Review: Itti*Bitti Tutto Photo Review

I'm very excited to introduce you to the newest author to join Bitsy Buzz! You first met Anna in her GroVia review, and I'm quite pleased to announce she'll be guest authoring review posts over the upcoming months (you astute Bitsy Buzz readers might also notice she's the fabulous WAHM behind the Lily & Sparrow covers. 

Through August 16th, buy two or more itti*bitti tuttos and get an extra goodie in your package! Just  mention Anna's name at checkout (in the 'notes to seller' field, or feel free to drop me an email if you forget). Also, don't miss the itti*bitti prints sale on now, good while supplies last (the prints are retired, to be replaced by new prints next month!). 

Without further delay, here's Anna! 

A few months back, I started hearing mama's rave about a diaper called the "Itti Bitti Tutto." I had never even heard of it, so of course, I googled it! My Google search led me to the Itti Bitti website page--with pictures of the most squishy soft, luscious diapers I had ever seen! It was there that I saw a picture of the "Danube" print and I fell in love. Captivated by its beauty for weeks, I no longer could resist and I ordered it (from our own IBB of course!!).

When it arrived, I was not disappointed! It was so luxuriously soft and the colors were so vibrant, I knew that this was true love. ;) As you well know, beauty is as beauty does. Could this diaper hold my affection? Was it possible for it to truly be so pretty, trim, absorbent and leak-free? Read on to find out!

OVERVIEW

Brand: Itti Bitti Tutto

Print: Danube (Many other prints & solid colors are available!)

Type: All in One (AIO) or All in Two (AI2)

Size: One size fits most from birth through potty training

Material: Minky Outer, Ultra-soft lining, Bamboo Inserts topped with suedecloth (suedecloth-topped microfiber inserts also available, purchased separately)

Price: $26.95

DESIGN

In short, the Itti Bitti Tutto is one of the most innovative and uniquely constructed cloth diapers I have ever seen! It is quite evident that the Itti Bitti Tutto was designed with both function and form in mind, and I must say, it is a beautiful union! Itti Bitti has managed to create a diaper that is not only nice to look at, but also wonderful to use due to their attention to functional details.

Outside You will find the softest, most vibrant minky ever! Usually this is a sure guarantee that the diaper will be bulky given the "plump" nature of minky--but this minky manages to be plush and trim. There is a snap-down rise on the front, with a single row of snaps at the waist.

My favorite feature is that the waist snaps can cross-over. This means that even a teeny tiny baby can wear the diaper AND when the diaper is dirty you can snap it closed to contain the mess!

Inside:

The inside of the diaper is where you really see that this diaper has brains and beauty. At the waist, you'll notice that there are "hip snaps" which keep the wings from drooping when small-waisted babies wear the Tutto. In an act of sheer brilliance, the designers of the Tutto also thought to put little tabs to cover the hip snaps when they are not in use to prevent them from boring into Baby's tender waist.

Next, you'll notice the "poo fence" gusset the runs all along the length AND back of the diaper.While some diaper companies have thought to add internal leg gussets, few have thought to do one along the back to guard against the dreaded "poopslosions" that terrorize parents of newborns! My initial assumption was that the gussets would lend itself to a bulkier diaper, but thanks to the ultra-thin fabric used in the lining, the bulk the gusset creates is fairly inconsequential.

At the back waist you'll notice a set of snaps for the inserts. Thankfully these are color coded so you can easily figure out which of the three inserts goes where. 

Inserts

Now here's where you might feel a little overwhelmed--there are three inserts that come with this diaper--but don't dismay! The color coded snaps make it easy match up and place the inserts right where they need to go. Why three? Simple: three inserts allow you three levels of absorbency to choose from. Putting baby in skinny jeans and need an ultra trim diaper? Use just one or two inserts. Going on an errand and need added absorbency? Use all three inserts. (For a chance to see the insert options in action,  check out the video at the bottom of the itti*bitti tutto page.)

The AI2 Factor

If you are like me, you probably grimaced when you saw the price tag for the Tutto! However, once you consider that the Tutto is an All-in-One or an All-in-Two, and you can switch out the inserts and re-use the shell, it really isn't so bad! You can purchase additional inserts (microfiber topped with stay-dry suede cloth for $9.95 or bamboo for $12.95), or you can use pretty much any other insert you already have on hand! I've tried it with Flip stay-dry inserts, trifolded pre-folds, a fitted and even as a cover over flats! In fact, because the diaper is cut wide through the bottom, the Tutto is an ideal cover over flats! Just re-use the shell until it is soiled and then switch it out. One of the nice things about the lining is that it doesn't seem to get as wet as other AI2 linings.

Tip: To avoid the inside getting stinky, try rotating shells and letting one air while the other is in use.

Performance

And here my dear friends is where the rubber meets the road! Thoughtful design isn't worth much if it isn't effective. Luckily for me, Itti Bitti Tutto's design is a winner! We have been using our Tutto for three months now and have never had even the teensiest bit of poo escape--even in the midst of a tummy bug! The "poo fence" really does it's job well! I love being able to customize the absorbency for our situation. I can happily say that we have had no issues with wicking or leakage.

FIT

My daughter is 10 months old and 17lbs in the featured photographs. It was very easy to adjust the rise and waist to get a perfect fit on her. We had no "gaping" issues or awkward pooches in the front like we've had with other brands. At first I felt like it was cut a little too wide through the bottom, but now I don't think it's a problem. In fact, I find that the Tutto is one of my preferred covers (GroVia being the other) to use over flats! The wide cut is necessary to accomodate more bulk as absorbency is increased (i.e. using it over a fitted). As with most "one size" diapers, it will feel a bit bulky on a newborn, but it will fit. The doll shown below is 18"--the size of a short, chubby newborn :)

Bottomline

I love this diaper! It's definitely a keeper :) It is my "show-off" diaper that I like to have J wear when I want someone to see how cute cloth can be. It's super soft, luxurious, thoughtfully designed, trim, and performs well. I love it's versatility and the fact that the inserts can be switched out and the cover re-used. I definitely recommend this diaper!

WAHMlight Goes Woolly

I still remember my first Woollybottoms experience. A friend (actually, someone you've already met) strongly suggested that I needed a skirtie (translation - a diaper cover with skirt attached). As this friend had a son, it was pretty obvious she was pushing to live vicariously. But I didn't mind - I do have a fair number of skirts and, pre-baby (aka pre-kneeling-down-fifty-times-a-day), I was known to sport one for nearly every occasion.

 

 Ghiberti 'Gates of Paradise' show in Chicago, 2007

What else could a girl do but track down this newest necessity. 

It was so beautiful.

So well made.

And so massive.

 Whoopsies. 

Lesson learned - measure your baby, reference the WB size chart, and do not add inches upon inches to each measurement. 

I'm so very excited to finally bring Woollybottoms to Itsy Bitsy Bums! Shannon is lovely, and her products are top-notch. And not only that, but they are made in the USA using upcycled (aka repurposed) materials. What better way to reaffirm cloth's positive environmental impact than by breathing new life in otherwise cast aside items.

Without another moment's delay, welcome to the WAHMlight Woollybottoms!

 

My name is Shannon Foster and have been married to the best, supportive guy for almost 15 years.  Sarah is my oldest. She is 10 going on 17, loves to read, and is very proud of the fact she is nearly as tall as I am.  Caleb is my baby. He is 6, just learned to ride a bike without training wheels this week, and has a very quirky sense of humor. 

We first discovered cloth diapers with Caleb. He literally could not wear any of the disposables out there.  Within minutes he would break our in rashes... we still today are dealing with his super sensitive skin issues. Cloth was the only thing that would work but I really did not like covering up the cloth with plastic covers. Summers here in Arkansas are hot and humid and the cloth/plastic combo was really not cutting it. I soon learned about wool and purchased 2 Babyology wool covers and had his name embroidered on the bum.

I had a few wool sweaters sitting around and thought, these are wool... why won't they work as a diaper cover too? The difference was absolutely amazing when we switched to fitteds and wool. He was staying dry and his bottom was staying cool. This quickly led to an obsession. I started actively looking for wool sweaters to turn into diaper covers for Caleb.  I had no intention in making these to sell. There sure were some beautiful girly sweaters though that I couldn't just leave behind so you know what happened next. I started to make more than what we needed and listing them on Ebay for fun.

One thing led to another and I soon found myself with a full time business again by the end of 2004. Business was set up in our dining room and sweaters were everywhere.  I even had the "wall of wool" in the dining room which acted as insulation. Between the wool and the wall, it was warm in the summer holding the summer heat out. I knew at that point something had to change since it was overtaking my home. We live on 2 acres so I had some extra space to put a building in the back. At that point I hired someone to come in and help full time with the sewing.  This worked out wonderfully since I could keep work separate but still be right there with my kids.

Things continued to grow and a few years later my husband and I purchased a building in the next town over to share.  He owns an upholstery business and this building was set up perfectly for us to both use yet still be kind of apart.  This is the most awesome set up ever.  We come to work together, our children go to school 5 minutes away, and then they are here with us after school.  As a family, we are all involved with each other and able to interact and talk about our day.  My husband and I are able to step in and help each other as well. 

I love working with recycled wool.  Each sweater is different and watching them come together into a diaper cover is fun.  It never gets old. The ugliest sweaters usually are the ones to turn into the best diaper covers. I can't believe that someone out there actually bought some of these sweaters brand new AND wore them :).

For the future, I just plan on keeping on doing exactly what we are doing.  Keeping everything hand made right here in Heber Springs is very important.  We currently have 2 ladies that help with the sewing and I would like to find at least one more person to help handle the demand.  Right now that is our biggest challenge.  

Want to learn more about the wonders of wool? Check out the Wollybottoms's FAQ page.

Now that you have met Shannon, time to checkout her amazing hybrid soakers (aka pull-on wool diaper covers) which will stock Tuesday evening, May 3rd, at 8pm (central time). Shop quickly, as these styles sell fast. And when they are gone they are gone. The rather famous Woollybottoms solid lanolin is also stocking tomorrow evening. In my humble opinion the smell is heavenly!

Lastly, want to win $15 to spend at Itsy Bitsy Bums? 

• Become a fan of Itsy Bitsy Bums on Facebook (1 entry)
• Follow Bitsy Buzz publicly (1 entry)
• Become a fan of Woollybottoms on Facebook (1 entry)
• Purchase an amazing soaker or two from Itsy Bitsy Bums (5 entries per purchase)

Please be sure to comment one time for each entry. Also be sure to leave your email address in at least one of your comments, so I can get a hold of you. Contest closes to entries May 31, 2011.

Hot Pants! aka April WAHMlight

You know me and my WAHMs. I have a serious crush on those who can make both motherhood and career-hood commingle while simultaneously maintaining their sanity and a functioning website. So when I found The Spotted Box last year I went nuts - so many WAHMs packed into such a small space and shipped directly to my doorstep. 

my box's contents

Included in my Spotted Box was a coupon for a free mama cloth liner. I already had a mixture of mama cloth liners, so this wasn't a new concept to me. But the design was. 

Hello Wasabi Mommi Lemon Liner, nice to meet you. 

Very trim while still very absorbent, the Lemon Liner quickly became a favorite in my stash. And once IBB opened I knew Wasabi Mommi Works was a brand that I'd love to bring to more people, and the first WMW products stocked late last year. With stocking WMW came my opportunity to work with Jess, the momma behind those endearing peas of spicy Japanese goodness and amazing mama products! Jess is very sweet and so lovely to work with. And did I mention her products are top-notch!

With that - welcome to the WAHMlight Wasabi Mommi Works! 

Itsy Bitsy Bums: Tell us a bit about yourself. Your family. Your likes. Your dislikes.

Wasabi Mommi Works: My name is Jessica, I was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. I am married and have two beautiful babies, Lilly and Jonathan.  Before I was a sewing wahm I was a professional henna artist. I did henna for middle eastern and south Asian weddings and was featured in The Washington Post in 2007. I made the switch to a more home based business when I got pregnant with my first. I enjoy crafting of all kinds, and chocolate.

IBB: When did you first encounter mama cloth?

WMW: I first encountered mama cloth while pregnant with my daughter. I found that I had become allergic to the ‘new’ material my favorite sposie brand had switched to. I thought there had to be an alternative! And so, I was cloth converted! 


IBB: When did you decide you'd go into business making mama cloth? How do you come up with your designs?

WMW: I traded for my first cloth pad. I fell in love with Minky at first touch but was dissatisfied with the leak protection that pad provided. I decided I would get out my old dusty sewing machine and try my hand at a more customized shape to fit my needs. I started with a basic outline of a sposie and went from there. I knew I wanted more protection in the back and so the swooped back pads were born! I wanted all sizes to stay consistent so, all ‘wing spans’ of my pads are the same size and shape. I knew I would be staying home with my kids and loved the sizes and shape of the pads I had come up with so much, I decided to spread the cloth love and become a wahm.

IBB: I've always had a serious infatuation with your logo. It is so absolutely darling! How did you come up with your brand name, and the subsequent logo?

‘WasabiMommi’ was a screen name I came up with while pregnant with my daughter. While madly researching pregnancy and fetal growth, I joined a lot of websites and message boards. I wanted a cute, unique screen name I could use everywhere which sported my new title as a mommy. My husband is part Japanese so I jokingly suggested WasabiMommi…and it stuck! The moment I suggested it I envisioned a little wasabi pea mommy and her little wasabi pea baby lovingly looking at eachother. My best friend is a graphic designer and she did a wonderful job bringing my wasabi peas to life for me. I absolutely love them! 


IBB: Any other products in the works at Wasabi Mommi's?

I have been thinking about offering more cloth alternatives geared towards moms. As a new mommy for a second time, I know how hard it is to take some ‘me’ time to relax and take care of myself. Some ideas I have been throwing around are: scented stain remover, various sized wet/dry bags, and aromatherapy eye masks.


IBB: What is your favorite part of being a WAHM?

WMW: I love shopping for fabric! I have a small addiction to hoarding fabric. I am lucky enough to have a small sewing room at home filled with fabrics I have acquired over the years. When I find fabric I really like, I can rarely bring myself to use it on a project. Running a small business making pads, I am able to get the urge to buy awesome fabric (and actually use it) out of my system. I also love that I get to be home with my babies and take the time I need to be there for them and of course, being my own boss.



IBB: Anything else we should know about you?

WMW: I love feedback, questions, comments and suggestions! I try to reward my customers for their two cents! So, don’t be shy! 

Now that you've had a chance to get to know Jessica and WMW.... I know you are just antsy to win some of these fabulous pads! And of course buy a few for your own stash! 

Winner will get $20 to spend on any mixture of Wasabi Mommi pads and liners. I'll contact the winner via email to arrange her order. 

Many ways to enter

• Like Itsy Bitsy Bums on Facebook (1 entry)
• Like Wasabi Mommi Works on Facebook (1 entry)
• Publicly follow Bitsy Buzz (1 entry)
• Go to the store and checkout the Wasabi Mommi pads. Come back and tell me which of the pad/liner styles you like the best. (1 entry)
• BUY Wasabi Mommi items (1 pad = 1 entry)

Be sure to comment on this post, leaving one comment for each entry. Please leave your email address with your comment(s) (I recommend a format spambots cannot farm - with spaces or 'AT' in place of '@' - etc). 

Winner will be drawn the first week of May. 

Did you see March's WAHMlight spotlighting the Lily & Sparrow? You can still enter tL&S giveaway through April 15th! 

ps. While digging for my photo of the Spotted Box's content, I discovered that the same week my Spotted Box arrived I also took this photo of my lovely baby girl (still my favorite to date). If you are on Babycenter's Cloth Diaper board you are likely to recognize it.....

What's A Happenin.....

That makes me laugh every time I watch it. I don't know if it is inherently funny, or if it just reminds me of a simpler time - when a bunch of preteen girls would huddle in a friend's parent's basement, watching it at 2am on a Friday night and feeling oh so rebellious. 

I picture stockings and stalking as similar events. A bunch of ladies (and sometimes the gents, I know you are also diaper fans!) gathering around the 21st century box television, the laptop, feeling a wee bit rebellious (at least for those that toe the wagon, it might feel a bit wild and crazy).

So here's whats happening tonight! Get your stalking fingers ready.... 

Big night tonight at IBB, especially for those with newborns, either in the belly or on the breast. Or older nursing babes, yup, we've got you covered as well! Not nursing? Oh there is also stuff for you, too!

Diaper packages featuring Thirsties, Cow Patties, Guerilla Fluff, Proraps and other great brands

Mama packages featuring Mother Moon + Happy Tushies

Nursing Covers and All in Ones from IBB's newest WAHM - the Lily & Sparrow - all tL&S items purchased before 3/19 get a free coordinating burp cloth!

And of course the package deals are at a discount (15%-20%+ off), because that is always great fun.

Did you know, through Saturday, every purchase over $50 earns you a free Small Wahmies Wet Bag! Be sure to check out the latest freebies and deals on IBB's homepage, there are more!

WAHMlight: the Lily and Sparrow

March's WAHMlight is a wee bit belated, I apologize. The way I reconcile this tardiness, if the Ides of March can be notable for Caesar, it can be notable for IBB as well (although let's hope it is far, far less dramatic for IBB). 

Without further delay, I am very pleased to introduce you to the Lily & Sparrow and the amazing WAHM behind L&S - Anna. I had the pleasure of meeting Anna just before Christmas, and we quickly realized that we have a lot in common, including the fact that both our resumes read 'WAHM.' So far our interactions have only been online, although I can tell that if (no, when! right Anna?) we'd be lifelong friends. Bosom buddies, really (an appropriate use of the term, wait for it....).

IBB will be stocking two items from the Lily & Sparrow: Nursing Covers and All-in-Ones (no ladies, get your mind out of the diaper drawer, these AIOs are like something you've never seen!). 

I have been using an tL&S Luxe Nursing Cover since December, and I am thoroughly in love. I even took it on a vacation as a thank you for its dedication and hard work, keeping both me and my wiggly toddler under cover.

San Juan

Exploring the waters of Aruba in a semi-submersible - did you know the color red doesn't exist anywhere more than 10' down? Day-glo pink, on the other hand, is far more hearty. 

Familiar with the term Renaissance Woman? Isabella d'Este was one. And I'd like to note Anna is one as well. In addition to the Lily & Sparrow product line, Anna also maintains a diaper review website, Haute Clothed Buns. I highly recommend taking a look! You can also say in touch with the latest and greatest from the Lily & Sparrow at the brand's website. This will be the place to watch for product previews and news before it hits the IBB virtual shelves. 

Enjoy!

Beautiful Designs For Mamas And Their Chicks

Itsy Bitsy Bums: Tell us about yourself - your family, your likes, your dislikes. 

the Lily & Sparrow: I am a West Coast girl!  I was born in Oregon, and grew up in California and Washington.  I returned to Oregon for college and will probably always consider the Great Northwest "home."  It was at college that I fell in love and married my fabulous husband (he was my first boyfriend ever--how cool is that!).  We have been married for 8 years and have two adorable little girls, whom I absolutely delight in and treasure whole-heartedly!  My husband is a contractor with the US Air Force and we currently live in Germany, which I love!

I love art, photography, writing, Paris  and Thai food.  I dislike the cold, saying goodbye at the airport, and moving.  I am a procrastinator and function best with a deadline hanging over me.  The worst grade I got in college was when I decided to plan ahead and wrote the paper days before it was due!  I love doing cloth diaper laundry and hate the way disposables smell.  I like to vacuum but dislike dusting :)  I prefer tea (Earl Grey is a fav) to coffee, but occasionally do enjoy a good latte.

IBB: Where do you get inspiration for the designs you offer?

tL&S: I like the things I make to be reflections of the things I value--the marriage of function & form, beauty, intimate moments with baby, etc.  When I first started making the covers, I felt like they were practical and functional--but not necessarily pretty.  Sure the fabric was pretty, but basically they looked like a pretty piece of fabric used to hide the fact that mama's were nursing.

I believe that breastfeeding is beautiful, natural and beneficial for mama and baby.  I wanted my covers to reflect the beauty of breastfeeding and to both celebrate and protect the intimacy that happens when mothers breastfeed their precious little ones.  One of my favorite baby tops had box pleats at the top and I started thinking about how box pleating the nursing covers would do two things:

1) It would cut down on the excess fabric at the top of the cover while still providing ample coverage at the chest.

2.) It would turn the cover from a simple square of fabric with a neck strap to a fashion accessory.  Something pretty that moms could enjoy wearing that didn't make them feel like they were hiding something.

So, I started pleating my covers and it has been a hit!  Every mama who has ordered a pleated cover from me and returned to buy another for a friend has purchased a pleated one.

In regard to the All In One covers, I just got tired of carying 50,000 things in my diaper bag--diapers, wipes, change of clothes, nursing cover, blanket, rain protector for the stroller, etc.  One day, I decided that there had to be a way to make my nursing cover multi-task.  That night as I laid in bed, unable to sleep I came up with a design--a reversible blanket that had a hidden pocket for boning, removable neckstrap, clip ties that could be positioned wherever I needed them (not just in the center) and voila!  I tried it out the next day and discovered it could be a blanket, nursing cover, car seat canopy cover, stroller cover,  and more :)

IBB: When did you start making nursing covers? 

tL&S: I started making nursing covers 2 years ago.  I had offered to buy my friend one as a shower gift, and after looking at 50+ on the internet, she didn't see a pattern she liked, so I offered to sew one for her.  She ended up choosing a Pottery Barn bed sheet as the material--and it turned out to be a really cute cover!  Her friend liked it so much, she asked me to make one, and one thing led to another and here I am 200+ covers later!

  

IBB: What is your favorite part about being a WAHM? 

tL&S: I love that I can earn a little bit of fun money and be able to stay at home and enjoy my girlies!  I also love that it gives me a creative outlet--and pays for it.  How else could I afford to buy so many yards of beautiful fabric?

IBB: What is your favorite fabric currently stocked at IBB? 
tL&S: All of it.  That's a tough one!  I'm not sure I can narrow it down to just one.  For the pleated nursing covers, probably "Flora & Fauna."  For the All-In-One covers, probably "Pet Deer"  but then "Autumn Faeries" is an absolutely gorgeous fabric--the colors are so vibrant!

IBB: Anything else we should know? 

tL&S: Faith is an important aspect of my life.  The name, "Lily & Sparrow," was chosen because it is a symbolic reminder to me that God will take care of me and my family :)  




Now that you know more about Anna, take a minute to check out her lovely creations - Nursing Covers and All-in-Ones. All items will stock Thursday evening, 3/17, at 7pm CST.

This month's giveaway is one of Anna's Simply Coverage All-in-Ones + the Conversion Kit + a matching burp cloth! I love the fabric - so sweet, completely gender-neutral, lovely! 

LOTS of ways to enter this giveaway!

• Become a fan of Itsy Bitsy Bums on Facebook (wait, darn changing terminology) - 'Like' IBB
• Like The Lily & Sparrow on Facebook. 
• Like Haute Clothed Buns on Facebook. 
• Become a public follower of Bitsy Buzz. 
• Sign up for IBB's Newsletter. 
• Go checkout the Lily & Sparrow products at IBB. Come back and tell me - which item and fabric is your favorite? 
• Purchase one (or more) of Anna's items! Every $5 you spend on Lily & Sparrow products counts as an entry. 

Be sure to comment on this post, leaving one comment for each entry (those who make a purchase or two - comment the relevant number of times - ie. 1 Luxe cover = 6 entries). Please leave your email address with your comment(s) (I recommend a format spambots cannot farm - with spaces or 'AT' in place of '@' - etc). 

Winner will be drawn April 15th.