So the other day, I lost my mind. I got this email from a cloth diaper company, and although I’d poo-pooed the idea before (oh, man, what a pun), and I never respond to PR emails, this cloth diaper sounded so good I had to give it a shot. So I asked for a sample.
And then I kinda went off the deep end and bought a whole bunch of cloth diapers. (I have to have something to compare it to, right?)
The cloth diapers I got a free sample of are called Smartipants (these companies all have these ridiculously cute names). They’re in the style called “pocket diapers”—the plasticized cover and lining are sewn together and you slip an absorbent insert into a pocket in the lining. Smartipants use snaps for the outside closure—a row across the top to fit in the waist, and a few settings on the front to fit in the rise, to make the diaper very adjustable (it’s a “one-size” diaper—some other kinds you have to buy different sizes as your child grows).
Rebecca shows of her Smartipants
One thing that makes Smartipants unique is the design—with other pocket diapers, you have to pull the dirty insert out before washing (on a grossness scale of one to ten, that’s about a 4.5). With Smartipants, the insert is supposed to agitate out in the wash all by itself.
That’s pretty clever.
Especially since it does. Even when you stuff two inserts in there instead of one.
I’ve used the Smartipants diaper and insert three times this week, and it’s probably been one of my favorites of the styles we’ve tried. It did leak once—when I put her down for a nap in it, which turned into an extra-long nap. (Three hours is too long for just about any cloth diaper, but the next day I put two inserts in and her once-again-extra-long nap had no leaks—and no pulling dirty inserts out of the pockets.)
The snaps are super strong—and like many snaps, they’re a little hard to get off. The fit was good (Rebecca is light and short for her age, but somehow manages a serious pot belly and chubby thighs). They’re on the trim side as far as cloth diapers go (I haven’t found any cloth diapers that are as trim as disposables), and they’re the easiest to wash 😀 .
(Perhaps the best testament: I’ve already ordered a bunch more—you know, ones I have to pay for.)
If you’re ready to jump off the deep end, too—or if you’re already there 😉 —and in honor of my birthday (it’s tomorrow), I’m giving away a free sample of Smartipants for one lucky commenter! Comment on this post by noon MDT on Monday to be entered to win!
And lest you think this is an April Fool’s joke—seriously, I’ve been using cloth diapers exclusively since Sunday. I’ll tell you all about it next week, okay?
34 replies on “Smartipants cloth diaper review (and giveaway!)”
I’m highly impressed. I wouldn’t mind giving it a shot as long as I don’t have to touch the dirty inserts. That is definitely a perk.
sign me up! I want those diapers! I’ve not tried that brand yet, but they sound great!
I’ve considered switching to cloth diapers, but haven’t (as yet) wanted to make the investment, without “trying” the different kinds. This would be perfect! Thanks for the review (and chance to win!)
oh, and happy birthday! (hey, since I posted 2 comments, do I get entered twice? Because if so, I think Eric wants to wish you a happy birthday too… and maybe Gwen too….)
I am more interested in cloth diapers for this 4th baby than ever before, but not quite motivated enough to do the work/upfront expense so far. But I’d give some free ones a try!
I’m excited for your take on cloth next week. And crossing my fingers that I’ll get to try it myself for free:)
We just started CDs at night, hoping to build a stash and do it as much as possible! Would love to try these 🙂
(Happy belated birthday!)
Happy birthday to you♪
This is a great giveaway.
I would love to try smartipants diaper.
We did disposables for the first 6 months with our first babies (twins) and then switched to cloth. I love them. Of course, Smarti Pants weren’t out then which is a shame. They could have saved me a fortune. I wouldn’t have had to buy multiple-sized diapers.
My youngest is one and she’s in her sisters’ hand-me-down diapers.
We love smartipants here!
I love Smartipants! We CD our almost-5-month old, and had been unhappy with some other brands — he always leaked out the legs! We tried Smartipants about a month ago and they have worked great for us, no leaks! He can last 7-8 hours minimum overnight, with only one insert at the moment, which gives me hope that they’ll still work for overnight when he’s bigger.
I’d love to try a Smartipants. Thanks! Happy Birthday!
I’ve never tried these diapers, but they look great! I can’t wait to hear about your experience using cloth diapers.
I’ve been using Smartipants for 8 months now and love them! I first used them on my 3 year old son until he just got too big for them and then I’ve been using them on my daughter since she was born (5 months). I love not pulling out icky liners before washing and how easy they are to use. I’ve also used Bum Genius and Kissluvs and the Smartipants are my favorites hands down! Happy Birthday!
Sign me up! I have one pathetic Smartipants diaper. I’d love to get some more, but our money is a little tight right now.
We have a Smartipants in Aqua Breeze – such a gorgeous color!
We use Smartipants here and love them! Happy birthday and congratulations on cloth diapering!
I have one Smartipants and I love it too! I would love to win some more! 🙂
We have the Cocoa brown Smartipants and it’s one of my favourites for my son. I would LOVE another one!! 🙂
Awesome!! Love hearing about folks switching over to cloth. Glad you found a diaper that will work for you. I’ve got a couple of different kinds in my stash but would love to try a Smartipants!!
We started cloth diapering our little guy because of his eczema issue and it’s been six months now and it is SO much easier than I ever thought it would be! I can’t believe how much I spent on diapers with my other kids and how much more garbage it added up to!
Welcome to the cloth diaper world!! I love cloth diapering and I love smartipants. THanks for the review and chance to win one. Oh and Happy Birthday!
I have considered cloth diapering. A free sample would be a nice introduction!
I’ve been a cloth diapering mama for almost 14 weeks now. I have several Smartipants diapers and loooooooooove them. They are so easy to use and fit my little one great. I highly recommend these to everyone!!
Happy Birthday!!! Hope you had a wonderful day!
I’ve been wanting to try Smartipants for a while, but since I already have some BumGenius and Swaddlebees, can’t find a reason to buy them.
I really appreciate your post. I have 3 kids and I’m expecting my 4th in May. I have decided to cloth diaper for the first time. I have a 3 pack of Smartipants, and some other brands. I can’t wait to try them out. I like that the insert will come out in the wash!
We cloth diaper at our house and love it! We don’t have any Smartipants though, so we would love to try them!
My 3 month old is wearing Smartipants right now, would love another one!
I just discovered smartipants the other day too! Although I have been cloth diapering for about a month they are turning into my favorite diaper! I would LOVE to win a couple more since buying more just isnt an option at this time. and..HAPPY BIRTHDAYY!!!!!!
Happy Birthday!
I am due in May and want to start CD right away. I would love a sample to try it before I buy!
I’m 4 days past my due date and anxious to cloth diaper ( and meet my little baby of course!). i’ve never heard of smartipants until now – they sound awesome.
great blog 🙂
I have recently begun CDing with my 3rd son, and I really wish I would have done it with all of them. I’ve tried two kinds of CDs so far, and I have been researching Smartipants for the last week (hoping to like them a little better than what I’ve tried). I would love to get try one and see if I love them as much as the reviews I’ve read so far. It’s funny – the more my friends tease me about CDing, the more I want to! (CDing is NOT common where I live!) Thanks for the great blog/review!
Happy Birthday!!!
I’ve been wanting to get one of these to try when our baby is born! Winning one would be even better! Great to hear you’ve started the journey! Hope it’s a success for you!
I am NOT a fan of Smartipants. They leaked for my daughter nearly every time she tried them (the two times she did not leak were NOT enough to sell them for me!). She’s a normal kid, even a little on the big side, and she leaked out the front, back, and sides of the diapers. Not only did I have to change her diaper, I had to change her clothes, changing area, and sometimes even my clothes. I’m glad someone likes these diapers, because it sure isn’t me. Anyone need some extra diapers? I’d love to sell mine.