Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I have been a devoted user of Bambo's diapers ever since I discovered them ~6 months ago. I loved them for all the reasons everyone else did - absolute top performance (super absorbent, dry to the touch inside, no rash ever), industry leading in terms of lack of chemicals and scent (I personally can't stand the Pampers scent, especially once wet), etc. When the new diapers came out a month or so ago, I awaited my first trial pack with trepidation - especially after reading all the negative reviews. So here are the facts on what has changed: * The new diapers are thinner and lighter (1 oz vs 1.4oz in size 4). Bambo claims they improved the internal absorbent material and redistributed it within the diaper, enabling them to create a thinner diaper with no decrease in performance. * They are also slightly smaller in size, though the manufacturer claims they are still generously sized vs competitor brands. The size 4s still fit my 31", 25 lb 21-mo-old just fine, with plenty of room to grow, but if your baby is at the upper end of the weight range, you may need to size up. * The manufacturer reports that their manufacturing process is now more eco-friendly, with less waste produced, etc. * The price went up temporarily (hence MOST of the negative reviews for this new product), but now it's right back where it was previously, at $0.33-0.34/diaper with S&S. I think most of the negative reviews here are kneejerk reactions to the fact that the product changed (nobody likes change I guess, nor did Bambo communicate the benefits/reasons particularly well), and also due to the price hike (which is now no longer a relevant consideration). However, a number of the reviews also cite lower absorbency, and/or some drooping/gaping around the legs, resulting in leaks. At first (for the first few weeks after we started using the new diapers), I did not notice any appreciable difference in performance. We change frequently during the day (after one or max two wets), so I didn't notice any issues. However, after having used these diapers for several months now, I have concluded that the absorbency is in fact not what is used to be. These new diapers are often wet to the touch inside, and there have been one or two nights when my son peed through his diaper, soaking through to his clothing and sleep sack. I just found an old unused Bambo in the same size, and tested it out overnight, and it did not have the same issue (was dry to the touch in the morning), so there has definitely been a change in performance. I still think these are a great daytime diaper - our favorite out of all the ones we've tried (Pampers, Earths Best, Naty, 7th Generation) for LIGHT DAYTIME use, however I cannot recommend them for extended daytime or nighttime use, especially for heavy wetters or babies still feeding at night. If you often leave diapers on for multiple hours during the day, this is probably not the right diaper for you. I'm pretty bummed about this as I don't know of another more absorbent alternative for us that will not have that stinky chemical smell. If I find something good I will update this review. Please do also share if you have a suggestion for me! One more tiny PS - the Bambos have a wetness indicator, but it really needs improvement. It consists of blue letters written down the length of the diaper that are supposed to "blur" or "smear" when wet, but in my opinion it's hardly noticeable. If this is an important feature to you, this might not be the right diaper for you. ----------- UPDATE 1/14: We sized up to 4+ (even though my son is only 26 lbs, well within the size 4 range) and that seems to have taken care of the leakage problem. His diapers are still slightly wet to the touch on the inside in the morning (after ~11 hours overnight), but I haven't noticed any problems with rash, so we are continuing to use them. So, if your baby is leaking through, consider sizing up. Though this might not be good enough for babies with sensitive skin who need a product that really locks away all moisture. ------------ UPDATE 4/14: I contacted the manufacturer via their Facebook page to ask if they are planning to address the complaints about decreased performance in the new version of their diapers. Below was their response. So - even if you conclude that Bambo is not the right choice for your family right now - perhaps consider checking back later in the year to see if they've rectified the problem! "We are concerned with your fears about the line and are doing what we can. Overall we are very pleased with the changes but agree that things are not perfect. Expect a few improvements in the coming months. Thank you for your understanding....." ------------ UPDATE 3/15: Our very small just-turned-3yo (30 lbs) is now daytime potty trained, but is still in size 5 Bambos overnight. Now that he only wets his diaper once, max twice during the night (and he is occasionally totally dry), these work great for us and so I'm thrilled we're still able to use them (since they are less toxic etc.). I'm not sure if Bambo ever ended up changing the design or not, but we have no issues now. I am now pregnant and plan on buying these again for our second child -- will update if and when we start running into leak issues again :) All the best in your search for the perfect diaper for your family :)