Mom Loves Today: diapering

As a new parent there are many choices when it comes to products to suite you and your baby best. Just in Elijah’s 7 months we have used 5 different types of bottles with 3 stages of nipples, have tried numerous lotions for every day use and his eczema, 2 powders, 3 different diaper creams, 5 different thermometers, 4 soaps, 6 types of wipes, and oh my the DIAPERS.

We have tried at least 10 brands of diapers so far. Pampers Swaddlers, Pampers Baby Dry, Pampers Cruisers, Kirkland’s (Costco’s Brand), Parent’s Choice (Walmart’s Brand), Target’s Brand, Huggies Gentle Care, Huggies Natural Fit, and some other generic kinds.

Of course I was able to find pros and cons with all of them, but some pros really out weigh the cons. When evaluating a diaper I like to use certain criteria to assure I am getting the best for my little guy.

AFFORDABLE –The average child will go through between 5 and 10 THOUSAND diapers. Do you want to pay top dollar for them?

SOFT – My lil’ man’s ‘hiney’ wants to be comfortable! Would you want to walk around in a hard diaper all day? If the answer is no, then that is not the diaper for your baby.

ABSORBENT – Even if you change your baby right away, every time he pees, that wetness on his skin can lead to diaper rash and make your baby uncomfortable. The better the diaper wicks up that moisture the better for your baby.
LEAK PROOF – Funny things happen when babies go to the bathroom. It will go every direction BUT the way you expect it to. You need a diaper that will help contain that!

When you factor in those points when choosing a diaper it makes it easier. Many parents make the mistake of sacrificing one of those to save a buck. But if your constantly doing laundry after your babies diaper leaks, how much are you really saving?

The one thought I have never considered is how healthy the diapers are. I never considered what the diaper is made of and how it will affect my baby. Most of today’s diapers contain gels that help to sponge up the moisture. What is really in those gels? Will long term studies deem it to be unhealthy for your children after all? What is in the lining?

When I first read about Huggies Pure & Natural diapers in April I was intrigued. ‘The super premium diaper that includes natural, organic materials and ingredients to provide gentle protection for new babies, as well as initial steps toward environmental improvements, without sacrificing performance.’

Could it really stand up to my strict standards? Or would it fail to meet my expectations? Is it really better than the others for my baby? for the environment? Especially with everything claiming to be ‘green’ these days when they are really not.

I was excited when I was contacted to try Huggies Pure & Natural and see for myself if it stood up to the test.

The diaper is hypoallergenic, fragrance free and features a breathable outer cover that includes organic cotton. Which is great especially for Elijah because anything with fragrance breaks him out horribly! The liner includes natural Aloe & Vitamin E and materials from renewable sources. These diapers didn’t seem ‘plastic-y’ like some of the others, they didn’t feel hard, and Elijah did not seem to be all hot and sticky in the diaper area after playing. They didn’t leave big red marks at the leg openings either like some other diapers. They also have gone a bit more green with their packaging, using 20% recycled materials.

So how does it stand up to my tests?

AFFORDABLE – The Jumbo pack of Newborn sized Huggies Pure & Natural (33 diapers) is $11.99 at Babies R’ Us. Compare to the Jumbo pack (34 diapers) of Newborn sized Pamper’s Swaddlers at Target which are also $11.39 or the Jumbo pack (40 diapers) of Seventh Generation Newborn sized diapers also at target for $11.99. So basically there is not much of a difference in cost between the other brands, so it definitely fits into my affordable range.

SOFT – It is soft. In my opinion it is not as soft as Pamper’s Swaddlers, but TONS softer than Walmart’s Parent’s Choice, which is borderline soft by my standards. Elijah seemed comfortable and moves with ease in them.

ABSORBANT – Even with heavy pee diapers he seemed dry as can be. The diaper seemed to pull the moisture right from him! No redness, no rash, no nothing.

LEAK PROOF – Elijah typically sleeps 10 hours a night. 6 or 7 hours straight before wakes to be fed and changed. After a particularly long day last week Elijah had drank 9oz in the 2 hours before bed. He then slept for 8 hours straight. After 8 hours I worried his diaper would be bursting at the seams so I went in to check on him and change him. The diaper was HEAVY to say the least. BUT not a drop leaked! As long as you make sure to ‘pull the ruffles out’ (like with any diaper) I don’t think this diaper is going to leak. That was seriously a lot of pee and it held wonderfully! Not to mention the fact that it has the elastic on the back. The only blow outs Elijah ever has had were straight up and out his back. I love the fact that with Huggies it always stops right before that band.

Huggies Pure & Natural is offered in 6 sizes, from newborn through size 5. The are widely available in North American retail outlets as of April. For more information visit http://www.huggiespureandnatural.com.

Huggies has also launched their new Enjoy the Ride Rewards program to give you even more incentive! Find out more at https://enjoytheriderewards.com

Overall I was pleased with the quality and performance of Huggies Pure & Natural. I will not switch to it completely, but it will join the rotation of the current 3 brands I use depending on the store I am shopping. I think when it is in more stores it will help me to purchase it more and also it would be nice if they put more coupons for them in the Huggies Baby Network mailers.

Would you like to see how Huggies Pure & Natural stacks up to your favorite brand? Will you be converted?

Visit http://www.huggiespureandnatural.com/FreeSample.aspx to get your own free sample to try or…

ENTER TO WIN A PACK OF HUGGIES PURE & NATURAL!

WHAT: Winner will receive 1 pack of Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers – Size Newborn, 1 or 2 (size 2 fits up to 18lbs)

WHEN: From June 7th to June 15th at Midnight

HOW: Leave me a comment below telling me: WHY you want to try Huggies Pure and Natural and WHO you will try them on. Please make sure to include what size you want if you win and a way to contact you.

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Winner will be announced on June 16th. This contest open to the US & Canada only! Please be sure to follow all required steps or risk disqualification. I will not accept 'Enter Me’ or ‘Count Me In’ comments in lieu of required information. Review sample and prize were provided by Huggies. Thank you!

Good Luck!

We've all seen the diapers and wipes clutches, but I was pleasantly surprised to find one that was different, practical, and really, really cute! The Diaper Clutch is different from the others because it gives you access to your wet wipes without needing to remove a portable travel case. Instead you can just open your clutch, grab a diaper, and pop open the wipes section which holds a standard huggies wet-wipes pack!

The best part though is that they are ridiculously cute! I can't wait to cart mine all over town because it's completely stylish and compact! I'm loving my brown disco dot clutch, but I'd love to hear what your favorite is. The Diaper Clutch just introduced new designs and even a design your own option!

Cloth-diapering mama? I tested the Diaper Clutch and was pleased to see that it holds at two medium bumGenius AIOs. Personally, I use disposable wipes when I am out, so it works great for me! Non-cloth diapering moms, I got 3 size 4 diapers in it comfortably. I think it's just the right size for running errands, dinner out, or a playdate!

The Diaper Clutch is a must-have for the modern mom that's for sure!