I thought since I am a big cloth advocate that I should start reviewing some of the bits of cloth I use to hopefully convince a few more people that using cloth is easy, fun and cute, and let people know what works for me and what doesn't. Since Miss Isabelle is wearing a Flexi Wrap by Tots Bots this morning, I thought I'd start there!
Tots Bots Flexi Wrap:
Details:A sized PUL wrap with applix fastenings
Size 0: birth-12lbs
Size 1: 10-20lbs
Size 2: 20-35lbs
Fit:
To be honest my first impressions of this wrap were not good. It seemed like the elastic was not as thick and tight as on my other wraps, and wouldn't give a good, tight, close fit on Isabelle. It also seemed huge compared to other size 1 wraps, so I wasn't convinced at all. But that was very wrong! Yes, the elastic is not as tight, but it still gives a great fit and doesn't leave horrible red marks around her legs like some other brands. The applix fastening at the waist makes it so easy to get a great waist fit, and the legs follow suit.
The wrap IS bigger than many others (my other size 1 wraps starts at 7/8lb which is why they are smaller) but I find that much more useful. I'm not constantly worrying if the whole nappy is covered like I do with other wraps. I also find it great to use at night because it is a bigger fit.
Containment:
As I wasn't convinced about the fit at first, I was sure these would be horrible at containing anything which managed to escape her nappy. Again - wrong! We have never had anything escape this wrap. It seems to be pretty much bombproof!
Washing:
So easy to wash with the nappies and very quick to dry on my airer.
Ease of use:
I'm yet to encounter anyone who can't put this wrap on - even Isabelle's somewhat "nappy challenged" aunt has no issue with this!
Appearance and quality:
As you can see from the picture below, we have the Jubilee print, and we also have a story print - 3 Little Pigs. The wraps come in the same colours and prints as the Easyfit nappies, and I think there is a great range and they are just adorable! This Jubilee print is my favorite of any we own, and I know it's Simon's favorite too.
The quality is perfect - the PUL is so, so soft, and it all looks and feels great. The PUL also seems thinner than on other wraps, so it's very trim.
Cost:
Block colours are £8.99 on the Tots Bots website, and I bought our prints from Funky Monkey Pants for £10.75. This might SOUND expensive, especially since you still need a nappy to go underneath, but it's comparable with other brands, and since I use them every day/other day, it's definitely worth it!
Bug bears:
The only thing I don't like about these wraps is that there are no laundry tabs for the applix fastenings. These wraps ALWAYS seem to be the culprit of any nappy chains coming out of the washing machine! A very little thing, but since there is one in every load, it's annoying. I would also like to see double gussets on these. As I said, we haven't had any containment issues, but double gussets just give me peace of mind, and are a personal preference.
Overall:
Overall, I give these wraps a 4/5. They are great at everything they do, and so gorgeous to look at, with only the laundry tab issue holding them back from a 5. I started with one before Isabelle was born, and like them so much I bought another that I really didn't need! Since they are so great at nighttime, I know I'll be buying them in the next size up and using them for a long while yet.
If you've used the Flexi Wrap, how did you find it?