OK, so one of the leading cloth diaper manufacturers has unveiled two new lines of diapers, I was really looking forward to seeing them, but so far, I can't seem to get behind them. I'm awful (awful!) for only considering my own opinion when making purchasing decisions, so I'm going to ask you what you think... maybe my gut reaction is wrong!
Cotton Babies, the manufacturers of the bumGenius line of one-size diapers, have introduced their new Flip diapers and Econobum diapers at the show, both are one-size concepts.
The Flip diapers basically consist of a cover that has a small gusset at either end, you line it with an insert, which can be either microterry (think a pocket diaper insert), organic cotton, or a biodegradable option. The gist is that rather than change the whole diaper, you change the insert. If I had to liken it to anything available on the market right now, I would say it's quite similar to the GroBaby system, which we already stock. I think one of the big difficulties of getting parents to consider cloth diapers is the overwhelming nature of the decision due to the variety in style and brand that's available. I know that this will likely be considered 'the next best thing', but I'm not sure if there's value in stocking more than one interation of the same type of product -- at what point is 'enough enough'?
Their new Econobum system is a one-size prefold paired with a one-size cover, they are billing it as the 'simple affordable' choice. Call me crazy, but I thought good ol' *sized* prefolds, which have been available for years and years, were the 'simple affordable' choice already.... given that an infant sized prefold is already bulky on a newborn, how would a one-size prefold fit? I've never understood the concept of a one-size cover (which, by the way, many manufacturers have debuted, and guess what? They all look the same!), covers are not an expensive item when you consider they aren't washed with every use, and fit is important... I don't care how good it is, a one-size anything is never going to fit as well as its sized counterpart. But again, with all they hype around these products, people will enevitably ask for them, and I hate to disappoint! Of course, by the same token, I don't want to scare parents off, their eyes already glaze over when we give them the rundown of their available choices.
So what do you think? Do I stock it just becuase it's available and people will ask for it? Or do I spend time and money sourcing products that really offer something new (and worthwhile) to our existing selection? Now that there are so many stores selling cloth diapers (moreso in Ottawa, what is up with that??), I really have to think long and hard about my purchases. Your feedback would be welcome, perhaps these two new lines are gems, and I'm just missing it? I wait with baited breath for your words of wisdom, b/c seriously, I just can't decide myself!
susie ;)
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the flip diaper sounds just like the grobaby. :/
ReplyDeleteThe brand name might help it sell better but i think having too many choices of the same style of diaper will just overwhelm people, especially ppl that are new to cloth diapers.
The Econobum system seems like a waste to me. if people want to use prefolds/covers they will just stick to the basics.. how much more bulk does the one size prefold add to the already bulky prefolds..
id have to agree with you and say to skip it..
hi - i think that you should go with your gut. you have seen many brands and styles, and if you think that what you have is the best, then stick with it. we the consumers go on your recommendations, and obviously if you stock it, you need to believe in it! :)
ReplyDeleteIs the flip diaper like the AMP one size duo? Where you can just place the insert on top if you like?
ReplyDeleteI'm on the fence about Flip - like the idea of a disposable insert, which is maybe a bit less garbage than a regular 'sposie, when we're out and about and not using cloth. But....my 3 month old can totally soak a prefold with one pee, so I'm not sure the little insert in the Flip is going to cut it for her.
ReplyDeleteI think Econobum is a bit of a scam. I agree, no different from regular old prefolds, just jazzed up to impress newbies to CD'ing.
Econobum system sounds like a dud. I assume the cost is more expensive than buying prefolds and 3 different sized covers, and if indeed it is slightly less costly to buy, then there is also the fit issue - just as with one sized pocket diaper options, you'll never have as good of a fit with a one sized prefold. (plus one sized diapers generally have a smaller insert to use when you are using the smallest size)
ReplyDeleteThe flip diaper does sound like the grow baby, but you have lots of options of one sized/pocket diapers/covers in the store. It won't hurt to have another "Gro-Baby" style diaper option to choose from. Is there a cost difference between the Gro-Baby and Flip systems?
So... I vote No to stocking the "Econobum" and Yes to stocking the "Flip Diaper".
Mary :)
I, too, think your instincts are right on the money.
ReplyDeleteThe Flip does sound a lot like the Gro Baby diaper. Personally, I'm not interested in either. They sound similar to g-diapers and my son would just make too much of a mess for them to work as they should -- we'd be soiling the "shells" all the time. As for the Econobum, it sounds ridiculous! Prefolds are already pretty darn cheap, and I can't imagine trying to put a one-size prefold and cover on a newborn. I agree with you that sized covers make way more sense and are inexpensive enough as is.
Don't bother with these products, that's my opinion!
I'm 'meh' on the idea of the Flip, but I find it hard to get behind the GroBaby: I had big, frequent poopers and I'd have easily gone through 8 - 10 shells a day from soiling. If I wanted to be washing the whole thing everytime, I'd just go w/ a conventional pocket diaper.
ReplyDeleteEconobum? Bleh. Good old prefolds work like a dream and would fit better than a OS prefold. Also, a OS cover would wear out more quickly than a 2 size system, like Thirsties Duo Wraps or the AMP shells.
I think your gut is right. You already have diapers similar to these in the store. Keep the info they provide about it, in case the companies taht you carry discontinue them.
ReplyDeleteBelinda
You have been doing this long enough to know what is good and what's not. The only thing that I am a bit curious about is the size of the OS prefolds. I find the large prefolds huge and they don't seem to fit properly until so late (long after they've outgrown the infant size). Mind you, you could have another size and I just don't know about them.
ReplyDeleteBrige
trust your gut!!! i agree whole heartedley!
ReplyDeleteI agree, dont go for it. Just doesnt seem worth it when like you said there are other options out there that are very similar, and better than these two new systems. If people do come in and ask for it show them GroBaby and good old fashioned prefolds and covers :)Mandy
ReplyDeleteI think cloth diapers are more popular and each company will try to put a product on the market that will catch the eye of parents. The two products that you are talking about do look similar to things already existing on the market. The part with the disposable insert is different, but not necessary a good thing. Some cities burn the garbages and that kind of insert is as damageable to the environment than a traditional disposable diaper. I have the same opinion on the subject! Thank you for the smart shopping Suzie!
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with you and most other posts - I love my prefolds but am very picky about fit and would therefore stay away from a one-sized system. Also, the Flip/GroBaby type diaper doesn't appeal to me, though it may be worth stocking the Flip just to provide more selection in that style of diaper.
ReplyDeleteMy only other consideration would be the colours and prints offered in these products. I'm a sucker for pretty diapers!
Ultimately, you have to trust your gut! You know what works and what sells.
PS - what is with all the cloth diaper retailers in Ottawa?! Selection here in Toronto is really limited!
Go with your gut. I wouldn't go to the trouble if you already have things that are similar. I agree with the sized vs. one size argument. Fit is very important.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I wouldn`t buy either.
ReplyDeleteAnd I`m a big fan of one-size proucts. These just seem gimmicky and redundant.
Melissa F
as a mom to be, i find it SO overwhemling with the endless choise out there. so far i have one mother ease, one gro baby, and one monkey doodle AIO
ReplyDeletenot sure if i will like the grobaby, i feel like baby poop will seep off the liner and into the cover, instead of just changing the liner. hmm guess i need to try it out..
ive been told to buy a few diff. kinds to see what i like before buying justmany of one brand.
these two dont seem that appealing to me, just another name for already tons of diapers on the market.
that smy thoughtS!
neither appeal to me ... maybe its because getting into the world of cloth was exciting for me so the choices didn't seem overwhelming. One-size was never appealing to me... but I know lots of parents that it is appealing to. And I would probably be more into prefolds if we had some more sizing options in Canada, like Green Mountain Diapers. So a one-size prefold - no way.
ReplyDeleteDisposable insert??? Doesn't that defeat the purpose of cloth diapers? And what's it made of? And if it is biodegradable, what's going to keep ppl from wrapping it in a plastic bag before throwing away...only to sit in a landfill forever. What keeps the insert in place in the middle?
ReplyDeleteI will say this though, the packaging is pretty and very appealing...
Hi Susie - I agree with most of the other wise women here - just re-branding existing concepts (although the flip does have snaps instead of aplix a la GroBaby and GroBaby is getting some flack for their aplix not lasting well). I went to considerable effort to get FOUR sizes of top-quality prefolds for this little bean I am expecting (sister sent them up from Green Mountain Diaper in the US b/c they don't ship here), so a one-size prefold seems CRAZY to me - I agree with Gloria! Have FUN!!!
ReplyDeleteArwen
Definitely NO to econobum. One-size prefold = unproper fit at any age. I find that a "one size fits all" often turns out to be "one size fits none".
ReplyDeleteThe Flip seems interesting, but wouldn't the cover get kind of soiled most of the time? I'd definitely try it.. it has novelty appeal.
Helene ;)
I am going to differ from the rest of the comments... different is good, right? I popped by the k/w store yesterday to pick a few things up (restocked on the amber teething necklaces - yepee)! True, not overwhelming the customer is super important - I thank you for that. However - you do carry a couple of the same types of diapers, choice can be good - i.e. I prefer the motherease, to the bambozala and kissaluvs fitted! Nice that the choice was there! For many of your products you carry a few brands of the same, and every diaper fits every baby different! I love that I had the choice of 2 - 3 similar covers for my prefolds! My thought, wait a bit, see on diaperpin or from word of mouth what people are saying about the two systems, I'm talking grow baby and flip - the other makes no sense? I like the sounds of flip myself! That said - I love your store, and it seems you make awesome decisions - go with your gut, because you have done a great job this far!
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone's comments, I passed on the Econobums, but I placed a good order for Flip diapers (which only come in ribbit, moonbeam, and zinnia). I like the fact it's wipeable, and I do love the bumGenius fit and snap placement -- I went with only stay-dry, so this way, customers have a different option. We won't be stocking any type of biodegradable inserts though (not GroBaby or Flip), I've made the decision not to go there.
ReplyDeletesusie ;)
I'd vote no on both.
ReplyDeletePeople might want the biodegradable insert option for traveling... that way you don't have to use disposables. (eg. when I've gone to Mexico and Jamaica I used disposables, albeit I wasn't happy about it. if we had stocked one of the options above I would have considered getting a few covers and some liners instead and waskled the covers in the sink...)
ReplyDeleteI know I'm late to join this conversation, but I would like to vote for you to carry the Gro-Baby biodegradable inserts as well. They would be great for travelling as an alternative to using disposable diapers, and I've also heard they work well to turn regular underpants into training pants. My stubborn preschoolers aren't keen on wearing cloth training pants since they don't look enough like underpants, so I end up buying expensive and non-biodegradable pull-ups.
ReplyDelete