(Starbucks cake pops? Tina Fey's "Bossypants"? Special Agent Seeley Booth? Yes, yes, and yes.) Alright, seriously: fitted diapers.
I know I mentioned fitteds and covers in passing when I wrote an overview of diaper varieties. Since that initial, information-driven entry, I've had the pleasure of testing a couple different fitted diapers with a handful of cover options. What I've discovered is a versatile diapering choice that fulfills my major diaper wishes.
I have in my possession some Thirsties fitted diapers and BumGeinus bamboo fitted diapers. Here's the rub: everything I have is old. I bought the Thirsties used from another mom- and they arrived in superb condition, I should add. I found the BumGeinus bamboo fitteds on the Cotton Babies clearance page a few months ago. The closest options being sold now are choices like Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted Diaper and Kissaluvs Fitted Coth Diapers. The fitteds in my stash are all sized, so when Owen grows out of them I'll have to pick out some new fitted diapers to take for a spin. For those of you just now shopping, you have the chance to choose from many one-size fitted options such as the Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted I mentioned above. For those partial to adorable prints, try Kiwi Pie One Size Bamboo Fitted Diapers.
So what's the big deal? My positive review rests on the following features: trim fit, comfortable fabric choices, absorbency, and flexibility.
Trim fit is an aspect of diapering that may become more important as your child grows. I know that when Owen was very small, I was mostly concerned with getting any diaper to fit without gaps around the legs and waist. I dressed him in loose clothing and blankets, and didn't fuss with pants and baby jeans, so if he had a huge fluffy behind it wasn't any problem. Now that he is growing (oh how fast he's growing!), I sometimes want to dress him in cute overalls and the like. If a diaper is too bulky, he loses mobility, and that does not make him very happy. I love the fact that the fitted diapers I'm using lay just right on him, and velcro easily to achieve a perfect fit. Because there are no inserts laying inside, nothing can bunch up and cause bulky butt bubble. He never seems restricted and I can always get him in his cutest little summertime threads.
Fabric choices for fitted diapers are similar to those available in all other varieties of cloth diaper. I especially love the soft feeling of bamboo fitteds. Natural fabrics are less likely to cause any irritation, so bamboo fitteds are a wonderful option for babies with a tendency to develop rashes. Thirsties fitteds rely on the wicking capabilities of microfiber inside the diaper, and soft microfleece on the outside. The result is a diaper in which your baby will not feel irritation from wetness.
Because the entire fitted diaper is build to absorb wetness, the entire surface area of the diaper can also allow the wetness to evaporate. This makes fitteds a wonderful option for daytime naps, or even for overnight use if your baby isn't a "super-soaker." (You may find them to be too saturated for your liking if used overnight.)
I consider fitteds to be the most flexible diaper option in my stash. I can use a fitted diaper alone, sans cover, if we're just hanging out at home. I can feel immediately when my little guy is getting wet- but I notice the wetness long before it is a problem for him to be without a waterproof cover. When we go out, I can snap a cover on over the fitted to keep his clothing dry. The fitted will easily contain all contents (if you know what I mean) and the cover can be wiped down and immediately reused. As a bonus, fitteds and covers make diapering a bit easier with a squirmy baby. For example, Owen has started to realize that he can undo the velcro on some of his diapers. The catch here is that velcro is easier to put on a squirming baby because it is more quickly fastened. I can top a velcro fitted with a snap cover and voila! I'm the diaper change winner! I get the best of both worlds- easy fastening of the inner layer and impregnable outer shell.
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll mention the few things I don't love about fitted diapers. First, they can take a long time to dry. Second, and this is based solely on reviews from other moms because it has not yet been my experience- apparently they can be somewhat bulky on some babies. I assume this depends on the diaper type, size, and how compatible it is with your baby. Lastly, fitted diapers can be a bit expensive- though as with any diaper variety, there will be options in many price ranges.
Overall, I am glad that I added a few fitteds to my stash. I highly suggest giving them a try!
If you share the fitteds love, tell me which kind is your favorite- or just vote in the poll on my sidebar.
