CLOSED: LilHelper.ca Review & Giveaway

I always love supporting good, homegrown Canadian companies, and Lil Helper is one of the neatest cloth diaper suppliers I've found in a while. Run by quirky friends and business partners Mohammed and Nader, this business is a labor of love that aims to better not only the cloth diapering realm but also the world in general. Right off the bat, I was impressed by their vow to supply one cloth diaper to a child in need for every 3 purchased by the consumer. They also boast free and fast shipping anywhere in Canada as well as some of the wittiest web site writing I've seen in a while ;) This is a great company with a terrific lineup of unique and innovative products, and I'm happy to share them all with you in this two-thumbs up review!

Up for review, the guys sent me a generous care package to sample all their wares. As for diapers, they sent me one of each type that they supply: an organic charcoal bamboo diaper (in red), a bamboo cloth diaper (in green), and an original cloth diaper (in grey stars print).

Charcoal Bamboo Diaper (in red). Though the round tabs do roll a little, they still achieve a highly flexible fit!

All three diapers had the same overall shape and style to them. These one-size diapers adjust for small-medium-large in the rise with sturdy snaps that make each of these diapers fit from approximately 7-35lbs, which means you'll only have to buy them once (a great way to save money!). All Lil Helper diapers have stretchy, round tabs that pull across the belly for an easy fit. Although I usually prefer square tabs (because they don't roll as badly), these round ones did the trick and still allowed for cross-over capabilities, which provides a great degree of flexibility for fit (even when baby might seem to be "in between" typical diaper sizes).

These AI2 diapers feature snap-in liners that can be layered.  Seen here are the unbleached cotton inserts.

These diapers fit great even for a toddler on the go!

At first, I expected these to be pocket diapers, when in fact they are actually all-in-two diapers instead. What this means is that instead of being stuffed below the inner lining, the absorbant inserts are actually fastened on TOP of the inner liner by means of two other internal snaps. These snaps hold it in place at both the front and the back. Each diaper comes with two inserts: a large insert and a small insert, which can actually both be STACKED (and snapped together to prevent any possibly shifting within the diaper) for even more absorption. What this means in terms of laundry is that, once wet or soiled, the insert can simply be snapped out and a new one can be snapped into the same shell, provided the cover hasn't been soiled. The only other diapers I've tried like this were Best Bottom diapers, and I actually prefer these Lil Helper diapers better as the insides of the shells are more natural and softer (no PUL next to the skin), and the inserts are able to absorb FAR more than a Best Bottom insert (which has a synthetic topper). All the Lil Helper inserts keep natural materials (cotton or bamboo) next to baby's sensitive skin!

The charcoal bamboo liners are super soft and fuzzy

These layered inserts work so well, in fact, that even my 17 month old heavy wetting daughter was able to nap in a Lil Helper diaper (with double-stacked bamboo inserts) with no leaks. She typically leaks through any pocket diapers I own now during nap time (especially as she is a tummy sleeper). Usually naps and bedtime mean disposable diapers for us, so it is nice to find a simple new cloth alternative that works!

Organic bamboo cloth diaper in green

The other thing I like about Lil Helper diapers is that all their shells and inserts are interchangeable. Laundry becomes less picky when you can snap the cotton inserts into the bamboo shells or vice versa (as long as you're not finicky about colors matching). That being said, the Charcoal Bamboo shell and liners were my absolute favorite; not only are they super, SUPER soft, but I love that the interior is grey in color so they will hide stains very well.

Lil Helper doesn't only stock cloth diapers, however! They also have my favorite cloth wipes to date!! I have tried a great many cloth wipes, and of all the ones I've tried and reviewed, these are my total favorites! They are made of super duper soft bamboo that doesn't crust up even in my washing routine (no vinegar, no fabric softener, no dryer sheets). Typically cloth wipes can feel a little "crusty" once they've been laundered for a while, but these have stayed very very soft (like velvet!) after many washes. For a newborn, these are definitely the wipes I will be using next time around!

Lil Helper stocks eco-friendly bamboo cloth wipes and two types of wetbags!

Lastly, Lil Helper also carries wetbags of both the zippered and drawstring variety, depending on what your preference is. The zippered wetbag is extremely well-constructed (better than many I've tried). The zipper is very flat and well-sealed to prevent wicking or leaks. It has a sleek design and comes in bright, punchy colors. The handle snaps open and shut to easily dangle from a doorknob or rail wherever needed. This tiny wetbag folds up so compact in a diaper bag yet can fit 3-4 soiled diapers easily. At only $8.00, it's a real steal! The drawstring wetbag is even cheaper at only $6.00! Constructed of the same quality material, this wetbag also holds 3-4 dirty diapers and has a well-made elastic and drawstring clip. I personally prefer zippered wetbags over drawstring wetbags (simply because they contain leaks a little better), but if you simply wanted a wetbag to simply have hanging somewhere (rather than lumped on the floor or in a diaper bag like mine often are), then this would be a stellar little bag for you!

Overall, I am highly impressed with Lil Helper's professionalism, innovation, and quality products. Any of you will be lucky to win the generous prize (valued at $120!!) they're contributing down below--good luck!! :)

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BUY IT:
Head over to Lil Helper right now and browse through all their cute diapers & accessories!

WIN IT:
Lil Helper is also offering one lucky winner an AMAZING GIFT PACK VALUED AT $120!  You will receive one of each of the diapers (3 altogether) that I tried above, an extra pack of liners for each type, a package of bamboo wipes, and two wetbags (one of each type!).  WOW, WOW, WOW!!


GIVEAWAY ENDS 02/17/11 at 11:59 PM MST
OPEN ONLY TO CANADA & THE UNITED STATES
Please read all the Giveaway Policies and Rules before participating.**EACH comment must have an easily accessible email address**

REMEMBER:
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WAYS TO ENTER:

1. Follow the Cloth Diaper Contests & Giveaways blog with Google Friend Connect (leave username in comments if not obvious)
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7. Tweet this contest and tag @CDcontests and @lilhelper_ca (max. 1 tweet per day). Leave the permalink in the comments section. (1 entry each tweet) You may use the following tweet if you wish:
#Win a $120 @lilhelper_ca #clothdiapers prize pack via @CDcontests (02/17) http://bit.ly/ys4mI1 #ecofriendly #contest #giveaway
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Final details: I received financial compensation for administering this review & giveaway as well as receiving the sample items free of charge. All opinions shared are my own, and I was not persuaded to share anything other than my own honest thoughts.  Other users may have different experiences with this product than what I have shared. This giveaway will end on February 17, 2011 at 11:59pm MST and is open to residents of Canada and the USA only. Winner will be chosen randomly using random.org’s services. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen. The prize will be supplied and mailed out to the winner by the sponsor of this giveaway.