My only issue is the slight twisting of the bamboo insert after washing. A bit of tugging seems to straighten out the fibers though! UPDATE: ok, wash number 6... and the insert is getting on my nerves... it bunches since there is no snaps to keep it in place. hmpf.

Pros:

• Absorbency - Super absorbent
  
• Fit - super stretchy, nice fit
  
• Leaks - No leak - slight dampness after 6 hours of wear
  
• Softness - incredibly soft
  
• Ease of Use - place 2 boosters in the bottom of the diaper. it's as easy as that
  
• Style - So many cute patterns and vibrant colours!
  

Cons:

• Drying time - 1- 1.5 days
• Retail price - a little high, but willing to spend the extra few bucks for the cuteness factor.
  
• Insert - 2 bamboo booster like inserts... they shift with my wiggly baby
• Ease of use - the inserts twist
  

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WoollyBottoms Wool Covers - 4.999 out of 5
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Retails for $19.00 CAD

I picked this up from The Extraordinary Baby Shoppe last week after the kind lady behind the counter suggested I try it. FANTASTIC cover, comes pre-lanolized for you. I was planning on making my own, but I adore this cover. Only needs to be washed once a week (as long of no messes made it's way) so I'm thinking of getting me a second to help me through washes. I've tried other covers and found them too thick using them over another already bulky diaper. These are pretty trim considering the material being used - recycled wool anything! Thumbs up on this one. Check out her site for other cute woolly things!

Pros:

• Absorbency - Repels well! Comes pre-lanolized
  
• Fit - great fit with stretch at waist and legs
  
• Leaks - covers well. no leaks.
  
• Retail price - reasonably priced!
  
• Insert - has a double strip of wool at the crotch for added protection
  
• Ease of Use - slip on, slip off
  
• Style - every cover is an original since the maker recycles wool to make these. She has a great eye for colour palettes. It was hard to pick just one cover.
• Softness - merino or cashmere wool - makes me wish my underwear were the same...

Cons:

• Drying time - 3 days for complete dryness
  
• Ease of use - hard to be sneaky with a diaper change in the middle of the night - but I feel that way about ALL wool and fleece covers

NOTE: I did not receive any compensation for this review. I have purchased all diapers at full or sale price. (Goodmama was purchased as a gently used diaper.)

Happy Heiny's - $14 + 1.50 Shipping!

Check it out! http://www.funkytricycle.com/.