Giveaway: AppleCheeks Diapers

As you know (if you read my previous post...), today is Lincoln's 5th month birthday!  I thought this would be the perfect day to announce another giveaway opportunity for one of you lucky readers.  What's on the plate?  AppleCheeks diapers!

AppleCheeks are a new type of cloth diapering system out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  Creators Ilana Grostern and Amy Appleton Venu sent Lincoln and I a diaper, 2 inserts, and booster to review a few weeks ago, and we have been using it in our rotation ever since! 

 

How it works

AppleCheeks diapers are unique in that they can be used either as a pocket diaper with an insert stuffed inside, or as a cover with the insert folded and laid on top.  The opening for the pocket is "envelope" style--instead of opening at the back end of the diaper, AppleCheeks open across the middle, creating an extra wide opening that is super easy to stuff.  While I was impressed with the ease of stuffing, I admit I was dreading the first "messy" (you know what I mean) diaper because I did not want to have to touch said "mess" to remove the insert for washing.  So, when said "mess" did occur, I decided the best course of action was to run a little experiment.  I left the insert inside, tossed it in the diaper pail, and when wash day came around, tossed the whole set into the washer.  Lo and behold, the insert washed itself out!  No touching involved at all!!  This is a HUGE plus for me.  I hate having to touch soggy inserts, so if I can just let the machine take care of that for me, BONUS!  I did search the website to see if this was the recommended way to manage the insert removal, and couldn't find any validation there so I asked Ilana via e-mail.  Sure enough, that is what they were designed to do!  That is GREAT engineering, if you ask me!

The Details

AppleCheeks is a 2-size diaper system.  Size 1 fits babies 7-20lbs.  Lincoln was sent a size 2, which is designed to fit babies 18-40 lbs.  Although Lincoln is only (ha!  only...) 16.9 lbs, we went with size 2 so that he'd be able to wear it longer.  It actually fits him great.  The diaper can be adjusted in size via a series of snaps, so we just set it at the smallest size and were good to go.

There are 10 gorgeous colors to choose from--we went with the Cherry Tomato, but it was a close call between that and St. Lucia...In addition to

our Cherry Tomato cover, we were sent 1 Hemp insert, 1 Bamboo insert, and 1 Bamboo booster to review.  The inserts themselves are flat and to use them, you tri-fold them (like a prefold--or, in non-diaper terms, like a letter).  The first way we tried these was using the Bamboo insert laid inside the cover.  I was skeptical that we'd be able to reuse the cover, thinking that the pee would soak through the insert and onto the fleece lining, but I was wrong!  When I went to change Lincoln, the only thing that was wet 

was the insert.  So, tossed that in the pail and went

on to experiment #2--the hemp insert stuffed in the pocket, with the bamboo booster laid on top.  I love how soft the bamboo is, and how absorbent the hemp is, so I figured that was a perfect combo.  Worked great!

The Website

The AppleCheeks website has some very helpful video tutorials for how to use the diapers.  In addition, there is a very extensive FAQ section, detailed care instructions, a contact form if support is needed, and a toll-free contact number.  I have e-mailed Ilana several times and always received a prompt response, so I can see that customer service is a priority!

Favorite Features

Not having to remove the insert for washing, the flat inserts (quick dry time), and the super softness of the bamboo!

Would I change anything?

This is the tough part--there are so many GREAT things about these diapers, how to come up with something to improve upon?  One thing I would love to see is a greater variety of color selection.  The colors available are beautiful, but maybe a bit limited.  

Note:  I know the color of the diaper I have is called Cherry Tomato--but, check out the incredible match to the red Hibiscus from our yard in the picture above.  They almost blend together, the colors were so identical!

What can you win?

Ilana and Amy at AppleCheeks have generously offered to give one lucky reader of Our Lincoln Log an envelope cover in the color of your choosing, plus 2 inserts and 1 booster (you pick the fabric!).   All you have to do to enter is follow the rules below:

Mandatory Entry Method:

Take a peek at the AppleCheeks website--locate their FAQ section and come back here and tell me one thing you learned about AppleCheeks diapers!

(This method must be completed for any subsequent entries to count)

BE SURE to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you, or have your profile set to public so I can find your e-mail--either way will work!

Bonus Entries:

You can earn additional entries by completing any or all of the following.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry!:

1.  Follow @AppleCheekDipe on Twitter and tweet this giveaway!  Be sure to link to your tweet. (1 extra entry)

2.  Become a fan of AppleCheeks on Facebook and let me know that you did (or if you already were!).  Please leave your Facebook name so I can find you! (1 extra entry)

3.  Sign up to receive the AppleCheeks e-mail newsletter (on their website) and let me know that you did. (1 extra entry)

4.  Follow my blog (see right hand column of blog...), or if you already do, let me know!  (1 extra entry)

You can also do either one of the following:

5.  For bloggers:  blog about this giveaway!  Leave a link back to this post and to AppleCheeks website. Leave the permalink to your post in the comments!  (3 extra entries)

OR

6.  For non-bloggers:  send an e-mail telling at least 3 other people about this giveaway!  Include a link to this post and to AppleCheeks website in your e-mail, and be sure to CC me! (ourlincolnlog AT gmail DOT com).  Let me know you did so in the comments!  (3 extra entries)

AND, bonus daily entry method!

You can earn one extra entry PER DAY by coming back here and telling me one additional tidbit about AppleCheeks diapers~this can be anything from an answer from the FAQ, to their history about how they came to be, to your favorite color of diaper.  Please include the words "daily bonus entry" in your comment =]

❀ This giveaway is now closed!!  Thanks to everyone for entering.  I will post the winner later today! ❀

The fine print:  This contest will close on Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 at 9:00 AM.  Comments will close at that time and a winner will be chosen via Random.org.  Winner will be announced here and contacted via e-mail within 24 hours of contest closing.  Winner will have 72 hours to reply.  If winner does not reply within that time frame, a new winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is open to US and Canadian shipping addresses.  Please refer to all rules and policies here.