TushMate Cloth Diaper Review

TushMate, a relative newcomer to the cloth diaper scene, combines the best features from several styles in their innovative diaper cover.  Read our full review to learn more about why we love this diaper cover.
 

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Introduction

I love to test out new brands of diapers, but I don't usually write up a review of every brand I try.  That is, unless they impress me enough to share with my readers!

TushMate Cloth Diapers caught my eye last year when they launched.  Any diaper that claims to have the flexibility that TushMate does is definitely one I'd like to try.  I mean, these things come with a manual! 

TushMate claims that their diaper covers can be used as an all-in-three, all-in-two, cover, pocket, or hybrid diaper.  I've been testing out their diaper cover for a few months, and I agree with them.  All-in-twos are my favorite system, but I loved how flexible the TushMate system was, and I found I used it in lots of different ways! 

• We put compostable gDiaper inserts in it while we were camping
• I added the stay-dry barrier over my flats when my son developed a bit of redness
• We used this as a cover over prefolds
  

This diaper is constructed with an outer layer of PUL waterproof material.  It comes with a snap-in stay-dry barrier layer.

TushMate sells their covers separately with an included snap-in stay-dry liner, or as part of a starter kit that includes inserts.  They also sell extra inserts and stay-dry liners separately so that you can use the cover for multiple diaper changes.  I tested this diaper primarily as a cover, since I only purchased one set of inserts (in a hemp/organic cotton blend) from TushMate.

Move Aside, Flips!

This cover has a wipeable interior, making it an ideal all-in-two or diaper cover.  While I have several Flip covers in my stash, I found always reach for my TushMate cover first.  In all honesty, I am now thinking of selling my Flips.

What do you love about this diaper?

I always loved my Flip covers, so for me to say that TushMate has found a place in my heart, it's got to be a pretty good little cover.  So, what's so great about TushMate?

Tuckable Back Flap - I've always found that the Flip back flap is a little short (see green diaper in photo below) and when I use it with prefolds, they sometimes wiggle out as I put it on a wiggly baby.  TushMate's diaper has a longer back flap that holds the prefold snugger, keeping it in place more easily.

Stay-Dry Barrier Option - for anyone with a fussy baby that doesn't like wetness, the snap-in stay-dry liner is a wonderful addition to this diaper.  (It also makes cleaning up messy diapers easier, since poop sprays off of suedecloth more easily than it does off of natural fibers)  If you plan to use this diaper cover as an all-in-two or cover over flats or prefolds, you'll be glad to hear that you can buy these liners separately too!  Covers can usually be re-used more than once between washes unless they are visibly soiled, and so it's nice that you don't have to buy extra covers to complete the system.  TushMate sells additional snap-in stay-dry liners in sets of 3 for $5.88.

4 Rise Settings - As shown in the photo below, with 3 rows of sockets and one row of studs, this diaper has even more adjustment options (4 vs 3) than the Flip cover, which only has 2 rows of sockets.

Snug leg and back elastics (shown above) - when you're using flats or prefolds, the a snug fit in the cover matters!  We've been using the Tushmate cover for about 4 months now, and I've found it to be reliable (we never had a single leak or explosion out of this diaper!)

How do you think this diaper fits relative to other diapers?

TushMate markets their diaper as a one-size option that fits from birth to potty-training (7 to 35+ lbs).   I didn't try this diaper on my son until he was around 14 lbs, and it fit well then on the first rise setting with a few snaps in the middle. 

This diaper does not have cross-over waist, but it does have nice and tightly gathered leg and back elastics that will help it fit smaller babies.  The trimness of this diaper will depend on whether you use the Tushmate inserts (least bulky), flats (relatively trim), or prefolds (bulkiest).

What would you change about this diaper?

One little thing that bugged me about this diaper is the label placement.  It doesn't change how much I love this cover, but I would certainly love it even more if the label was on the tab instead!  In the first few months of life, babies spend a lot of time on their backs.  I find that when the inserts get saturated, back labels can be an issue.  This cover was no exception - a few times, we experienced moisture wicking around the stitching of the label when baby was laying on his back.

At time of writing, TushMate has been in business for just over a year.  When launched, they offered 3 gender neutral colors - orange (as shown), blue, and chocolate brown.  They've recently added a cute yellow color.  I love all 4 of the hues, but I would love to see TushMate start to produce these covers available in additional colors and prints.  With its flexibility and affordability, TushMate is one of those diapers that could form the majority of a stash for some parents - but most people will want more variety in prints and colors than is currently available.

The only other comment I would make is about the packaging.  My TushMate diaper and insert arrived in separate plastic packaging with resealable plastic zippers (shown below).  I can see this packaging being great in a retail store where it could keep diapers neat and clean and looking great, but I found it to be a bit of overkill for an on-line order.  Most diaper brands come with a recyclable card stock wrapper band, and I think this would be sufficient for TushMate without creating excess waste or cost for the consumer.

Would I recommend it to a friend?

Yes, on a scale of 1 to 4 (with 1 being never, and 4 being absolutely!), I give TushMate covers a 4.  I have several Flip covers in my stash, but I reach for this TushMate first every time.  The pricing is comparable to (but slightly higher than) Flips: without the inserts, the TushMate cover is priced at $16.58 each and comes with a snap-in stay-dry liner; Flip covers retail for around $14 each.

I prefer to use these covers with prefolds and flats, rather than the TushMate inserts.  Prefolds and flats are less expensive, and I found them to be just as absorbent (maybe even more absorbent!) than the TushMate cotton/hemp inserts.  I find that as a cover or pocket, the TushMate system pairs really well with both pad-folded flats and prefolds.

Where to Buy

TushMate sells diapers directly from their online store.  They offer free US shipping on all orders over $25, and free Canadian shipping on all orders over $50.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review, and purchased my TushMate starter kit at retail price.  The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own, and your experience with the product may differ from mine. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. This post contains affiliate links.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” For more information, see our Disclaimer and Copyright.

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