AppleCheeks Review and Giveaway!

FOTC was recently given the opportunity to review an AppleCheeks reusable diaper. These adorable cloth diapers, are a pocket style diaper that is proudly manufactured in Canada. After giving them a try for a couple of weeks, I have to say that these are one of our new favorite diapers. Read on to find out why.

Construction:

AppleCheeks are a pocket style diaper, with a layer of breathable, yet waterproof polyurethane laminate (PUL) on the outside, and soft, stay-dry microfleece on the inside next to baby's skin. Inserts are to be folded and "stuffed" in between the layers to create absorbency. The diaper's pocket opening is slightly larger than it's competitors, which makes it easier to "stuff." The larger opening also allows for the insert to agitate out in the wash. No more having to touch a wet insert!

A unique feature of AppleCheeks is that you can also use them as you would an AI2 system, meaning you can lay the insert on top of the microfleece, right next to baby's skin, and then reuse the cover, or "envelope" as AppleCheeks calls it.

AppleCheeks inserts are made from two layers of ultra-soft 70% rayon from bamboo and 30% organic cotton fleece. The inserts are approximately 12" x 15" and once they are folded into thirds, it gives you six layers of absorbency. AppleCheeks also offers a variety of boosters which bump up absorbency.

AppleCheeks are available in a variety of colors, most of which are bright and bold. No boring, bland colors here!

Fit:

AppleCheeks envelope covers have snug, yet durable elastic at both the waist and legs for a gentle and secure fit. They're designed to contain even to messiest of messes. There are two rows of easy to adjust snaps, allowing you to get the perfect fit for your baby. One of my favorite features has to be the extra wide tabs. The tabs help to prevent wing droop, which we seem to get with the majority of our side snapping diapers.

Envelope covers come in two different sizes. Size 1 fits from 7-20 lbs. (approximately), and Size 2 fits 18-40 lbs (approx).

Performance and Evaluation:

We decided to test this diaper right out of the package. I was a bit nervous, as the care instructions say to prep the inserts by washing them three times on hot before use (which will remove the oils and shrink them up a tiny bit). We didn't leave it on long, but it seemed to absorb just fine. After washing the insert the first time, I tossed it in with a load of towels, washed it again, hung it up to dry, and then tested it again. I put it on my son, dressed him (I have to say that it's very trim under clothes), and we went to the mall. I was very surprised when I changed his diaper, and although the front of the insert was wet, the back part was barely even wet! After the next washing, I tried it on my son during his nap. Same result! The inserts seem to absorb quite a bit!

I also tried using the diaper as an AI2, by laying the insert on top of the microfleece layer. I was nervous that since the insert doesn't snap into the envelope cover, that it might shift or bunch up. My son crawled and played all over the place, giving the diaper a true workout, and although it was slightly bunched up in the front (where it was wet), it didn't seem to affect the function of the diaper. The envelope cover could have easily been used again, maybe with a brief air dry. However, I prefer a stay dry liner next to my son's skin, so although it worked well as an AI2, I would much rather use the diaper as a pocket style.

I'm a huge fan of the elastic at the waist of the diaper! I haven't seen this with any other diaper yet, but what a great idea! My son is a skinny little dude, and the elastic at the waist really helps to keep the diaper from gaping at the top, which translates to fewer accidental leaks. The wider wings were also another definite plus. We get wing droop with some of our other side snapping diapers, but we had none with our AppleCheeks.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this diaper :)

Interested?

AppleCheeks can be purchased directly through their website, and they're also available from many of your favorite cloth diaper retailers. You can purchase the covers, inserts, and boosters separately, or you can purchase one of their MiniTest Kits (a cover and three inserts), or one of their starter kits (3 covers, 9 inserts, 1 storage sac, 3 wipes, and a free booster).

Want to win?

AppleCheeks is offering a FOTC reader a chance to win an envelope cover and insert!

To enter, simply visit AppleCheeks look around at site, decide what size and color diaper you'd like to win, then come back here and let me know in a comment.

For additional entries:

- Follow @AppleCheeksDipe on twitter

- Follow @FamilyofCloth on twitter

- Tweet about this fabulous giveaway! Just be sure to include both @AppleCheeksDipe and @FamilyofCloth and the #clothdiapers hashtag. You may tweet once a day. Be sure to leave the permalink of the tweet.

- Be a follower of my blog through Google Friend

- Be a follower of the AppleCheeks blog

- Enter my Rockin' Green Detergent giveaway

- Vote for me as a Top Mommy Blogger:

Giveaway will end 4/14 at 8 PM CST. Winner will be chosen via random.org, and will have 48 hours to respond to a notification email, or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents. FOTC received a diaper for review purposes only, and was not compensated or paid for this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.