AppleCheeks Diapers: A Review

I've mentioned that we decided to start cloth diapering, right? Have you any idea just how many different diapers are out there? When you start looking around it can be so easy to get overwhelmed. Thankfully I've met some fabulous cloth diapering moms on twitter, and quite a few diaper manufacturers. The cloth diaper community is one of the friendliest I've ever been a part of, and everyone is so willing to help!

After some back and forth with the super cool women behind AppleCheeks Diapers, they offered to send me samples from their line to test out. AppleCheeks Diapers are proudly made in Canada, and the company is recently starting to branch out down here in The States.

The AppleCheeks system is unique in the cloth diapering world, as it's an "envelope system". It's similar to pocket diapers, except the "pocket" is in the middle of the diaper. This is helpful as it allows bigger hands (hello daddy!) to stuff the diaper. Plus, it allows for the inserts to come out in the wash. And they really do! No more tugging a wet insert out of a soiled diaper. Alternatively, the AppleCheeks diaper system can be used as a traditional diaper cover, with the inserts simply laid inside the diaper. The advantage to that is you can re-use the outside cover as long as it doesn't get dirty. (and that can save you money, because you can buy fewer covers!).

AppleCheeks comes in two sizes; Size 1 fits from 7-20 pounds and Size 2 fits from 18-40 pounds. My son is two and a half and he's been testing a Size 2 for the last few weeks. The fit is PERFECT. The cover is very trim, and secure at his waist, back, and legs. I couldn't be happier with the way Applecheeks fit him.

Along with the cover I was sent a bamboo insert, a hemp insert, and a bamboo booster. This was my first time dealing with bamboo or hemp, and the women behind AppleCheeks were incredibly helpful in teaching me how to prep and care for these fabrics. The AppleCheek inserts are different than other inserts I've used; they're a large square of fabric that you tri-fold before inserting into the diaper. Both were quite absorbent, but I had a problem with the insert bunching up between my son's legs and causing wicking. Once again, AppleCheeks provided excellent customer service! After a very long series of e-mails and trial and error we determined that my son is a heavy wetter, and the insert alone wasn't enough. I added the bamboo booster in the front of the diaper and problem solved!

AppleCheeks has a fabulous video demonstration of their system, including how to use as a pocket diaper versus diaper cover, how to get the best fit on your baby, and how to wash your AppleCheeks diapers. Take a few minutes and tune in.

**BOTTOM LINE**
Over all I was very impressed with the AppleCheeks system. My favorite feature? The fit! My least favorite feature? The inserts. (Admittedly, I'm a newbie to cloth diapering, so I'm sure after awhile I'll get used to the tri-fold design and be a pro! But for now I'm more familiar with a more traditional pocket diaper insert). I have a Size 1 AppleCheeks that I'm anxious to try on the new baby. Once she's here I'll do a follow-up review, comparing the size 1 and size 2.

**WHERE TO BUY**
Right now there are a few retailers in the United States where you can purchase AppleCheeks Diapers. You'll find them, along with retailers in other countries, on their retailer page.