This review is of my experience with gDiapers. My intent isn’t solely to save the planet and, as important as that issue is, I am not as well informed in that arena as most. Therefor, I’m going to stick to the facts as I know them and answer the question “what are gDiapers and how do they work?”
We’re using cloth diapers exclusively again. We did for years a while back, but had so many issues with after-wash stink that we gave up for a while. However, the water is different here in Florida than it was in WA and the diapers don’t stink at all.
When we quit using them a couple years ago I sold off all but 7 of my stash. So, I was diapering Jesse full time on only 7 diapers for the last few months.
That’s a lot of washin’.
I started looking for, and saving for more cloth diapers to ease my load. I wanted a diaper that was inexpensive, well made, and works. I hate worrying that somebody else might pick Jesse up and get a damp surprise when we go visiting. So, in searching out new diapers I took that into account. In reading reviews I took specific care in the leak issue.
That’s how I became more interested in gDiapers.
gDiapers are a cloth/disposable hybrid. They’re said to be better for the environment than your traditional disposable but not as much of a hassle as cloth. There is a cover, a snap in liner that feels like Gerber plastic pants, and then a flushable disposable diaper insert which is flat and sits cradled in the snap in liner. I wasn’t interested in the disposable piece though. That wasn’t going to save me any money – the disposable inserts aren’t cheap. However, looking closely at them, I was sure I could put a cloth insert into that snap in liner. Since the covers can be reused I was confident that I could get away with only 1/2 dozen of them. Then, I noticed that they have a new option. Cloth inserts! gCloth is what they’re called.
Very nice.
The starter package comes with 6 gDiapers and the option of 1 dozen gCloth inserts or 128 disposable inserts for $100. Way cheaper than anything on the market these days. So, I sold a bunch of stuff on eBay, and used the money I made to buy Jesse’s medium gDiaper package. I made sure to include disposable and cloth inserts just to round out the experience.
And here is that experience.
The package arrived very quick. Just 4 days after placing my order on the gDiapers website I was trying the gDiapers on my giant 9 month old. It says that you have to wash the cloth inserts at least 6 times before you use them, so I tried the gPant on with a disposable insert and got to work washing the cloth.
Since most of the reviews I read had fit complaints I paid close attention to the directions to ensure I was putting the diaper on Jesse correctly. It fit beautifully. Yeah, the picture makes it look bulky but he’s a big boy. Most of that bulk you’re seeing is him.
And after 4 hours he still didn’t have a leak.
When I removed the diaper I noticed that the insert was soaked through. You’re supposed to do this rip n swish thing before you flush the insert down the toilet.
That’s rip, as in with your hands. It’s filled with pee and has poo all over it. That’s gross. I’m not doing that.
Seriously. Disposing of the insert this way isn’t any easier than using all cloth. I’m not sure what all the hype is there. But, the gDiaper did the job. No leaks. No dampness. That’s what mattered.
When the cloth inserts were ready, and, by the way, these things are really soft, I tried one by inserting it into the snap in liner just as I did the disposable. I put the prepared diaper on Jesse knowing it wouldn’t last as long as the disposable insert. I was right. I got about 2 hours out of that first one. The insert was soaked through, but, no leaks! The snap in liner is made to cradle the insert in such a way that leaks are less likely.
However, after two weeks of using gDiapers I have to admit to having some leak issues. All were my own fault for not ensuring the fit was correct, or for failing to check him and change him when I ought.
I’ve found that doubling up on the inserts will get Jesse through the night but we just stick a disposable insert in there so we don’t have the bulk. I really dislike a bulky cloth diaper. Even at night.
The true test, however, came when we went visiting. Would I feel concerned if somebody picked Jesse up? Would they end up with a small wet spot on their shirt? Would I find myself apologizing to my pastor yet again because one of my kids pee’d on him?
You laugh, but it’s happened. Twice.
All is well, however! Jesse hasn’t leaked on anybody since we started using gDiapers.
Some other pros -
- Stains – Yes, he’s an exclusively breastfed 10 month old. But the stains have come completely out in the sun. Plus, the little snap in liner is the only thing that gets messy poo on it so you can’t see the stains anyway. I’ll tell you that I haven’t had one poo leak with these. And this boy can let it go, let me tell you.
- Fit – They aren’t nearly as bulky as Jesse’s pockets (Fuzzi Bunz, bumGenius!, Happy Heinys). Maybe they just fit his chunkiness better, I don’t know. But I don’t have trouble getting his clothes over these at all.
- Cuteness – These diapers are visually adorable. They come in all different colors and some have little designs on them. There is a variety to choose from.
- The velcro closures are in the back. I think this is cool because Jesse can’t take off his diaper to finger paint.
- They don’t have PUL or any waterproofing on the outside layer of the diaper. I don’t know why I like this, but I do. The only waterproof layer is the snap in liner.
- They don’t leave any marks on my baby’s skin. None.
- The elastic is soft and wide, and looks like it’s probably more comfortable than the smaller, encased elastic.
Some cons -
- They velcro in the back. That’s a pro, I know, but it’s also a con. It’s just weird to have the closures in the back.
- The starter kit only came with orange and vanilla colors. That’s okay, I love orange, but it would have been fun to have a bright blue gDiaper – I like choices.
- The inserts are priced somewhat high, $5 a piece. But they’re some of the best inserts I’ve used and I’ll probably buy one more set eventually.
- The disposable inserts are kinda gross. I’m no longer into the rip-n-swish that seemed so cool to begin with. If people think that’s easier than all cloth they’re wrong. I never have to swish my cloth diapers. Ew.
- The elastic, being wide, folds over in the front on occassion. Jesse has a big belly and I’m sure that contributes. However, it doesn’t hurt the function of the diaper at all.
The thing is, though, even with the cons, gDiapers are still the best cloth diapers I’ve found, and that says a lot. I used to be a retailer of many brands and have a lot of cloth diapering experience.
My summed up opinion -
I Like it.
Have other questions about them? Leave a comment. I’ll do my best to answer.
I was just outside hanging out this morning’s laundry. There is a light dampness to the air, it’s 65 degrees and cloudy, but the breeze should help the laundry dry quickly – at least that’s my hope. I still have a few more loads I’d like to get hung out before the hurricane strikes.
The holidays are coming up really fast and you know what that means. 
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