Charlie Banana: A diaper with options
Charlie Banana was created out of a love for eco friendliness, quality and design. Based in Hong Kong, the team behind this brand is an eclectic mix of cultures who both distribute and manufacture their product so they have totally control over the production’s carbon footprint. Last year, Charlie Banana was nominated as Earth Champion for waste reduction.
Join us here at 9am pst/12pm est to chat with Gaelle Wizenberg, founder of Charlie Banana, Emily of Baby Dickey and Alex of Breezy Mama about cloth diapers. Bring your questions and stay awhile!
Can’t wait–thanks for inviting me!
Good morning! Welcome everyone and thanks for joining us!
Thanks for having me!
Hi everyone! Emily from Baby Dickey here
How cute are the Charlie Banana cloth diapers?!
Hi everyone!
So Gaelle, tell us a little bit about the features that make Charlie Banana so unique.
Love the outer space ones!
Hey! =)
Charlie Banana is a unique full on cloth diaper with the option to use a disposable insert when needed.
So I have a question–what do you do with the cloth diapers when your child becomes potty trained? I feel terrible just throwing them away! Is there some kind of recycle program? Or is that terribly gross? LOL
We love funky prints, glad you like them too!
I love that you guys also offer lots of other cloth products–the wipes and bags and swim diapers, etc!
I’m interested in making the switch but a bit nervous. Your diapers are cute!
Does anyone have any tips for air drying diapers indoors? It’s too cold here now to dry them outside, and they seem to take forever on the rack in the laundry room!
Where can we get the disposable inserts from?
It is a nice gift to charity organization as many parents can use them.
I do love prints–although my daughter still loves her “lelo” ones! She likes to pick out which color Charlie Banana to put on at each changing.
Charlie Banana is a unique full on cloth diaper
Alex – I had someone on my facebook fan page offer to sell me her stash . . . I’ve also purchased cloth diapers usedon eBay. They have an awesome resale value.
Alex you can resell them on diaperswappers.com!
Alyssa, sometimes dryers have an “air fluff” setting. We use that setting often in Seattle – lots of damp!
Alex, diaper swappers I think is a forum where people sell their used diapers.. as long as they’re still in good condition!
The disposable insert will be in stock by Nov 25th
Sarah – I just switched! You can do it! I started with 10 diapers . . . enough to go two days with nighttime disposables. Now I’m hooked.
Thanks Monica, good to know!
Sarahs–I was super nervous to try using them as well, but it’s really easy. The only semi-hard part can be the poop–but just change it right away and it’s not a problem.
I love all the different prints that you guys have! Any plans to come out with some new ones?
I had no idea that there were that many places to resell them–thanks girls!
Hi everyone!
We’ve heard that it takes about 20-30 diapers per child. That’s a serious stash to build up. Glad to know that there are great swapping resources out there.
Sarah, I didn’t switch until Ryan was like 8 months old! There’s a learning curve, but diapers like Charlie Banana make it easy!
Alex/Sarahs- It’s a lot easier to deal with poop if you use a liner on top of your cloth insert!
Alyssa you can try moving your drying rack in front of a window, that helps too
You can also use our bio liner, very easy to lay on top and you lift it and flush it. helps with the mess. It is available at some of our retailers but just released.
Super excited to try these out:) All the reviews online are positive. Plus, I love that you have cute prints for boys. I just started cloth diapering my boy/girl twins about a month ago and LOVE it!! Can’t stand to even look at disposables anymore. Trying out many different brands to find our perfect fit. If these seem to do the trick I will be buying a whole stash of them:) Do these hug their legs well? That seems to be my biggest problem with one size diapers.
I just started using them this past summer–I did a Cloth Diaper Road Test for Breezy Mama.com–reluctantly. Now, I am hooked–I don’t know why I waited so long. Charlie Banana’s have a perfect fit, so no leaking!
I never thought I would cloth diaper but I switched at 14 months to save $ and now I love it! I started out only cloth diapering at home during the day and worked my up to full time… ease yourself in!
Kellie–my daughter has tiny toothpick legs–these fit wonderfully. CB’s have a a tightener in the legs so you can adjust for your child.
I definitely use liners! I actually need to buy real liners so far I have just dried out sensitive wipes and used them. Diapers end up with little to no mess. Thanks for air fluff cycle tip!
I agree, cloth diapering gets addicting! Getting new cute colors and prints
We love that finally a cloth diaper offers the flexibility to use a disposable insert – it really gives parents options.
Thanks Alex! I can’t wait to receive them…I may buy more as I only bought four. Will Charlie Banana be having any deals for Black Friday/Cyber Monday?
Disposable inserts are a great idea for babysitters or grandparents too. My parents and in-laws are still trying to get the hang of cloth!
If you have a scheduled pooper the disposable insert is key–cleaning is a breeze.
So nice to see so many new parents ready to give a try to cloth diapering.Thank you for joining us today!
Does Charlie Banana plan on making flushable liners in the future? (I think you should)
Thinking about switching at least on days without daycare, however wondering how easy it is to deal with pooped diapers when your on the go? I think it’s a wonderful idea for older babies that have a more predictable bowel movement! And I love that they come in all different colors and patterns!
What exactly are disposable inserts? Are they kinda like liners?
I have never used disposable inserts before, but I love having the option I’m thinking they might come in handy the next time we travel
our online shopping cart is not live yet. However do check our online store page as our retailers will have some promotions.
Disposable inserts are AWESOME! M doesn’t poop on schedule though so I sorta always have to guess!
So, moms, are Charlie Banana’s great prints and colors a part of your baby’s outfits? Do you match?
For poopy diapers on the go, you need a wet bag! CG has tote bags – http://www.charliebanana.com/products/nape_tote.html – to store your diapers until you get home. It’s easy.
Cute diapers are definitely a part of the outfit! Ryan often goes pantless
((oops, I meant CB has tote bags… not CG))
Disposable inserts are used instead of the cloth inserts… great for on the go, daycare, etc. I used them when I first started cloth diapering to get used the diapers themselves without the laundry!
The inserts are like a fine maternity pad
made of wood pulp that you can toss in the rubbish. Very easy and light.
Absolutely incorporate the diapers into outfits. I have 21 pairs of baby legs to match up with cute diapers:)
Kellie–the disposable inserts look like a long panty liner.
Emily- do you know the size of the tote bag?
We love pairing up a cute dipe with baby legs at home and during the summer I love showing them off under a little sun dress!
I do find myself matching the diaper to the outfit–funny, huh?
21 pairs of baby legs?! I only have one but I always forget about them lol
Does anyone have any recommendations for clothing a cloth diapered baby? My little guy is only 3 months, but it is hard to find pants that fit!
Think I will have to buy some disposable liners:) Where do you buy them at? Any online store? Any brand recommendations?
That’s what I need! More baby legs!!
Well I wish I could stay longer but its time to feed the little one lunch! Happy Friday everyone!!
Our Charlie Banana leg warmers will be arriving next week. Organic cotton goodness!
My little ones are 3 months and I just buy a size up in clothes and it works for both of them.
Laura- I know there are companies that make “cloth diaper pants” although I’ve never looked them up… my son is so tiny that cloth diapers actually make his clothes fit LOL try googling it tho and maybe etsy?
Laura, is it because the pants don’t fit over the diaper? Have you tried going up a size in pants?
Julia–my daughter is the same way–she is so skinny that the cloth diapers make the waistbands fit.
I really enjoy Charlie Banana brand myself! I have to say I can’t wait to check out those Leg warmers
For anyone wishing to switch to cloth – its’ definitely worth it in the long run! 
Our bio liners and our disposable inserts will be available end of year to our major retailers and in one week at our independent retailers.
So excited that you are creating leg warmers too! Will have to pick some up. Do you have any pictures of them online?
I would go up a pants size, also cotton pants never seem to be a problem for us! Sized diapers {like the ones CB carry} also work well too because they’re not as bulky IMO
Julia – it looks like the CB tote bag fits about 4 cloth diapers, which is perfect for a trip away from home – here’s a good pic and review: http://clothchronicles.blogspot.com/2010/09/charlie-banana-review-giveaway.html
Moms, do you also use cloth wipes in addition to cloth diapers?
My other post didn’t post.. but I wanted to say that we thank you Gaelle & Charlie Banana for the donation to the Hannah house and other charities here in the Niagara Region – Canada! Some mother’s Christmas’ will be very bright this year having the opportunity to try cloth! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Crystal C. Cline
I use disposable wipes. I use the cloth wipes to wipe the bottom dry after the disposable wipe. Gets confusing!
We use cloth wipes too! We still have a case of disposable wipes at the changing table too though.. usually saved for the poopy messes haha
We have been getting such nice reviews it has been amazing. The fact that we have the disposable insert option has really motivated parents on the fence to jump and it is so encouraging to hear all the good words from our growing fans base. Thank you so much for your support:)
Thanks Emily!
I haven’t tried cloth wipes yet but I’m thinking about it… maybe I should get some with my diapers today
How many wipes are in the set?
I use cloth wipes at home, disposable out and about. I picked up some cloth wipes from the sale, and am super excited about it! Up until now, I’ve just been using cheap baby washcloths, which work OK but you definitely need more than one for big messes!
Correct me if I’m wrong, cloth wipe users, but I’ve heard the easiest way to use them is to keep a spray bottle full of water at the changing station–you use it to spray the cloth wipe and then just wipe the bottom down.
There are 10 wipes in the set
My pleasure Crystal, glad we could help those mothers in need in Canada.
BTW..I love that you give 1% to charity!! And I like your packaging. If I like the ones I order from here, I will be thrilled to order a few black ones!! LOVE that you offer black!!!
Alex – I started with a spray bottle but it was annoying. You have to spray a million times to get it wet enough and with a squirmy 10 month old, that wasn’t happening. Instead I pour the wipe solution into an old disposable wipes tub… then as I need a cloth wipe, I dip it in the tub, squeeze it out, and I’m good to go! Much faster.
I have the reusable wipes – charlie bananas – and i love them. I highly recommend them. My daughter cried with the disposable wipes and these are much softer and just clean with the diapers!
Emily–genius! I love it.
We use a cloth wipes warmer – not for the warmth factor (here in CA it never gets that cold) but for the convenience factor. It is nice to have them right there like disposable wipes. It also encourages my husband to use them instead of the disposable ones!
We already cloth diaper but are looking to expand our collection…anyone have these and love them? we use BG right now.
Yes we love Charlie Banana wipes. I love the single one as a kleenex for the kids runny nose…so soft and gentle. Perfect for baby bums. The double sided one are cute with the little embroidery as they make a perfect baby shower gift that you know for sure a parent will use. Some parents use the pink embroidery one for bum and the blue one for face wash… makes sense, clever idea.
Tina, they are great. I have tested a ton of brands, and these are some of my favorite.
Now I need a few, thanks!
I’ve narrowed my stash down to just Charlie Banana and GroVia… love them!
Any other cloth questions? what do you use for overnight?
We love Operation Smile and many of you will be contributing directly to this amazing organization when buying any of our products. Amazing feeling isn’t it?
Every $240.00 donated give a new life to a child.
A trick that I recently learned was to wash the diapers in a cold rinse first–to get out the yuckies, then to add soap and wash in hot. Works wonders, and the diapers don’t seem to get that soap build-up. Another tip someone told me is that you really can use any detergent–I thought you had to use special cloth diaper detergent. Makes cloth diapering that much easier.
What color or print would you like to see in our next collection? We would LOVE your input.:)
What’s the difference between the double-sided wipes and the regular ones?
I would love to see more prints and more bright colors! I love the hot pink and turqoise
Owls!
Maybe a gender neutral print??
I have a boy and feel like things are always more geared toward girls haha, so I like boy prints! The 2 printed ones on sale here today are great!
I totally agree Emily!
The double sided wipes have an organic cotton side and a fleeces side. Parents like the grabbing effect of the fleece to wipe clean the solid on the baby’s bum. and then wipe clean with the soft organic side. the single layer is just the organic cotton layer by itself which is wonderful to wipe the baby’s bum with some warm water. It works like a charm every time, no more cries…
Owls, monkeys, dinosaurs, patterns such as argyle/paisley/stripes/polka dots all in various colors:) Would really love to see the argyle on a diaper.
I bought 2 CB’s one size today from Zulily. This is our first plunge into CDing, so forgive me if this is a silly question:
Do you take off the shell everytime the diaper has been poo’d or pee’d in? Or is it just the insert? Or is it different everytime? Is there a special insert for nighttime? Or do you double up the liners?
LOVE the argyle idea! Never seen that before. And the dinosaurs.. monsters..
I have been using dream eze AIO for nighttime with an extra insert (I have a heavy wetter)
I think if you made a diaper with ruffles on the backside they would be a HUGE hit.
Yes definitely monsters! We nicknamed our son while in utero Monster Baby because we didn’t have name for him because we were waiting to be surprised at delivery, he was giant and he was always kicking me and punching me from the inside.
I also love the argyle idea…fancy pants!
Amy – if you’re using disposable inserts, you can just take that out during the diaper change and put a new one in (leaving the same shell–as long as it didn’t get dirty). Otherwise, you put on a new diaper during every change. For nighttime.. that’s a good question, haha. It’s different for everyone, you have to find what works for you! Some double up the liners, some buy special super absorbent liners, etc…
LOVE the argyle!!! and keyholes!!
Amy, I had the exact same question when I first started. Yes, you take off the entire thing and put a new one on. The bonus with the disposable insert is that it makes clean up easier. After you take off the shell, put it in a diaper pail liner bag. When it’s time to do the wash, you can put that whole bag in the wash–no need to touch anything yucky.
Thanks Alex & Emily for the tips! Super excited to try these out!
I just read Emily’s answer to Amy–sorry I was wrong about the disposable insert–I’ve been changing the whole thing when I use one of those!
I say get fancy with the designs. Most of us use leg warmers to show off the diapers. If you had a designer series, I think people would go mad!
If you are using the disposable insert you shake the insert on top of the toilet and then trash it in the bin.
If using the reusable inserts, you stuff 1 or 2 inserts in the front opening. If you have a baby that drinks a lot and over 6 months i would put 2 inserts( longer outing and night time)
Just like with a disposable diaper you change the entire Charlie Banana diaper every time. Hope this help!
Now I’m confused–when using a disposable insert, you still change the shell?
Only if soiled:)
Maybe think about selling shirts as well. It is hard to find shirts not onesies that are cute and match my diapers/leg warmers. People could then buy complete outfits from Charlie Banana.
Will get on it right away:) any specifics for the shirts?
Good idea Kellie, I pretty much stopped putting Ryan in onesies when we switched to cloth–because I wanted to show off his cute diapers! (and it’s easier)
Thanks Charlie Banana!
How about Sports Team Collections!! I know Red Sox Nation will buy them!!
For shirts I’d say super soft cotton with a head hole that’s easy to pull over the head. Maybe a bit longer too–most baby/toddler shorts are boxy, so they cut at belly button.
Maybe make shirts that have prints that incorporate with your solid colored diapers. Then for your print diapers have solid colored shirts that match the colors in the print:)
Have you tried our soft Organic cotton underwear and boxer short? Those are so adorable and kids totally love them.
Cute idea, Kelly. I also think you should have some shirts that have cute/funny cloth diaper sayings on them!
Have different collections. You can have punk, casual, preppy, sports, silly kid designs, etc. I know I could convert my sister in law to cloth if I could find a diaper with a skull on it. Men would definitely go for the sports:)
We have big news, too, for all of you. We will be adding four more Charlie Banana styles within the next hour. Including black and turquoise!
I say just make a quality organic cotton shirt with your logo… maybe you could do the logo in different colors to match the diapers tho like you have the pink wipes!
Oooh! Glad I haven’t checked out yet
I haven’t tried them–do they come in preschool sizes? My son loves boxers–he wants to be just like daddy!
They go feom 18 month to 8 -10 years old depending on the weight.
yay, more diapers on sale! thanks!
Awesome! I also love the skull idea someone had for a diaper print–you can do black and white skulls for boys, and then have a skull with a pink bow for the girlies.
Yay!!!! I will be placing another order:) Thank you..now Zulily can we combing shipping? I placed my first order first thing this morning. How big are the underwear? I have a six year old and would love to order him some.
I am signing off–time to go relieve the babysitter. Thanks for having me Charlie Banana and zulily!
Oops I see you answered the size question. Will have to order a set for my big guy:) YES, the skulls in both boy and girl prints..that way my boy/girl twins could rock out together:)
Glad I didnt check out yet!
Time to get the babe some lunch! Thanks so much, Zulily and Charlie Banana!
Yes, is Zulily going to combine our shipping from orders made this morning?
Unfortunately I will have to sign off as it is very late on my side of the world. It was so nice to hear all your comments and fresh ideas. We are so thrilled to see so many parents falling in love with cloth diapers and loving Charlie Banana.
We are so pleased to see many of you realizing how easy it is. We are glad to be able to help with any questions. Follow us on Facebook for many new updates, also a great way to meet other parents that might have the same questions as you might have. Our team is there to assist you with any Questions. Thank you Zulily for this great opportunity to discuss in the open the fun and ease of cloth diapering! To healthy and a better planet-
Thank you, Gaelle, Emily, Alex and all of the other cloth-diapering moms who joined in the discussion today!
Alex and Emily thank you so much for your expert advices – Keep in touch- have a lovely day!
Amy and Kellie – checking into whether we can combine shipping. Will post an update soon. Thanks!
Thank you!!
Hi Kellie and Amy, give customer service a call. They will be able to help you with shipping. Thanks!
How do I get the disposable liners? I Love these. Thanks for your help…
Check our Store retailer page, most of them ordered them.
http://www.charliebanana.com/store.html Babies R us will have them end of December
OK, I hate to be so out of if… but I’ve got to ask. Is this like the old gauze diapers? Dunk in the toilet to clean and then soak in the diaper pail? Can you dry them in the dryer? I need info on this, seems so much cheaper than diapers until you factor in the water and electricity. Info please. Thank you
Grammy, you can wash them in your washing machine and they go in the dryer in low setting. They are very easy and modern not like the “old Gauze” LOL
check http://www.charlie banana.com there is loads of info for starting parents.