Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a lively discussion about diapers? Well, recently, I found myself sitting around a brunch table with several girlfriends, and our conversation led us to discussing diapers of all things!
That conversation led me to discover a diaper brand that’s worth all the hype. In this blog post, I’ll share my journey through various diaper brands and why I firmly believe that Coterie diapers are the game-changer you’ve been searching for.
The Great Diaper Debate
As a mom of both a boy and a girl, I’ve experienced the differing needs of each gender when it comes to diapers. Girls tend to distribute moisture more evenly, while boys usually concentrate it in the front. This made me realize that not all diapers are created equal, and the right choice could depend on your baby’s gender. During the time of the “great brunch diaper debate,” I was struggling with keeping my son’s nighttime diaper from soaking through to his pajamas, a problem I never encountered with my daughter.
Over the years, I’ve tried numerous diaper brands, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the major ones I tested:
Huggies: I felt they were too narrow, the tape wasn’t long enough, and it didn’t seem to have very much elasticity or flexibility.
Up & Up (Target brand): They were crunchy and stiff when I took them out of the box, and I thought they got very clumpy when wet.
Kirkland (Costco brand): The diapers seemed to run small in length and felt thick and clumpy.
Pampers: I loved the Swaddlers and Pure for the NB and size 1 phase. They provided good coverage, and the elastic gathers on the sides really seemed to contain blowouts. The material was soft and smooth and very absorbent. I’m also a huge fan of Cruisers and Cruisers 360. I felt the Cruisers contoured to the baby’s body well. I found the Cruisers 360 featuring an elastic waistband really helpful while trying to wrestle getting a diaper on a moving baby. The 360 allowed me to stick the feet quickly through the holes and then stand the baby up to pull the diaper up. However, they can be tricky if your baby kicks one foot out while you are trying to thread the other foot though. Or, if you are like me and use the “old school” diaper trick when changing a poopy diaper to open the new diaper up and put it under the soiled one you are going to take off. To remove the 360, you just tear the seams along the sides, roll it up and secure it with a little piece of blue tape on the back, however since the diaper features an elastic waistband, this doesn’t allow you to open the fresh diaper up and place it underneath the child. *Pampers also has a really great rewards program, called Pampers Club. It’s super simple, you just download the app and scan each package of diapers or wipes that you buy, to earn coupons and rewards! I love it!
I also experimented with other brands like:
Honest, Hello Bello, and Freestyle, but none seemed to meet all my criteria until I discovered Coterie.
I tried Coterie diapers, so you don’t have to, and my conclusion is – hands down the BEST diaper on the market! Their unmatched absorbency and softness take the cake in my book!
I first learned about Coterie diapers when I was watching the Baby First Channel with my kids. I’ll admit, they have some pretty convincing commercials… “the Rolls Royce of diapers” and “my baby slept all the way through the night without waking up” and “no more 3 am diaper changes.”. My interest was piqued, so I went onto the website thinking, I’ll just see how much they cost and if they’re crazy expensive I’ll just try one box. I was irritated when I went to order one box and found out you have to pay for a subscription! I wasn’t interested in signing up for something else and then having to remember cancel it later if I didn’t like that. So, I let it go.
However, I wasn’t satisfied because the truth was, my son was waking up each morning with a soaked diaper. It soaked all the way through his clothes and sheets. I was tired of doing laundry every day! It was overwhelming and exhausting to keep up with, remembering to start a load of laundry before leaving for work or when I got home from and then having to remember to put it in the dryer before bedtime was a nightmare! Many days I failed miserably. I would get the wash going, but then forget about putting it in the dryer until it was bedtime, and I was looking for clean (and dry) PJs and sheets. Too late to throw the clothes and sheets in the dryer and have to wait an hour for them to dry at 8pm. I was at my wits end. I didn’t know what to do. I felt like I tried everything.
My cousin said she puts two diapers on her kids when she puts them to bed at night. I didn’t really love the idea of wasting two diapers, if the pee soaks through the first diaper and ruins the second diaper, I figured that could add up pretty fast and become too pricy. Also, what do you do? But the next size up for the 2nd diaper to cover the 1st diaper?
Next, I thought, maybe I should give him less milk in his bedtime bottle? I didn’t like that idea either because, in the past, he has gotten upset if he finishes his bottle too quickly or if he’s still hungry and wants more milk. I didn’t want to restrict my son, but I didn’t want to be stuck in this continuous laundry cycle anymore either.
Then, one day, I stopped into Whole Foods on my way home from work because I needed to pick up a few staples for dinner. On my way to the checkout, I walked past an aisle that had diapers. As I was rushing down the aisle, the Coterie label caught my eye and I stopped and did a double take. I couldn’t believe it! Was this real? I didn’t think they sold Coterie in stores. I thought you had to purchase an online subscription. I was so excited; I couldn’t wait to purchase them and take them home to try! If it could help my son wake up dry, I would be willing to pay a little more.
Coterie Diapers: The Revelation
Two years of global research guided Coterie in designing the perfect diaper. Their focus was on absorbency, flex fit, minimal leaks, and no skin irritation. They not only met but exceeded these criteria. What’s more, Coterie diapers are hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, chlorine-free, and free from any harmful additives. If you’ve read any of my other posts, then you know how much this means to me and what a fanatic I am about clean health and personal care products. Diapers are no exception!
When I first touched a Coterie diaper, I was amazed by its softness, reminiscent of cloth (or butter). The fit was impeccable, with perfectly proportioned sides and tape. The elastic side gathers contributed to fewer leaks and blowouts.
The Coterie Difference
Coterie diapers offer more than just a comfortable fit. Here are some of the standout features that make them exceptional:
• 12-hour leak protection: Bid farewell to those dreaded nighttime diaper changes.
• 70% more liquid capacity: Coterie diapers absorb four times faster, reducing leaks.
• 3x drier skin: Your baby’s delicate skin is protected from diaper rash.
For me, Coterie diapers were a game-changer, ensuring my son’s dry nights and eliminating the added daily stress and chaos of the laundry ordeal. While they may be slightly pricier, in an effort to save money, I’ve found a compromise by using Coterie diapers at night and a more budget-friendly, yet effective option during the day, like Pampers.
Your Diaper Journey
Finding the perfect diaper is a journey, and Coterie has been a game-changer in mine. Discover the unmatched comfort and dryness that Coterie diapers can offer your little one.
Before you leave, if you’re a busy mama, be sure to grab my FREE Ultimate Meal Prep Guide! Trust me, you will thank me later. It is packed with simple and healthy, easy grab and go breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinner ideas from a pro! It will simplify your life, keep you healthy, and most importantly remove the daily stress of having to figure out what to eat!
Have you tried various diaper brands? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
My Type 1 Diabetes Story: 28 Years of Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between
Disclaimer: The content you’re about to read may contain affiliate links to products I love and recommend. Which means, I may earn a small commission from items purchased through these links (at no additional cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you😊 I appreciate your support!
Hey friends! It’s November, which means it’s Diabetes Awareness Month, and I’m excited to celebrate it with you all by sharing my own story. This Christmas Eve, I’ll be marking my 28th “diaversary” — yep, 28 years since my diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). It’s wild to think I’ve had diabetes for over half of my life! I can barely even remember what my life was like pre-diabetes. It’s been a journey full of ups, downs, a few epic rescues, some truly “sweet” adventures, and a lifetime of unexpected lessons.
So, grab your favorite snack, maybe a juice box if you’re really feeling the T1D vibe, and let’s dive into my story!
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Where It All Began - The Diagnosis: Christmas Eve Surprise
Every story has a beginning, so here’s mine. It was Christmas Eve, and I had just turned 12 a couple of weeks prior. I was in sixth grade, feeling as miserable as any kid who should be enjoying holiday break but instead couldn’t seem to shake feeling pretty lousy—constantly thirsty, running to the bathroom a million times a day, and losing weight like crazy. I didn’t know it then, but these are classic symptoms of diabetes.
On Christmas Eve, while most kids were dreaming of presents, I was lying listlessly in bed, barely conscious. My parents had taken me to the doctor earlier, and I’d been prescribed antibiotics for what we thought was a standard winter bug. But things just kept getting worse, and when my dad checked in on me that evening, he knew something was very wrong. One ambulance ride later, we were at the University of Michigan Children’s Hospital, where I spent the rest of the holiday learning about Type 1 Diabetes. It was a shocker, for sure. Suddenly, life as I knew it was forever changed.
Growing Up with Diabetes - More than Just Shots and Juice Boxes
The early years with T1D were tough. I avoided talking about it with friends, partly because I couldn’t get through a conversation without tearing up and partly because I just hated it. Playing basketball was a challenge because of the constant blood sugar swings, and I quickly became known for carrying glucose tabs and juice boxes everywhere. I hated feeling shaky, dizzy, and out of control. And let’s be honest, I hated feeling “different.”
Sleepovers and dinner outings? Pure anxiety! Back in the pre-pump days, I was giving myself insulin shots. I couldn’t stand when friends’ parents would say, “I don’t know how you do it. I could never poke myself like that!” It was hard enough without people pointing it out. It’s not like I had a choice! The reality was, I either learned to give myself injections or… well, let’s not go there. The constant comments and awkward questions left me feeling embarrassed, and eventually, I got tired of explaining myself. So, I stopped testing and giving shots as often as I should.
Then, in 1999, I got my first insulin pump. It was a Medtronic MiniMed 508, and that little device changed the game for me. No more injections, but it also meant this beeping device on my hip drew lots of attention. Teachers thought it was a pager going off in class (this was the ‘90s after all), and one friend’s older sister teased me for wearing it at the beach, asking, “Why’d you bring your pager? You think you’re that cool?” Let me tell you, that was a tough time to be a teen with T1D.
College & Finding My Way
Heading to college was another huge milestone. I had to learn to manage my diabetes independently, without the close monitoring and support of my mom.
Of course, I made some rookie mistakes along the way. I once totally miscalculated my supply order and ran out of pump infusion sets. Luckily, I remembered a friend from high school and diabetes camp who also went to Michigan State. A quick message to her, and I was running across campus to her dorm for a few backup infusion sets to hold me over. That’s the thing about the diabetes community—we’re all in this together, and support each other.
Managing T1D in college wasn’t just about supplies; I also had to navigate social situations that challenged my comfort zone. Drinking was a whole new ballgame. Figuring out that alcohol, when mixed with T1D, is just…well, complicated. I had to learn what worked for me through trial and error, and sometimes that meant midnight trips for snacks to keep my blood sugar up after a night out. It was a balancing act I learned the hard way a few times, but I got the hang of it, carrying glucose tabs and juice boxes like part of the outfit.
Dating with T1D: From Hiding to Confidence
Dating with T1D was nerve-wracking at first. My high school boyfriend was understanding, but when I’d go out with him, I’d disconnect my pump just to avoid talking about it. I’d convinced myself that people wouldn’t want to “deal with” my diabetes. That feeling intensified when a friend’s boyfriend saw my pump infusion site at the pool one day and whispered, “What’s that thing on her stomach?” I was mortified. From then on, every time I went to the beach or pool, I’d pull off my infusion site, determined to avoid more awkward questions. I didn’t want anyone to think I was “sick” or “different,” so I went to ridiculous lengths to hide my T1D, even if it meant sky-high glucose levels.
By the time I met my now-husband, I realized that the right person wouldn’t care. When I told him about my T1D, he didn’t flinch. In fact, he became my biggest support, carrying juice boxes and reminding me to pack low snacks for hikes. He even helps change my infusion site when it’s hard to reach—now that’s love.
The Power of Camp and Giving Back
One of the best parts of my diabetes journey was attending diabetes camp. Going to camp surrounded by other kids who understood what I was going through was a game-changer. It helped me build confidence, feel normal, and learn that I wasn’t alone. I loved it so much that, later on, I returned as a counselor. Giving back to these kids as they navigated their own journeys was so rewarding. Helping them feel empowered with T1D brought me so much joy, and honestly, being a counselor allowed me to grow too.
The diabetes camp I attended as a camper back in Michigan was called Camp Midicha, and the camp I attended as an adult diabetes counselor (DC) in Arizona is called Camp AZDA. Some of the long-time T1D community members, often called the ‘Betic Army’ branched off and created The Diabetes Network of AZ, in hopes of bringing the magic of camp back into families and communities all year long! I am proud to be aligned with this exceptional organization!
Plus, it led me to try some seriously cool new things like zip-lining, white-water rafting, and skydiving! Diabetes has never held me back from adventure. Just ask me about the time I got choppered off Superstition Mountain — there’s always a good story waiting!
Walking Down the Aisle with T1D
Getting married was one of the most beautiful days of my life, and I chose to keep my pump and diabetes gear out of sight on my wedding day (you can read about that here on my wedding dress blog post). I had a custom pocket sewn into my dress, and I skipped the CGM sensor. I checked my blood sugars on my own time, and everything went off without a hitch! It was a day to focus on love and joy — diabetes was present, but it didn’t get center stage.
The Journey to Motherhood Pregnancy with T1D: A Whole New Level
And then came pregnancy, which is a whole journey in itself! It could fill a blog post of its own (and someday it will!), but let me just say that navigating pregnancy with T1D was hands down the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I suffered two miscarriages before successfully delivering my daughter early at 36 weeks, which made every day of each pregnancy feel precious and high-stakes. I stayed laser-focused and checked my blood sugar non-stop, adjusted my insulin doses like a full-time job, and dialed my A1C in to 5.8 (the lowest it’s ever been in my life) check, even when it felt impossible.
It paid off with the birth of my two beautiful children, who are everything to me. We faced some challenges, like NICU stays, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The postpartum period brought its own diabetes challenges, too. Adjusting basal rates, breastfeeding, and pumping were exhausting but rewarding. There’s nothing quite like the first time you’re alone with the baby and experience low blood sugar — talk about a panic moment! But I got through it, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Embracing Today and Looking Ahead to the Future
These days, I’m living in the present, grateful for every step of this journey. T1D has taught me resilience, compassion, and strength. I’ve accomplished things I never thought possible, and while diabetes isn’t always easy, it’s part of what makes me me. I’ve learned to approach each day with gratitude and hope for the future.
Looking back on nearly three decades with diabetes, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be who I am without it. Sure, it’s tough. It requires constant attention, planning, and patience (especially on low-sugar days). But it’s also introduced me to the most incredible people and made me feel more empowered. I’ve got a community that feels like family, and every shared story reminds me that I’m not in this alone.
Today, I manage my T1D with a combo of technology, experience, and a lot of humor. I rock a Omnipod insulin pump and Freestyle Libre 3 continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which has been a game-changer. My A1C is better than ever, and I feel more in control. But T1D will always keep me on my toes. I’ve learned that the only constant is change, and I’m okay with that.
As I look forward, I’m excited to see where this journey will take me next. And if you’re wondering how I navigate the big stuff (like life insurance, traveling with T1D, and the secrect benefit of diabetes), I’ve got some blog posts on that, too! My goal is to help others with T1D live their best lives — to dream BIG and never let diabetes hold them back.
So, here’s to all the “Betics” out there— let’s keep lifting each other up, pushing each other to take on new adventures, and share our stories to show the world what T1D warriors look like!
Thank you so much for reading and being a part of my story. If you’ve got a diabetes journey of your own, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Let’s keep sharing, learning, and celebrating this community that has lifted me up for the past 28 years. Happy Diabetes Awareness Month, friends!
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