** In order to complete this review, I was provided a complete starter set.
Welcome to my first cloth diaper review for the Babe. I am excited to share cloth diaper themed reviews and giveaways with my readers because it is a cause I am very passionate about. This is my 2nd cloth diapered child. Lu was cloth diapered from birth until she PL’d at 20 months. Let me tell you cloth diapers has really changed in the past 3 years. Yes, there are still the big name companies but there are also many smaller companies that are making really fantastic diapers. Today I am going to bring you a review of one of those companies.
TushMate diapers are unique in that they have patent pending One-Fits-All system. Their diaper can be used as an all-in-three, all-in-tw0, pocket, cover or hybrid. There are 3 different types of inserts to choose from: hemp/cotton, hemp/cotton long and organic cotton. They also have the option of a cotton liner to put over the inserts.
For this review I was sent the orange TushMate Starter hook and loop set which included one cover, one liner and two inserts.
Appearance
At first glance, I really like the feel and texture of the TushMate diaper. I have read other reviews that said the PUL feels “cheap” but I have to disagree. I think the PUL feels more soft, like a cotton. The cover doesn’t feel like I am putting plastic on my child. Instead it feels more like a flexible cotton blend.
The inserts and liner are uniquely thin which makes for a very thin diaper on the baby. I also like that the liner has its elastic which basically creates a secondary gussets to prevent leaks
The most unusual feature of these diapers are the hidden snaps. These are not your traditional button snaps but instead are a kind of “pop in” snap. You can’t see them and they don’t touch the baby’s skin. I have read other reviews and comments that the diapers seem like a lot of work and honestly, I don’t think so. It is just a few pops and you are done. Popping in an insert and liner takes me less time than stuffing a pocket.
Performance
Considering how thin this diaper is, the absorption is amazing. Babe fell asleep in the diaper for a nap and slept like 3 hours. He had no leaking and the diaper was soaked. The liner also does a great job of keeping in EBF infant poop and let me tell you, that is saying something. Almost all my other AI2 or similar diapers must have the covers washed every time due to leaking off the inserts.
The one thing I didn’t mention is how nice their hook & loop is. It is more like a “tape” and is soft on both sides. It is also very sticky. I am hoping it holds up over multiple washes and years of use.
Fit
I love the fit of this diaper but the elastic does leave marks on his back. There are four snaps for sizing the diaper and at approximately 12lbs he is still on the smallest rise. The hook and loop make it easy to get a snug fit through the legs.
Cost
Personally I think this diaper is a bit expensive for the average stash builder. Since I was really pleased with it, I was considering buying two more but when I saw the total cost, I changed my mind. A single cover and one liner is $16.58 and a set of two inserts are $9.78. This makes the diaper about $26.00. You do save a bit by buying a starter kit similar to the one I received or a package deal and they offer free shipping on any order over $25.00.
Overall
I really liked this diaper a lot. The soft, thin cover fits great under onsies and pants. I had no problems with leaking. The only little problem I saw was that the elastic left red marks on him but it didn’t bother him at all. The one thing that I would really like is an option to purchase a set of liners and inserts, ie: 3 liners and 3 inserts instead of buying all the pieces separately. Lastly, I would like to see the diapers become more available in other colors. Currently they just have brown, orange and blue.
Where to Buy & Social Links
Website: http://www.tushmate.com/index.php
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TushMateClothDiaper
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TushMate