Review of SunBaby Cloth Diapers (and detailed routine and care)

Monday, February 27, 2012

First impression: These diapers are awesome!


"The Sunbaby One Size Diapers are one of the most adjustable one size cloth diapers on the market! Adjust the diapers to fit babies 7-35 pounds and get a snug fit every time with the snap -adjusted in waist and leg.
Strong absorbent material with breathability keeps the skin dry and helps to prevent diaper rash. Our product absorbs urine fast and reduces the chances of developing bacteria from sleeping in a moist diaper." -SBD



Direct from Sun pei- the maker of Sunbaby Diapers:
"Hi, I am Sun pei, a wife and a mother of a 28 month old boy. I am 28, born and brought up in Shanghai, which is the richest and most modern city in China. I knew nothing about pocket cloth diapers 2 years ago. I accidentally found out about it when I was buying baby products for my son who was about 5 months old at that time. My husband and I researched and found out more about modern day cloth diapers and thought it would win a large market in the future. So we began our business of cloth diapers and Sunbaby Diapers were born."


The rundown:
-Sunbaby diapers fit babies from 7-35 lbs. 
-They are pocket diapers with an outer PUL waterproof fabric and snap closures.
-They are all one-size diapers that fit from birth to potty training, but they come in two sizes.
-Size 1 is for babies on the skinnier side, and size 2 is for chunkier babes.  
-The microfleece that makes up the lining is super soft and keeps baby dry. 




My thoughts:
The cost of these diapers is unbeatable! They cost about $6 each and include an insert. I bought 24 diapers with 24 inserts for $108!!!! Wanna know something even more awesome!? NO SHIPPING COST!!! FROM CHINA!!!
You might possibly be able to beat the price (you'd have to try pretty hard or get them second hand) but you can't get better quality for the price. I didn't think that cloth diapers would be a possibility for me, but at these prices, how can you afford to do anything else?


The outer layer is made of PUL which is waterproof and breathable. It is soft and durable. Much better against baby's skin than disposables, that's for sure.


The Soft Micro Fleece inner layer pulls away moisture, keeping baby dry, comfortable and rash free.

I received a diaper from Sun pei a couple of months ago to review on the blog, and I fell in love! I immediately ordered 24 diapers with 24 inserts. Clara is on the skinnier side, but I went ahead and ordered 12 size ones and 12 size twos so that I could pick the patterns I like. Sun pei is currently running a special deal that when you buy six diapers/inserts, she gives you two bamboo inserts and four microfiber inserts. With my order, I got 16 microfiber inserts, and 8 bamboo inserts.


The microfiber inserts are fantastic. They absorb a ton, they dry fast in the dryer, and they're super soft. The only thing I would change is the thickness. I can barely fit Clara's jeans over that little diapered butt, so it looks like it's time for some new pants! 
The bamboo inserts seem good. They're thin. But that's all I know so far. After doing some research and asking around, I was told not to use them alone. Apparently, they hold as much as the thicker, microfiber inserts, but they're slow to wick which could cause leaks. I've tried them a few times on their own, and they work fairly well. I'll have to see how they do after a few more days.


Wipes:
You can use disposable baby wipes, but I figure that since I'm washing the diapers anyways, I might as well use reusable wipes. 
I received a ridiculous amount of baby washcloths at my baby shower, so it just made sense. I did my research and found a bunch of "recipes" for cloth baby wipes. Most involve water, oil (baby oil or olive oil), and baby wash (and sometimes essential oils and such). I didn't want the oil to build up in my diapers, so I chose lotion instead. 

My solution:
1 cup warm water
1-2 drops baby lotion
1-2 drops baby wash
If you add the lotion and wash after the water, there won't be bubbles. Mix and pour over the washcloths. 

Every morning and afternoon I replace the solution and washcloths, otherwise they smell musty. 







Ready for my care instructions?

I did DAYS of research to prepare for getting Sunbaby diapers. I didn't want to ruin them. I read tons and tons of websites and articles, in preparation. All the information was all over the place, so I decided to compile a care guide. Here are some things I learned:

-NEVER, EVER use softener, bleach, or dryer sheets. I repeat, NEVER!
-Don't dry your diapers in the dryer. (except for the first initial washing..) Line dry whenever possible. If you must use the dryer, dry on low heat. Inserts are fine to put in the dryer. 
-From other cloth diapering mama's experiences, I've learned that the dry pail method is best.

Prep Washing:
I washed the diapers and microfiber inserts  in hot water doing a pre-wash, a normal wash cycle, and a hot rinse THREE TIMES. I only used (a very small amount of) detergent in the first washing, not the other two. You want to strip the oils from diapers and inserts so that they absorb really well. You don't want the diapers to build up a detergent residue or they won't absorb moisture very well. It will bead up and your diaper will leak. I used a small amount (and I mean small, like a drop or two) of dish soap in the second wash to further strip the oils. With the third wash, I didn't use anything. 

For the bamboo inserts, I boiled them in water for 5 minutes, then washed on hot with a small amount of detergent twice. 

I dried the diapers and both types of liners on HOT for 20 minutes. If you wash the diapers on hot ONLY WITH THE INITIAL PREP, I've heard it helps seal the PUL fabric around the seams and prevents leaking. I then pulled the diapers out and hung them to dry the rest of the way (even though they were pretty much done) and continued drying the liners for about another 30 minutes on high. 


Routine:
I bought 24 diapers and inserts. That is enough to go 2 (maybe 3) days between washing. I wash daily (for the moment). I go 2-3 hours before changing Clara's diaper. If she's napping, down for the night, or if we're out and about, I slip one of the bamboo inserts under the microfiber insert for extra absorbancy. 

With a wet diaper, I pull the liner out of the diaper, and put both in the dry diaper pail and add some baking soda to contain the smell. That's it.

With a dirty diaper, I swish the washcloths in the toilet to remove the solids. I shake the solids on the diaper into the toilet, pull the liner out, and put washcloths, diaper, and liner in the diaper pail with baking soda. If the solids aren't really... umm... solid? I use a popsicle stick (I have a cup of them sitting on the toilet) to scrape the *ahem* solids off and toss the stick in the trash. Some days, I could care less about the poop. Other days, I'm weird about it. 

Washing:
After Clara goes to bed for the night, I start the washing process. I put the diapers, liners and washcloths in the washer with a 1/4-1/2 cup of baking soda (depending on how dirty they are) and set it on the pre-wash cycle on COLD water. If you wash initially on hot, the poo will be stained in the diapers and liners. 

When the pre-wash is done, I start the regular wash cycle with a hot wash/cold rinse, and add a small amount of detergent. I'm talking like a 1/4 of the cap. You don't need much to do the job. 

To finish up, I do a warm rinse with a 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar. This helps to cut the ammonia odor of the pee, and keep the diapers looking and smelling fresh. 

When the rinse is done, I go ahead and do an additional 2 spin cycles to cut down on drying time. 



And that's it! It might sound like a lot, but I wanted to have all of the detailed information all in one place, since it took me so many articles, blogs, and comments to get to a routine that works for me. Keep in mind that this routine works for me, my schedule, and my diaper. The same routine may not work for you. It's a bit of a trial and error process (and I'm sure I'll change mine over time), so just stick with it!


Wanna buy some?
You can buy these diapers in many different 
patterns and package combinations
(staring at $4.00 a diaper) 
(If you're concerned about these diapers being made in China? Go to the info page)

 
 Questions? PLEASE please please ask me! Someone else is probably thinking the same thing you are, so help 'em out! Email me @ frombean2baby@gmail[dot]com!!


Please give us a vote on TopBabyBlogs.com. :) 
(Click the button below to make me a happy mama!)







I was not compensated for this review. The thoughts, opinions, and diaper advice is my own. Others' opinions may differ.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great review. Just wanted to mention that if you add a few drops off tea tree oil to your wipes solution, you will not get the musty smell or have to replace your wipes and solution as often. I use a similar solution as you but add 4 or 5 drops of tea tree oil and my wipes will last 2-3 days. Plus the tea tree oil is antibacterial.

Laura Lee said...

Thank you for the advice! I will have to try it!

Unknown said...

What an awesome review and article. I think this will really help people who are thinking about cloth diapering. We have been cloth diapering for 14 months now and I love it. I just recently tried sunbabies and I wish I would have sooner- they work just as well (if not better) than some of my much more expensive diapers.

Laura Lee said...

Thanks, Jess!

Amber Barker said...

Hey I was wondering which detergent you are using? I am using the Ecos Free and Clear. BUT I think I might not be using enough because my diapers have an ammonia smell. I have had a few leaks but I think the were solely my fault for leaving her to long or overnight. Any suggestions would help I currently have them soaking in cold water.

Laura Lee said...

I use All Free and Clear. It works super well! I never use more than 3 tablespoons worth. (1/4 of the cap). If you use 1/4-1/2 cup of white vinegar in the rinse, you won't have the ammonia smell. Thanks for posting!

Amber Barker said...

Okay Yeah my "standard" size load is 1/3 cup which equals 16ish teaspoons so I was just using 3 TSP so I think I need to bump it up to 4-5 TSP. Thanks for your help! (Your using 9 TSP but Im sure your cap is bigger than mine)

Bridget said...

Just found your post! I had a few questions as I am researching cloth diapering for our baby that is due in June. Hoping you can help out!!!

1. How did you choose Sunbaby diapers?
2. Have you had to 'strip' the diapers yet?
3. Do the stains come out of the diapers from blowouts or liquid poop?
4. Do you travel with cloth diapers?
5. I've read some people still get dipaer rash with cloth diapers, have you experienced this at all yet?

Thank you again for this post and answer my questions if you get time! I really appreciate it!!!!

Laura Lee said...

Hi, Bridget! Thank you for reading!

1. I chose Sunbaby Diapers after a friend told me about them. I read several reviews and decided on them because they were cost effective. The reviews I read said that they were durable.

2. I stripped the diapers when I first got them, and continued to about once a month. You need to do that with cloth diapers as the detergent builds up and makes them less absorbent. For me, the process was washing the diapers and "liners" several times in very hot water. (I don't know if you've read my updates, but I ceased using the Sunbaby liners after about a month. I began using flour sack towels from target. They're about $5 for 4 towels. I fold them into a liner shape/size and have not found anything more absorbent! Even through heavy-wetting nights!)

3. Yes, the stains come out. I recommend washing in cold water for the first cycle, hot water with detergent in the second cycle, and hot water with a 1/2 cup of vinegar for the third cycle. I've had mine for almost a year and they're still white.

4. I do travel with cloth diapers. And luckily, I have a daycare provider who is cloth-diaper friendly. I have a small wet bag that I got from Target in the winter of 2010. (Munchkin brand, I think). It holds 5-6 soiled diapers and has lasted me forever!!!

5. Clara goes to her dad's house every other weekend, and he uses disposable diapers. She will occasionally get a diaper rash in the days after she comes back. To prevent that, I will sometimes use baby washcloths as wipes, moistened with a mixture of baby lotion, baby wash (i'm talking 2 drops of each) and a cup of warm water. It takes care of the diaper rash. Other than that, I have not experienced diaper rash with cloth diapers.

I don't mind the questions at all. If you have more, please don't hesitate to email me.

frombean2baby[at]gmail[dot]com

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hello
I just wanted to ask what Temperature means wash hot? And i also wanted to ask if if it nescessary to put the diapers in the dryer before first usage or can i just dry them outside?
I´m sorry if my English is bad.Thanks

Unknown said...

Great review :) I also love my SBs. I just wanted to throw in that for people who have hard water the vinegar has some reaction with the minerals in the water and it's bad for cloth dipes. I live in FL where we have very hard water and had to use vinegar while we had thrush (just in case it made it to the diaper area) and had to do a major stripping after doing that for a couple weeks. Long story short: if you live in an area with hard water you might want to consider a water softener or foregoing the vinegar :)

Unknown said...

Honest company reviews are good to provide non-chemical baby diapers which are free from allergies and have no side-effects.

Post a Comment

Clara and I would LOVE to hear what you think. :)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...