Bamboolite vs. TinyBibiya

Hereby I present my comparison on two of our local (Malaysia) brand, Bamboolite vs. Tiny Bibiya. Both of these are from the same cloth diaper system which are All in twos (AI2). You can read more about cloth diaper system from my earlier posts.

In short, AI2s systems allows reusable cover as long a its not too saturated by pee. That means, you jus to have to change the soaker. When baby poops, however, it is advisable to change the whole set. Seems like a good deal right? Many moms and dads swear by this system. It means this system fit their baby and their routine very well.

I, on the other hand, would only use this occasionally, mostly as our 'on-the-go' CDs, because it saves a lots of space in our bag. If I go out for the whole day, I just pack an extra cover and 4-5 soakers. For me,this is not my preferred system (system,not brand of CDs) because I feel that the inserts have tendency to bunch especially on active babies. Not only that, the pee is normally saturated on one area so the inserts needs to be replaced more often.

Okay back to the review.

 

Bamboolite

This is a day diaper from Bamboolite (Rainbow Waves). 

Diaper Shell:

• Inner Layer: 1 custom milled Polyester microsuede layer.
• Hidden Layer: 1 Hidden waterproof Polyurethane Laminate layer.
• Outer Layer: 1 Decorative Cotton layer.

The cover is thick, durable and has suede inner so that it doesn't touch baby's skin. Furthermore, the outer cotton layer is really nice (although when the pee has wicked out, it will go to the cotton and suede layer as well, and therefore you can't just wipe and change to another soaker. The adjustment of the sizing is from the legs (something like Charlie banana's if you have tried them).

The difference is that in CB, the sizing in the leg elastic a are marked S, M and L, however Bamboolite doesn't have leg elastic as a marking so it's more of a struggle to get a good fit. We have to try and error few times. It can be a bit of a hassle when you have a really squirmy baby. However once you have get the right fit, you do not have to readjust until baby has outgrown his or her current size. Oh, and it may be impossible be used interchangeably between siblings for that same reason. 

Master Soaker Pad:

• Top Layer: 1 Polyester/Coolplus blend microfleece layer topped (1st layer close to skin).
• Absorbent Layer: 3 High density Polyester/Polyamide blend microfiber layers (2nd, 3rd and 4th layer) sewn to the top layer of the soaker pad.
• Bottom Layer: 1 Waterproof Polyurethane Laminate layer as backing (envelope design to accommodate exta booster pad).

Super soft micro fleece layer! It also has another PUL layer as backing for the soaker itself (something like Grovia soaker). The con that I find here is that when I adjust the size to the smallest, the soaker pad can reach the edge of the back gusset, sometimes even 'terkeluar' a bit, so it has the high chance of back leakage (haven't encountered back leakage though, these are just from my observation that it might). Also the MF inserts can be a turn off, considering the company's name is Bamboolite, I expected something from the bamboo range. I personally do not prefer MF because it can stink (I dry indoors, so this might be the reason).  Will only use it as emergency stash because if it's quick drying property, but it be just me because I have seen many moms love MF. 

​Booster Pad (available as add on item):

• Absorbent Layer: 2 High density Bamboo/Cotton blend layers

This is just 2mm thick and when I received it I was quite surprised seeing the booster. It supposed to be inserted into the envelope backing. The booster doesn't make the diaper bulky at all. But the soaker is a bit more thicker than TinyBibiya's. 

TinyBibiya 

Diaper Cover

This is mighty lion from Tinybibiya. The material used in the cover was not written in their web, but I think it's Polyurethane Laminate (PUL). The PUL is thick and durable. Furthermore the cover has double gussets for extra protection. The only downside is that the PUL touches baby skin and some may not prefer this. 

Tinybibiya 2.0 Bamboo Hemp Soakers as their main / master soaker. This soaker is made out of 1 layer of microfleece, 1 layer of bamboo terry and 1 layer of hemp cotton. It is snap-able to the  diaper cover and Hemp Cotton Doubler.

This review is on Tinybibiya 1.0 which consists of Bamboo Cotton soaker which is made of 1 microfleece layer and bamboo cotton layer (no idea how many layers but I think should be 2-3 layers). I was also given this bamboo cotton doubler as a free gift (no longer available). The booster is snap able to the soaker as well.

As you can see from the picture, the anatomy of TB diaper is very different from Bamboolite. I feel that by tucking the soaker in the cover, it helps prevents leakage. Although we have a large area of PUL touching the skin. I have no complains on the bamboo cotton soaker. Works absolutely great and I even used it as my pocket inserts occasionally. 

Costs - I think the price range is around the same. It's not as cheap as China cheapie a but its not as expensive as the premium range one. I would say mid range. For the price, it has good workmanship and material. Worth the price as we can see they have put a lot of thought on the design.

Ease of use - both are easier to use than pockets but Bamboolites have two snaps to keep the soaker at place whilst TB has only one and it has (occasionally) unsnapped itself.

Bulky / trim - TB is trimmer when used with only the main soaker but snapped together with the booster, Bamboolite is trimmer. 

My say - I like TB better than Bamboolite. I really wanted to like Bamboolite but it just didn't work for us. The fit is not that good on my baby and I have given up after adjusting the legs many many times (no leg elastics marking and I am an impatient mom). Not only that, this poor adjustment has caused wicking from leg hole. Although Bamboolite's cotton outer  layer is a decent touch for the CD, the cotton is quite stiff and not as soft as I wanted it to be. If you mummies have tried the 2014 version of Bamboolite, I m sure you would agree that the minky layer is oh so soft! 

I must say that the colours are vibrant and doesn't bleed at all! 

More pictures on both of the diapers below: 

Thank you so much for reading. Hope this helps.😍😍😍😍

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Cloth Diapers are naturally photogenic lol

So I was just folding my babies cloths (yes, diapers too). And I just put them aside.

Hmmm. What a sight. Suddenly they look so pretty and I quickly grabbed my phone to take a snap (pun intended)! 

And hereby I present the photogenic diaperia. 

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Cloth Diaper friendly detergents

Cloth Diaper friendly detergents

Disclaimer: This list is contributed by Malaysian Cloth Diapering Facebook group. This is not an exhaustive list. 

Detergents that is formulated for cloth diaper or best use for cloth diaper

(Most are available locally in Malaysia)

• Autumnz - Baby Safe Laundry Detergent
• Rockin' Green Detergent
• Charlie's Soap 
• Pureen HAD 
• Tiny Bubbles Detergent
• LunaCare Detergent
• Nellie's Laundry Soda
• Mountain Green
• Cosway's Ecomax Delicate Fabric Wash
• Rocky Green Detergent (RGD)
• Crunchy Clean
• Shaklee Basic H
• BabyOrganix Kids Wear Liquid Cleanser
• Pigeon Laundry Detergent
• Malelueca Detergent

Tried and tested by users to be safe for cloth diaper (but might be too harsh on baby's skin)

(Have been tried/ tested by others)

• Might Detergent
• Fab
• Trojan
• Kuat Harimau

Others that is NOT a detergent BUT can be use to wash cloth diaper

(Note : Might not be as effective as the other detergent though)

• Soap Nut
• Laundry Ball

Detergents that is not suppose to use for cloth diaper

(And yet there is still people using it to wash cloth diaper)

• Pureen Kiddiwash
• Pureen ABD
• Cosway Kiddiewash
• Kao Attack
• Nappikleen
• Top Detergent
• Dynamo

 Generally all the basic detergent can be use so long the detergent is free from additives like

- Softener

- Enyzme

- Bleach/ Whitener 

- Anti-bacterial properties

- Dye

- Oils

Generally, a wash routine is  1/4 of detergent from the recommended amount and a rinse - spin cycle.

Sometimes I would add a bit more, say half of rwecommended amount of detergent but I will do an extra rinse cycle ( wash - rinse - rinse/ overflow rinse - spin.)

If you are using a washing machine to wash your CDs, it is recommended to separate covers inside a laundry (mesh) bag. I got two laundry nags from Daiso, medium size. I separate plain covers and pocket covers in one, and AIOs in the other. Inserts wouldn't be needing a laundry (mesh) bag, IMO. You can  use the drier for your inserts but not to your diaper shells because it may damage the PUL

this is really important especially AIOs, hang your diapers in a way that elastics will not be stretched.  you can just lie it flat, just to be on the safe. Pocket covers are generally lighter, and therefore line-drying them would not affect them as much as the AIOs.

Sun-drying is the best way to naturally' bleach the diapers and to take away bad odors.

Happy CD-ing peeps! <3

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Yay! Fluff mail! And now what?

Yay! Fluff mail! And now what?

HOW TO PRE-WASH NEW CLOTH DIAPER

1. Cover/Shell/Pocket Cd

• Doesn't need an extensive wash routine. Just rinse with plain water or wash and rinse using CD friendly detergent. It is not advisable to hang it under hot sun. It will dry in a jiffy, so even indorr drying is sufficient.  

2. MicroFibre Insert  (MF) 

•  Refer to the  manufacturer's recomendation because some MF  would have been prewashed by the manufacturer. Normally one wash and rinse cycle with a CD friendly detergent would be sufficient.  

3. Natural Fibre Insert (Bamboo / Hemp / unbleached cotton / organic cotton).

Prewash these inserts separately and not together with synthetic materials like covers and MF. Normally they have natural oils that need to be rinsed out. Soak in hot water and CD friendly detergent for 20-30 minutes, and then wash and rinse as usual. You can wear it on baby after this step, but remember it might take few washes to get its full absorbency.
p/s: It is controversial debate on whether bamboo is natural or synthetic (I would discuss it in a different page). However, the bamboo fiber goes with the same wash cycle as above because it comes with industry 'wax' that should be 'stripped' off to avoid leaks and wicking.

Hope this helps! I have seen many advise us to prewash 3 times or even 10 times. Please please do not waste water. The absorbency will increase over time. 

Bye Bye ! 

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Cloth Diapering Terms and Acronyms

Cloth Diapering Terms and Acronyms

Disclaimer: This terms and acronyms are taken mostly from Cloth Diaper B/S/T Malaysia Facebook group.

A

AI2: all in two , usually has a snap in liner

AIO: all in one diaper

AP: Attachment Parenting

APLIX: brand of hook and loop similar to velcro

B

BSRB: Bagshot Row Bamboo, Inc. (diaper brand)

BOV: bamboo organic velour

BKT: burly knit terry

BV: bamboo velour

C

CBOS: Cotton Babies One Size insert

CD: cloth diaper

CM: chubby medium

Colorway: The color of the yarn

Contour Diaper: Contour diapers are usually hourglass shaped with no folding necessary. Just lay them in a wrap or diaper cover

CPF: Chinese prefolds

CV: Cotton Velour

D

DSQ: Diaper service quality

DWR: Durable Water Repellent (a brand of spray used to re-waterproof diapers)

E

EBF: exclusively breastfed (you’ll see in reference to how a diaper holds EBF poo)

EC: Elimination communication: it is where babies don't wear diapers and the parents watch for cues that they are about to pee or poop and take them to the restroom. Lots of mamas swear by it (and it is practiced exclusively in many third world countries).

EO: essential oil

ETA: edited to add

EUC: excellent used condition

F

Fitted: Fitted diapers are used in place of prefolds or contours. They require a diaper cover or wrap, however they are cut in an hourglass shape and have elastic around the legs and waist and have either snaps or hook and loop fasteners

FL: front loader (washing machine)

FLAG: fits like a glove

FLAM: fits like a mitten

Flat: a diaper that is typically 27"x27" square, single ply diaper to fold

FOE: fold over elastic

FPP: funded PayPal

FRB: Flat Rate Box

FBE: Flat Rate Envelope

FS: for sale

FS: front snapping

FUC: fair used condition

G

GN: gender neutral

GUC: good used condition

H

HC: Hyena Cart www.hyenacart.com an online store

Hemp: hemp is made from the inner bark of the hemp plant. It is becoming increasingly popular for use in diapers because of its durability, absorbency and natural anti-microbial properties

Hyena: term for hard to get, popular diapers that are stalked by diaper hungry moms

HM: how much

I

IHA: I have available

IPF: indian prefold

ISO: in search of

L

LN: like new

M

M/L or ML: medium long (size usually the same as a medium except for the rise

MM: Malden Mills (Brand of fleece)

MMAO: Make Me An Offer

N

NB: newborn

O

OC: organic cotton

OCV: organic cotton velour

OSFM: one size fits most

OS: one size - a diaper that usually fits a child from birth up until about 35 lbs

OV: organic velour

P

PF: prefold - diapers with a center strip thickness - they still need to be folded to fit the baby

PL’ed: Potty Learned or Learning

PP: PayPal www.paypal.com

PPD: postage paid (you'll see this when a price listed includes shipping)

PSA: public service announcement

PUL: polyurethane laminate, a material used to make diaper covers/wraps, the outer of many pocket diapers or AIOs

Q

QD: quick dry

R

RLR: is a laundry additive that softens the water and helps remove/prevent build for people who have hard water.

RME: Revolution Money Exchange A new company that is competition for Paypal.

S

SAHD: stay at home dad

SAHM: stay at home mom

SC: suedecloth (stay dry inner folds)

SD: Stay-Dry

SS: side snapping

Stalking: is waiting around for a product to stock. People ask for stalking help to have better odds at scoring items on HC

Stripping: this is when you have detergent buildup in your diapers and you must run multiple hot rinses until the bubbles are gone

T

TBW: The BabyWearer

TDF: to die for

T&T :Turned and Topstitched (some people prefer this as opposed to serged edges on fitteds)

TTO: tea tree oil

TT: Tiny Tush (Brand of WAHM fitteds/ hybrid fitteds)

U

UBCPF: unbleached chinese prefolds

UBIPF: unbleached Indian prefolds

UC: used condition

UF: ultimate fit

V

VGUC: very good used condition

W

WAHM: work at home mom

WIO: wool in one -AIO with a wool cover rather than fleece or cotton

WOHD: work out of home dad

WOHM: work out of home mom

Wool Soaker: A wool soaker is basically a diaper cover made exclusively of wool.

Y

YPA: you pick all

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Cloth Diapers - Yes! AI2, AIOs, A-I-Whattttt?

Cloth Diapers - Yes! AI2, AIOs, A-I-Whattttt?

1)  Flats

The most intimidating kind of cloth diapers! If you have heard of 'kain lampin' or 'traditional napkins', it also falls in this category.

'Kain Lampin' or traditional cloth napkins - A square sized cotton cloth. The most breathable but the most easiest to leak! One pee and its wets the bed (!). Now that's something that we want to avoid definitely. 

2) Prefolds

 Prefolds are thicker and amazingly durable (They are 3-panel diapers made from multiple layers of lightweight, woven fabric with extra layers in the center panel for absorbency) and therefore hold more volume than flats. Heard about indian cotton, birds eye ply, unbleached cotton? Yup its in this category. There are also hemp prefolds which holds more volume, but I find them to be quite stiff and might be uncomfortable for baby. To prevent leaks, it is advisable to get  a cover on prefolds. Learn about folding techniques here.

3) Pocket Diapers 

Pockets diapers are my favorite! Its easy to customize according to the baby's needs. 1 inserts? 2 inserts? Or maybe you want to add on a hemp inserts as well? It has a pocket opening to hold the inserts. No unnecessary folding and snapping in. And oh! talk about the variety. From China Cheapies such as Sunbaby, Alva baby, Pororo etc. and up to the premium ones like Charlie Banana and Bumgenius. Many many kind of lovely prints to choose from as well. Not to mention the versality of changing it from day to night diaper. 

Pocket diapers normally have a stay dry layer such as microfleece and suedecloth. You have to try both of it to see what you would prefer. After thorough researching (i.e, going through many many blogs and web pages =p), I was 100% sure I would prefer suedecloth and I got most of my initial stash from this range (Alva baby, Pororo, Bumgenius). And while casually shopping in Happikiddo shop in Quill City Mall, I came across Charlie Banana. 

I have this bad habit of touching fabrics, and I touched CB's fleece inner, and it was love at first TOUCH! Hehehe. Then I looked for those with fleece inner. Example, Sunbaby and our own Malaysia brand, Bayu Diaper. Many of them claim that Bayu and Sunbaby comes from the same manufacturing company. The cover might be the same but the inserts are definitely not. 

I am looking to do a review of pockets soon. So just follow my journey okay? 

4) All in Twos (AI2)

Its not difficult to spot a AI2s although explaining them would be more of a challenge. To keep it simple and short, AI2s are similar to pocket diapers except that instead of stuffing a pocket, you snap the insert inside the diaper. It has snaps rather than pocket. The image below will give you a better idea. This was taken from our own Malaysia brand, Tiny Bibiya.

Tiny Bibiya was also one of my first diapers collection. I love its simplicity. You just need to change the snapped inserts when baby pees, you do not have to change the whole cover. When baby poops, however, its a different story. You MUST change the cover. Normally this is my 'going-out' diapers. I keep 1-2 covers and extra inserts to save space. The downside about this type is that I feel baby's wetness is saturated just at one part, not the whole insert. For pockets, the wetness is normally kinda evened out (if you know what I mean). 

Other than Tiny Bibiya, Bamboolite is also our home brand AI2. High end brands are Itti Bitti, Grovia, Flips, Funkyfluffs and most of fitteds and hybrid fitted are AI2s as well. 

I would be reviewing Tiny Bibiya vs. Bamboolite very very soon!

5) All in Ones (AIO)

All-in-one diapers are a most easy to use and are usually pricier than the other types. They require no covers or stuffing. They are all one piece–just like a disposable! These types although famous for dads and babysitters, are usually not mom's favorite because it takes long tome to dry (previously, and there are some brands that have the inserts sewn-in, ans therefore takes a longer time to dry). 

However, cloth diaper manufacturers are always innovating the CDs for better, and now many brands are offering tongue-like inserts, not sewn in, therefore the drying time is quicker and easier. My favorite is Bumgenius Freetime! Love it's absorbency, love it's quick dry time and love the stay dry layer that touches baby's skin. Another popular option is the Simplex AIOs. I haven't try them (yet!) but many mommies swear by them.

So ladies, that's the basics of basics. I would love to know your favorite systems. Or are a bit here and there, like me?

P/S: I would love to keep this CD diary towards Malaysian context and the CDs that are either locally made or available locally.

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