A few years ago, I purchased many different low-cost cloth diapers from AliExpress to learn more about the diapers. I figured as a cloth diaper educator, it was important to better understand the products that people frequently bought and used because of their accessibility and affordability. That means I bought these pocket diapers, this Elf AIO, and the Happy Flute Covers. This is a review of the Happy Flute Cover in both snaps and hook & loop.
Finding the Best Cheap Cloth Diaper
Cheap cloth diapers are cheap because you purchase them direct from the manufacturer without any additional costs associated with operating a small business in your region (i.e. import fees, compliance regulations, small business fees, and more). Sometimes cheap cloth diapers are cheaper because their design is simple and the materials used are different. Cloth diaper brands often customize the cut, shape, and design of the diapers manufactured overseas to work for them – this includes additional snaps, unique features, and sometimes even custom materials.
To learn more about how cloth diaper brands work with manufacturers to create their own custom products, listen to the Cloth Diaper Podcast.
When I ordered cheap diapers, the trend that I noticed was the cheapest of the diapers were like tissues with thin PUL, poor snap placement, and lack lustre design. But, when you started to hit the $7-10 price point, you begin to see the features and designs that work for families and give you what you need at a basic cost.
What is a Cloth Diaper Cover
A Cloth Diaper Cover is just a waterproof exterior shell. You need to add an insert or additional absorbency to absorb pee. The job of a cover is to keep the clothing dry. This is a two part system that can be paired with inserts, flat diapers, prefolds, or fitted cloth diapers.
Learn more about different types of Cloth Diapers.
How to use a shirt as a cloth diaper insert
How to use receiving blankets as an insert
About the Happy Flute Cloth Diaper Cover
I’ll start out with… I’m generally impressed with the Happy Flute Cloth Diapers. I find that of all the cheap diapers I have bought this is most comparable to other budget brands available in North America. This manufacuturer is the most likely to be working with your favourite brands to create products that work. This diaper reminds me of the quality of the Osocozy cover and is very functional.
The only reason I don’t love it is because I love supporting the passionate work of local entrepreneurs. It’s okay to buy diapers for other reasons such as the people behind them. It’s also okay to buy cheap diapers direct from the manufacturer like these ones available on AliExpress, at retailers, and Amazon.
Available in Snaps and Hook & Loop
These are one size diapers with three rise settings, waterproof PUL, and a tummy panel. Bonus, if you love a double gusset, it has a double gusset. Double gusset is an extra elastic in the leg to provide the girth needed for thicker inserts. There’s no back pocket (that’s fine) and no interior snaps. This diaper is only $5.80 direct from AliExpress – requires shipping from China.
There’s not much to this diaper because it’s just a cover. Cloth Diaper covers are just pul and there’s not much you’re looking for besides durability, fit, and function. This is a thicker pul, it has weight to and the snaps work. The Hook & Loop is mediocre but so is many others. This diaper would be easy for hands but also means easy for others to remove.
I think this diaper is best suited for flats, prefolds and inserts but may work with fitted diapers. I am concerned the sewn in label may result in leaks – a toss in the dryer would solve that (most likely). I would not use the PUL belly panel to tuck inserts into. I would rather use it as reinforced PUL to reduce wicking. This PUL belly panel is a little low and if PUL gets wet it spreads. But this might be something you have to experiment with to get the best experience for your kid.
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