SoftBums Echo Cloth Diaper System Review
I have been curious about the SoftBums systems for a while now. So many people seem to LOVE them! But why do people love them? I asked some friends for their input and did some comparing and contrasting with my own experience. I love to do this because it challenges me to look outside of my own world and see a different perspective. What works well for one family or fits one child may not work for another family or even fit a sibling the same way.
The fit.
SoftBums shells have an extraordinary fit because of the one-of-a-kind Slide²Size elastic system. The leg elastics are very long and have small toggles on the end. This allows for a custom fit for a very small newborn or a larger toddler. Approximately 5-35 pounds with elastics able to adjust from 4” to 14”. It can be a little tricky to get your fingers in the small pocket on the Echo system to adjust the elastics, but you won’t have to do it often. This eliminates the more common rise snaps for size adjustment and cuts down on bulk ensuring a trim fit.
The Feel.
SoftBums are, oh, so SOFT! The micro-fleece inner wicks moisture away and is soft against baby’s skin and the elastics have not left red marks on Leah’s legs. With a folded pod, if you’re concerned about the microfiber underside accidentally being against baby’s skin, you could use an additional fleece liner for protection. This wouldn’t be an issue in the Omni shell because you can stuff it like a pocket, but the Echo does not have that feature.
The Customization.
Since the shell is separate from the inserts, You can choose what you use for absorbent layers. The SoftBums inserts or “Pods” are available in 3 different sizes of stay-dry (microfiber topped with micro-fleece) or bamboo. You could really use anything in the shell, though. They even make disposable pods that are perfect for those times when you just can’t travel in “full cloth.” I was given 1 disposable insert for my review and it was quickly soaked by my 2yearold. I have used other brands before and, from my experience although they are great alone for a newborn, I have always needed to double them for older babies.
The Reuse.
The shells are also intended to be reused if not soiled, which can cut down on laundry. However, they are lined with micro-fleece, not PUL and cannot be wiped out. I hung ours in the bathroom to dry between uses, but found it smelled like urine and I chose not to reuse it. After this experience, I would have to say this is definitely a use and wash diaper shell. There are often times with younger babies where you change a diaper after only a small amount of urine or poop and in those cases if the mess is contained to the pod only then reusing the shell is a definite possibility.
The Price.
If your main reason for cloth diapering is to save your family money, price can be the decision maker. You must weigh the features, washability, ease of use, length of use, quality and price into your decision to invest. The SoftBums system has several desirable features, but with an MSRP of $29.95 for 1 Echo shell and 1 one size stay-dry Pod it might just out of reach for some families building an economical stash. If you’re concerned about the price, try following SoftBums retailers and look for package discounts, sales, cloth diaper discount codes, giveaways and certified pre-owned cloth diaper stockings.
The Prints.
Let’s face it, not matter what your main reason is to cloth diaper, the cute colors and prints keep you buying more! SoftBums offers a wide range of solid colors as well as some adorable prints you won’t find anywhere else!
To shop for SoftBums please visit SoftBums.com, locate a SoftBums retailer or shop through Cloth Diaper Geek’s Discount Codes.
*Patricia was provided a complimentary SoftBums for her honest review. All opinions are her own. This post does contain affiliate links.
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