AppleCheeks, You're The Apple Of My Eye!

                                                       Michael 8mo and Abby 18mo both wearing Size 2
 AppleCheeks, You're The Apple Of My Eye!
 By: Noreen Smith

                                                                         Michael 8mo (20lbs) in a Size 2


I had first heard of these Canadian Diapers while I was attending my weekly breastfeeding support group in Charleston SC. A fellow breastfeeding momma/friend had just received her first AppleCheeks and was putting it on her baby. Whenever I see a new diaper I ask a ton of questions about them and usually end up buying one myself to try out. After listening to her tell me about how great and trim this diaper was for her sweet chubby little boy, I HAD to try one! As soon as I got home and laid all three of my children down for a nap, I hopped on the computer to order my first AppleCheeks. I ended up buying a size 2 periwinkle for my (at the time) 20lb short chubby 8month old girl! I only ordered the envelope cover and decided I could just use one of my extra microfiber inserts to stuff inside the AppleCheeks from another diaper. Of course when I first got it in the mail, it was my new favorite diaper like they all are for the first few weeks. But like most of the other diapers, I quickly lost interest in it because it didn't fit her right, especially with that other diaper insert inside it. It sagged down to her knees and was weird and bulky underneath her clothes.

                                               Abby at 8mo in the Periwinkle Size 2 with other diaper insert

I ended up selling the envelope to my fellow breastfeeding momma/friend who loved these diapers so much and decided that this diaper was just not for me. Fast forward to four months later. After my best friend (Laura, owner of HCTs) had tried the whole little bundle, she was finally able to convince me to give AppleCheeks a second chance. Reluctantly, I bought another AppleCheeks, but this time a size 1 Raspberry Sorbet little bundle. As soon as I received AppleCheeks in the mail a few days later, I ripped open the package to try on my then 21.5lb skinnier 12mo old. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it fit her! It didn't sag down to her knees like the size 1 did and it was TRIM with that bamboo insert inside it!

                                                                                   Abby at 12mo in a Size 1 little bundle (BETTER FIT!)

Size 1 AppleCheeks became my favorite diaper that I was constantly reaching to in the diaper bin to use it over my other "favorites". I think this diaper spent more time in the diaper pail then it did in the diaper bin! 5 months after I had purchased the diaper, it was still one of my favorites, but it was beginning to get tight on her at 17mo and 22.5lbs and leave uncomfortable red marks from the elastic, so I traded it in and bought 7 size 2 AppleCheeks. I am still in LOVE with this diaper 6 months later and can happily say that Abby has TONS of growing room in her size 2. I love the Size 2s on her as much as I loved the Size 1 on her!

                                                                                                                  Abby at 17mo in a Size 2 Front view

The only thing that I wish was different was that there was a size between 1 and 2 as the Size 2 is a bit too big for her and the Size 1 is too small of her length wise.  

The Complete Apple Cheeks Overview: The Envelope Cover or outer shell of the AppleCheeks system consists of a waterproof outer layer of PUL and a buttery soft mircofleece lining on the inside. It has elastic on front and back that are great for infants learning how to sit up with out putting pressure on their precious belly or for toddlers who need the extra wiggle room. Another great feature that the envelope offers is that the pocket opening is on the inside of the diaper so you will never have to touch the insert after it has been soiled!! The insert will magically agitate out of the diaper on it's own in the wash cycle!!!  

The Insert is a 12"x15" that has two layers of ultra-soft 70% of rayon from bamboo and 30% of organic cotton fleece to give you the ultimate in comfort and absorbency. Fold this into thirds and you get six layers in the soak zone. Did I mention how soft this is? 

You can also get extra accessories with your Apple Cheeks that include:  
A Booster that is made with two layers of 70% rayon and 30% of organic cotton. This is a great way to bump up your system's absorbency. Fold it in half and place in front of the diaper in the pee zone for extra absorbency right where he/she needs it. 

The Stay-Dry Bamboo Booster combines in benifits of the stay-dry fleece layer with the added absorbency of two layers of super thirsty rayon. This grat accessory provides a great wetness barrier.  

Plush Bamboo Wipes can be used with Gentle Cleansing Solution for an easy clean-up. This product consist of 70% rayon and 30% cotton.  

The Storage Sacs are designed to keep odor and moisture in. Like the Envelop System, this product comes in two sizes. Size 1 is 15.5" high, 11" wide, and 3"deep. Size 2 is 25" high, 20.5" wide, and "4.5" inches deep. You can just throw them into your washload with your cloth diapers and then hand dry or tumble dry low.  

Washable Swim Diaper have two layers of 100% polyester Canadian-milled mesh that allows water to comforably move through the diaper while keeping any solids in. The swim diaper, like ALL swim diapers (disposable and washable) will not hold the pee in but are intended to hold the poo.  

Washable Nursing Pads are made of the same plush rayon from bamboo and cotton blend as the inserts are. The bottom half of the pad have three layers, while the top is tow layers, so that you get absorbency where you need it without added bulk. 

My pros in the AppleCheeks Envelope system are:
- Elastic on both front and back

- No pulling out a yucky soiled insert, it shimmies out on its own!

- Trim fitting for skinny jeans!

- Two options to choose from on how to use the diaper.


While my cons are:
- Doesn't hold my heavy wetter as long as other diaper brands that come with 2 microfiber inserts.

-You have to spend a little more money on two different sized diapers compared to a one time cost of a one sized diaper. (But it's worth it for the fantastic fit!) 


All in all, this diaper is one of my favorite diaper brands. After I was given the chance to review this product, I ordered more AppleCheeks. I just can't help but love the trimness of this diaper, plus the elastic waist band on both sides, AND that I don't have to pull inserts out!!

                                                                                                                                      Abby at 17mo with a Size 2


Happy Cotton Tails and AppleCheeks would love to give one lucky winner a HUGE AppleCheeks prize pack! This prize pack includes a AppleCheeks Little Bundle, AppleCheeks Diaper Liners, 6 Pack of AppleCheeks Plush Bamboo Wipes, 1 St Lucia Storage Sac & AppleCheeks Gentle Cleansing Solution! 

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Read This Blog And Post Below Your Favorite Part Of The Review
2. Follow This Blog And Post Below That You Do
3. Follow HCT's On Facebook
4. Follow AppleCheeks On Facebook 
5. Thank AppleCheeks For Sponsoring This Blog On Their Facebook Page 

RULES

Contest ends April 30, 2011 at 12 pm EST. All entries must be entered prior to this time to be valid. Happy Cotton Tails reserves the right to choose the color of the prize. Winner will be announced on the blog and the winner must notify Laura at Laura at happycottontails dot com within 48 hours of the winner being announced to claim the prize. After 48 hours a new winner will be chosen and the first winner will be disqualified. You may post all entries on one entry but it will be counted as one entry so I recommend doing a seperate entry for each available entry option. All entries will be verified!

Good Luck And Happy Diapering! <3 HCTs!