Review: Softbums Cloth Diapers

With a unique design and super comfortable material, Softbums are another great addition to our cloth diaper repertoire. Softbums are different than any of the other diapers that we have reviewed so far because they are a snap-on style. Basically what you have is just a cover (with a waterproof outer layer and a soft fleece inner layer) and then long inserts which snap right into the cover and allow you to fold wherever baby needs the most protection (in the front for boys and in the middle/back for girls).
Click on read more for the full review of this easy to use, but hard to describe diaper!

Softbums: The Basics
While I normally like to keep my reviews very much based on my own experience with the products and keep most of the advertising that companies do out of it, I think that this diagram is really the best way to help me describe the unique features of Softbums diapers.

As you can see, the insert, which is available in Microfiber, Organic Bamboo Fleece-topped, or Organic Bambo Velour, just snaps into the cover and then doubles over on itself to provide extra protection. The other unique feature of Softbums is the way that they adjust to fit babies from newborn to toddler. They call the device a snugger, but basically it is just a little bungee cord with a toggle attached to it- You reach into the front of the diaper and loosen and tighten as necessary. The bungee is threaded through the leg openings so it ensures a snug fit, even for small babies.

Softbums: Official Review (all reviews on a 4 star scale)
Comfort and Fit *** I really do think that the way that this diaper is adjusted in size makes a great fit. Of course, I have only tried it on my one little toddler, but we had great success and after playing with the snugger a bit, I was impressed especially with how small the diaper can get. I like that they are still trim even with the full liner doubled up in there. I do have to go with three stars here though, because I am just not sure that the inserts pull moisture away the way that other styles of cloth diapers do and certainly not the way that disposable diapers do (although some would argue with me about how important this feature really is!)
Washability **** The diapers washed well, with no staining and no icky smells. Plus the detergent that the company recommends (Purex Free and Clear) is actually affordable! The diapers, including the inserts dried more quickly than some of the others that I have, probably because the insert is made to be doubled up to provide absorbancy rather than just made thick to begin with.
Reliability ***1/2 I cannot give a full 4 stars here, simply because to be a four star diaper in the area of realiability, you have to be so even at night, and that is pretty hard to do! We have never had leaks of either variety during nap or daytime use, though.
Ease of Use***1/2 Softbums says that you can reuse the cover 2-6 times as long as they are aired out between uses. This is why they recommend that you not just start with one if you are going to do this style of diaper. Overall, I would call this a pretty easy diaper to use- Just a snap in of the insert and you are set- even faster than stuffing diapers!
Price Right now you can get a set which includes 3 of the covers, "9 Snap-in Microfiber Terry or Organic Bamboo 3 layer Inserts, with a top additional layer of white microfleece, or bamboo velour and 3 Organic Bamboo 3 layer Doublers" for just $112! If you figure that you can reuse the covers an average of three times each, this will get you thru 9 diaper changes before you need to wash. Considering that pocket-style diapers and all-in-ones would run you an average of more than $160 to get thru that many changes it is a pretty good deal. You can also buy additional inserts for $9 each and doublers for $3 each.
Overall ***1/2 Although I may not invest in more for this little guy, but I will definitely consider them for baby #3, whenever that may be.