Cloth Diapering for Beginners with AppleCheeks + Giveaway! #ClothDiaper

When I was pregnant with Kenzie, Hubs thought we should use cloth diapers because we would save a ton of money. However, when we argued about who would actually clean the dirty diapers, we decided against it. Fast forward to being pregnant with Mason and having paid exorbitant amounts of money for Kenzie's diapers, I again explored the idea of cloth diapers. Not only were they super adorable, I wanted to join the secret society of fluff lovers. I did have a few cloth diapers on hand when he was born but once the idea of actually having to wash them went through my mind, they were donated. When the AppleCheeks diapers arrived for review, I was determined to learn the ins & outs of the wondrous fluff.

The AppleCheeks cloth diaper has an outer layer of breathable, waterproof polyester that is sewn onto a super soft microfleece inner layer. I was concerned that the size 2 (which fits from 18-40 lbs) would be too large for Mason who weighs approximately 22/23 lbs. However, there is elastic at both the waist and legs for a secure fit as well as two rows of snaps that can be adjusted to your child. 

At first, I had no clue as to what to do with the insert. But then I figured out that I needed to fold the bamboo insert into a third and place inside the opening in the cover. This would mean I need to wash the entire diaper when soiled. If I place the insert on top of the opening and Mason doesn't soak through the insert to the cover, I can reuse the cover. The one-size stay-dry microterry insert has a white side (stay-dry microFLEECE side) and a white with red stitching and label side (absorbent microTERRY side). When placed ON the cover for the cover+insert method, the white side faces UP. When placed IN the cover for the pocket method, the red stitching side faces UP. After washing the inserts several times on hot to maximize fluffiness and absorbency, I decided to insert into the pocket to see how Mason would react. 

You have to attach the leg snaps before the waist. The settings do not have to be the same for leg and waist. Just as for the car seat, the way to measure if the diaper is on tight enough is if you can insert one finger between the elastic and your babe's skin. Right off the bat, the AppleCheeks made Mason about 50% cuter. He also likes running around with no clothes on! I now knew the feeling other fluff moms felt when seeing their wee one in just a cloth diaper running about and snapping photos like a fanatic. The extra fluff butt is to die for and the bright pop of color is addicting. 

Now to the dirty deed....cleaning the soiled cloth diaper.  Since Mason only wet his diaper (I'm not quite prepared to put him in the cloth diaper when it's time for #2), I tossed it into the wash with a zero-residue detergent. If you have detergent residue, that could lead to leaking and absorbency issues as well as stink! You definitely do not want that. When washing cloth diapers, an extra rinse is highly recommended to increase the life of the polyester cover. You can then then air dry or tumble dry them. The inserts should be dried on medium or the air setting or hung to dry. It wasn't as daunting as I had imagined but in reality I was only washing two diapers as opposed to 3 days worth. 

I now appreciate all the fluff lovers because it truly takes dedication to help out the environment and keep tushies cute. I am willing to take small steps to become more green while tip toeing into the wonderful world of fluff.  

Buy It:  You can purchase the AppleCheeks diaper for $19.

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One Winner will Receive an AppleCheeks Diaper!

(Open to US and Canada)

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Being MVP received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for evaluation purposes. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Being MVP Disclosure.