AMP cloth diapers - GIVEAWAY! CLOSED

I have been thinking about using cloth diapers since before Jonathan, now 4, was born, but somehow or other I never got started. Where we lived, in the Netherlands, there wasn't a lot of accessible information and I certainly never heard of any shops or companies manufacturing cloth diapers (they may have been there, but I didn't know about them). Then when we were expecting Daniel, I thought about it semi-seriously, got overwhelmed with everything else that was happening, and chickened out. I felt bad about the garbage we were generating but cloth diapers must be a lot of work, right? This year I found out how wrong I was.

I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I didn't get started until Daniel was 16 months old, but I keep thinking “better late than never!” And, if we have any more kids, I'll already know the cloth diaper routine, and I won't have to learn a new system at the same time as having a new baby. Because Daniel is very aware of changes in our system, when I first put a cloth diaper on him, he nearly stood on his head on the change table, trying to figure out what was on his bum! Too cute!

I've looked at many different kinds of cloth diapers – wow, how to choose which one? I hadn't realized there were so many styles! I've been reading reviews of cloth diapers – here on GlimpseReviews and elsewhere. Finally I found an idea that I thought would work for us – the All-in-Two (AI2) diaper. This style of diaper comes with an insert that you put on top of the diaper. The waterproof “cover” is attached, so you don't have to do up 2 separate parts when you're changing your baby. And, if only the insert is used, then you only change the insert, not the whole diaper. Plus, the diaper is easier to wash, and dries faster. Sounded good to me! :) But then, whose AI2 should I pick?

I finally settled on AMP diapers. They are made right here in Winnipeg (I've peeked in the factory!), they have a brick and morter store in Winnipeg, and also sell online, through their own diaper store or through retailers.  What convinced me to try one of AMP's AI2s? I read the description on the AMP website, and I liked the versatility of their new one-size Duo pocket diaper.  It sounded like something a newbie like me could use and like, and I was right! It has many great features:

• it can be used as a pocket diaper: stuff the insert between the inner fleece of the diaper and the outer waterproof layer
• you can use it as an AI2 diaper: lay the insert over top of the fleece layer – this is especially great for daytime use, when you are changing your baby more often
• by the pocket opening is a flap of fleece that helps hold the insert down so it doesn't move all over when you're changing your wiggly little person
• the opening is at the front of the diaper so you don't have to get near any solid waste when you're removing the insert
• rise-adjusting snaps help to make this diaper fit from 7-38 lbs
• many waist snaps help to customize the fit – my “baby” is a skinny one, but there's lots of room and stretch for a plumper tummy too :)
• the outer layer is laminated fabric and the inner layer is a very soft microfleece

Watch their video to see all of these great features in action!

Speaking of the microfleece layer – I know they said that the fleece wicks away moisture and helps keep baby dry. I guess I'm a doubting Thomas (or would that be Thomasina?!) Anyway, I was very pleasantly surprised to feel the fleece after Daniel wore the diaper all night. Both inserts were quite wet, but the fleece was dry! It's really true! :)

Daniel has worn this diaper as a pocket diaper at night, with 2 inserts, and no leaks (1 insert wasn't enough for him). He's also worn it in the daytime as an AI2 – and we've been able to just change the insert.  We were given 3 different inserts to try: a microfibre insert, a hemp insert and a bamboo insert. The natural fibre inserts are coded with a coloured thread serged border, so you can easily tell which one is which! I've tried all 3 inserts, and they all work well.  The workmanship is great, and Annie was great to take time to explain to me (and another customer while I was there) what and how and why etc!

As far as the washing goes, it's true, I am doing extra laundry. However, it's not as much as I expected, and it's far easier than I'd anticipated. Nothing disgusting or gross! I just followed the instructions on the little card Annie from AMP included when I picked up my diapers at her store. You do have to be careful with which detergent you use, but the AMP website has a list of detergents that are ok to use.

I purchased a hemp fitted diaper from AMP as well, just to try out. I like it too. I haven't tried it at night yet, so I can't tell you about that. It comes with a hemp insert, is very absorbent and trim. It does require a waterproof cover, and when Daniel is especially wiggly, it can be tricky to get everything on, but that's Daniel's fault, not the diaper's! :) It's nicely sewn with a rainbow-coloured serged edge.

WIN IT!

AMP has graciously offered to give one of our fabulous readers :) a diaper of their choice in their preferred colour. Please visit the AMP website and comment on which diaper is your favourite.

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Contest open to CANADIAN AND USA RESIDENTS ONLY and ends on March 13, 2010. Please view our giveaway rules for more info.