gDiaper review for original gDiapers and newer versions
This review is for both the current model of gDiapers
I would rate these with 5 stars for using with cloth diapers. I would not rate them as high using the gDiaper insert only because it is so expensive; however, I have used the flushable diapers with great success as well.
New $26.99 +tax or shipping for a starter package. Starter package has 2 covers and 10 disposable diapers. I think if it as $13.00 per cover.
Extra covers in designer styles are more expensive and usually can only be purchased from gDiaper.com for $16.99+ tax each.
You must purchase new covers for each size.
How they work
gDiapers are a diaper cover with a built in diaper holder. They also attach in the back which can be beneficial for a child who likes to pull Velcro tabs to undo their diaper (like mine). The best feature of the gDiapers is that they can hold an infant sized prefold diaper so you only need to purchase 1 size of prefold diapers for size medium and large. They also don’t need to be washed after each change like a pocket diaper. Size small diapers can be used with preemie diapers as infant sized diapers seem to be to bulky.
Summary: Over all I think these are worth the money for a starter package or two. They are especially helpful for children who like to squirm at diaper changing time. I can quickly and easily change my daughter’s diaper before she rolls away (I can even do it if she rolls over.) I like how I don’t have to get my hands messy when take the soiled diaper out, and I like how they fit my daughter without laving marks on her chubby legs. Once babies want to continually roll over, these diapers are wonderful. I have 6 covers in size large and this is enough. I only use these during the day because I need something that can absorb more at night. I would not use these before about 14 lbs as babies don’t move as much and a prefold and cover work great. As well babies have lots of BMs and would need more liners than the package includes.
I purchased size small; however, I did not use them enough to be worth the purchase price. Using a 2 part system was enough for me for our newborns and the cost for proraps is much less.
Washing method: I wash the diapers and liners in warm to hot water and line dry. I use a capful of Simple Green with ¾ cup baking soda and a small amount of detergent (less than 1/8 C). I have a front loader washer now, but used a top loading machine for the first 6 months.
Pros: I use these diapers for cloth diapering. gDiapers can use an infant sized prefold diaper in size medium and large, they allow for easy diaper changes like a pocket diaper or AOI, are easy to take the diaper out of the hammock like snap-in liners, and unlike pocket diapers, they do not need to be washed after each diaper change. Most importantly, I have never had a blowout with this diaper and my daughter had very loose bowel movements from birth to potty learning.
Cons: These are not good for heavy night time wetters. I use a Crickketdiaper.com and a prorap or wool cover for nights. As with all diapers that have Velcro closures, children can undo the cover and expose themselves. Mine started taking all Velcro diapers off at 8 months. I solved this problem by putting shorts, or pants over the diaper until she mastered undressing herself. *She also learned to take off snap diapers at 12 months.
My Experience with gDiapers
I’ve learned a lot about cloth diapering since baby #1. At about 8 months my first one got very wiggly at diaper changes and the second started wiggling after 4 months. To help with diaper changes I switch to using pocket diapers while out and about for a few months before discovering gDiapers. I now use gDiapers almost exclusively during the day time with a hemp cloth prefold or Gerber DSQ diaper.
As for containment, These are wonderful for BM containment issues and heavy voider containment issues. My daughter has very soft bowel movements even at 1.5 years old.
In the beginning I had 2 major blowouts with this diaper, and both were “user error.” We forgot to make sure the diaper actually covered my baby’s buns and therefore there was no diaper to contain the mess. I have had the poo leak onto the cover, but have never had to change a set of close due to diaper failure.
Another plus for containment is for babies who have strong streams of pee. I did not realize how good these were at containment of strong voiders until I started using another type of diaper more regularly. As with any type of diaper you must change saturated diapers in order get rid of wicking issues.
To make the diaper even trimmer, I use hemp diapers that I sewed myself. Hemp is much more absorbent than cotton and is also less fluffy than Chinese PreFolds. I have also made a pass through diaper sock to stuff microfiber cloths in for this cover.
One of my biggest reasons for switching to gDiapers is that I love how gDiapers are a semi-pocket diaper. This facilitates with a wiggly kid so I can put a diaper on in no time as compared to a 2 part system. gDiapers are also better than pocket diapers, in my opinion, because it is very easy and virtually mess free on your hands, to pull the diaper out of the diaper holder. The most economical part of a gDiaper, compared to a pocket diaper system, is that you don’t need to use a new diaper at each diaper change. I rotate 6 diaper covers over the course of the day. I wash the outer covers every week or when there is a mess on the diaper cover.
The downside of gDiapers is I don’t think the liners are a good enough quality to last through more than 1 or 1 ½ children. This would most likely mean investing in more liners in size medium/large, so the price is minimal ( about $15.00 for plus shipping for 6 more liners). You would only need to purchase more size small if you have very featherweight children. Mine would be out of the size small by 2 ½ months whereas my daughter has been in the large from 8 months and will be in that size until toilet learning.
I do not use gDiapers at night as my daughter voids a lot. I have found the perfect solution for night diapering in hemp diapers from Crickettsdiapers.com along with a wool cover or ProRap cover.