Glow Bugs came into being when two mothers designed a diaper that would be affordable, high-quality and easy to use. “Glow Bug” was one of their daughter’s nicknames; it also captures the image of a cloth diapered baby with a round, padded bottom. Cute as a bug!
Glow Bugs sent me two samples, an argyle pocket diaper from their boy collection and the pink and black cassette tapes print from the girl collection. I think the prints are fantastic and the squared off wings give these diapers a nice trim appearance:
These aren’t your typical pocket diapers; Sarah and Neta introduced an interesting feature this year – the 360 gusset. Instead of just an inner gusset that follows the inside edges of the diaper, Glow Bug’s 360 gusset is actually a closed oval shape that is designed to work even harder to keep messes and explosions inside the diaper. The inner “SlimDry” fleece lining is very purposely chosen because it is thin and smooth, which keeps the diaper as trim as possible. Here’s a photo comparison of the new gusset vs. the original:
If you compare an older style Glow Bug to the newer versions, you’ll also see there’s an added hip snap and the wings are cut a bit trimmer:
Glow Bug diapers are sold in bulk packages of 12 for $150; a free wet bag plus 18 snap-in inserts are also included. The cost breakdown equates to about $12.50 per diaper. Every season, Glow Fans anticipate the coming of new boy, girl and gender-neutral prints. These are one-size pockets with 3 different rise settings, hip snaps and cross-over snaps for very small babies; the suggested size range is from 7 to 35 pounds. Here’s a look at the largest and smallest settings:
The microfiber inserts can be snapped in after you stuff them into the pocket….or simply stuffed in.
One of the first questions I had for Glow Bugs (and one that you might have, too!) was “Why can’t I buy just one diaper?”
Offering bulk packages and significant price savings is at the heart of the Glow Bug business model. Sarah explained it to me this way: “We believe that it is much easier for the average consumer who is expecting a baby and who would like to start their newborn in cloth diapers to purchase everything they will need together in a bundle. We also took a page from our disposable diaper competitors who only sell in large packages.” And the Glow Bug concept has been nothing but successful; these two talented mothers have seen nothing but growth and this year reached over 14,000 Facebook fans!
Customers do have the chance to pick up individual Glow Bugs in the Facebook Co-Op group.
I had a chance to experience their service personally. All Glow Bugs are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for 180 days after purchase; the snaps carry a lifetime warranty. One of the hip snaps on my argyle diaper broke shortly after we started testing. I mailed the diaper back and was reimbursed fully for shipping costs. Glow Bugs promptly repaired and sent it back. Everything was done very quickly and very professionally, and all my questions were thoroughly answered. Our repaired diaper has been working great with no additional problems. Sarah and Neta explained that the isolated snap problem was due to an incorrect pressure setting on their press, which has now been resolved.
Glow Bug diapers are very well made. The fabric is of excellent quality, the prints are bright and clear, snap placement is even and the stitching is good and tight:
And now, let’s see how these diapers fit!
Here’s 18 pound/11 month old Erik:
And Susanna who is 2 years old:
How did the 360 gusset perform? Erik was a good candidate for testing because he’s trying a lot of new foods right now and so diaper changes are definitely more interesting these days. The back curve of the 360 gusset has proved to be especially helpful in keeping messes from escaping out of the back of the diaper, however since that’s about the only place his messes tend to be, having the gusset run along the side and front hasn’t seemed to make a difference. It can be tricky getting #2 out of the leg seams, so Glow Bug has posted a video tutorial of how to spray or rinse the new gussets before laundering.
I’m completely happy with the fit as well. It looks equally cute and trim on all my children. Our Glow Bugs never sag or shift around. Five stars for ease of use, too! They are easy to wash and dry very quickly. I have very few pocket diapers in my stash because I don’t like stuffing and generally prefer natural fabrics to microfiber, but if you are a fan of this style, I can recommend Glow Bugs without hesitation.
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
We have a few Glow Bug diapers in the stash and I was really excited to see how they’ve improved upon their already-awesome gussets! I would love to try the new version, while at the same time hoping it would never be necessary 😉
We can cross our fingers, right? 😀 ~Anne
Wow! This sounds great and interesting. They look so cute. Thanks for sharing!
I would love to try Glow Bug diapers. Thanks for this giveaway opportunity; you offer great giveaways. Love reading your reviews!
Your comment is so sweet, thanks! ~Anne
I’m looking forward to being a cloth diapering momma one day! I really love reading all the different reviews of the options in cloth diapering 🙂
I love glow bug diapers. they are so cute I wish I could buy all of their prints.
I would like to try the 360 gusset on my little boy!
I would really like to try cloth diapering with my 8month old daughter. winning this would be awesome!
I LOVE the argyle!
would really love to win this for xmas for my sister in law who is having her first child in decemebr
I have been researching cloth diapers for a month now and have not been able to narrow my choices down but with this helpful article I think I will be purchasing a glowbug bundle!! There are so many choices out there and it’s so difficult to know which ones will work best. I have a 4 month old that has at least one explosion a day in her disposables. Thank you for the article!
You are so welcome! I’ve done both disposables and cloth, and cloth is definitely superior to holding in blowouts. I hope the Glow Bugs will work for your daughter – it’s a great diaper and a great company! ~Anne
We have two of the older version– I was intrigued when I saw the new 360 gusset line come out so it’d be awesome to see how they compare on our guy 🙂
Love the new 360* gusset. Thanks for the comparison!
I’ve been interested in trying glowbug but I shy away because you have to buy them in big packages. I’m more of a one of every brand girl. 🙂 Excited for this giveaway!! Maybe I’ll get to try them after all.
I can totally understand that point of view, and have tried a lot of brands myself so far. Maybe if you win the giveaway, that will give you a chance to try Glow Bugs! – Anne
I have one GB in a large rotation. I have been happy with it. My dtr started wearing it at 3 months on the smallest setting when I received it. Like most OS diapers I don’t think it will fit a newborn.
I like the 360 gussett design. I would like to try these in the future. The 2 prints featured are adorable. My next purchase may be a glow bugs bundle but it will have to wait until baby #2.
I would really love to try the 360 gusset. thats a very neat feature. I love all the cute prints from GBs. Ive had my eye on a couple for a few months now
I don’t have any Glow Bugs yet, but I sure do love the idea of that 360!
Looks like those new ones are quite slim! 🙂 Hope to win so I can try them out!
Never tried these diapers. I would love the chance to do so. I have an off brand that I’m using now so testing out something different would be nice.
I would love to try a Glow Bug diaper, but can’t afford to buy a full package!
I really love seeing Glowbugs on the different ages of your very cute kids! I really want to try out a Glowbug, and I love their prints!
Thank you, Chrissy! ~Anne
I love the argyle pattern and thanks for the info. O and what sweet, cute models 😉
You are too sweet, thanks! ~Anne
Those prints are so cute!
I have wanted to try glow bugs since I started cloth diapering a few months ago but I can’t afford them. so I’d love to win such an awesome product.
I’m pregnant with my first and due in March. I want to cloth diaper very much and my husband is more hesitant. He’s currently partially on board and I’m looking for great diaper options that might help him love the idea of cloth diapers more. Your review helped convince me that these should be on our short list of diapers to try! Thanks for the helpful review with the comparison and photos!
Stephanie, I’m thrilled the review has been helpful to you! This is definitely a brand I can recommend without hesitation. The diapers and the service are both 5 star. If you end up going with Glow Bugs, I’ve now set it up so my readers can shop right through my blog! http://www.zephyrhillblog.com/shop-for-glow-bugs/ ~Anne
I would love to try out the new 360 gusset!
Great review. I would love to win & try out their 360 gusset. Great patterns as well. Thanks!
I really like the improvements! Especially the extra hip snap! I love those on any diaper!
Okay. I have never used these. And I’m sure the 360 gusset keeps things in… maybe a little too well. I mean how hard is it to spray that clean?
Hi Kristy! I actually don’t have a diaper sprayer and haven’t had any problems with dunking and swishing stuff out of the 360 gussets. If you have a diaper sprayer, check out this video that Glow Bugs posted about how to clean the new gussets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1YhB8E9bTk ~Anne
I have tried a tons of diapers but never had a chance to try a glow bug!
I LOVE my GlowBugs! They are the most adorable prints, and have all the features I feel are important in a cloth diaper! 🙂 Customer service is great, too!
Looks like the inserts are microfiber – is that right? If so, they cannot go directly against the skin, must be tucked under the pocket lining. Just mentioning because it seems as though you have a lot of new to CD moms reading here…would hate for them to snap in the MF liner and not know to tuck it in the pocket. Dreadful to see a baby’s bum get raw and chapped from a microfiber insert directly against the delicate skin of a tiny one. Otherwise, the gusset looks interesting, if not a bit uncomfortable.
You’re correct, these are the microfiber inserts and in the review I recommend either stuffing them inside the pocket or snapping them after stuffing. Thanks for your comment and for entering the giveaway. Good luck! ~Anne
I like the idea of 360 degree gussets, but I think I would have to watch that tutorial on spraying because I can see how it could be a bear to get clean with some toddler messes!
She uses apple crisp in the video and that’s pretty sticky and messy! lol ~Anne
I love glowbugs, and the women behind it are fabulous. The 360 gussets and hip snaps are a wonderful addition.
Wow! The picture of the previous design and the new design shows such a difference. A much better design. This would have me more interested in the Glow Bug diapers! I am always looking for a trimmer diaper. Thanks for the great review!
Glad those comparisons were helpful! Thanks for entering the giveaway, Brandee! ~Anne
Glowbug has some of the brightest and most unique designs…love that they are going to have a payment program too! Kinda eliminates the excuse that cloth is too expensive 😉
I know! If anyone was on the fence….this will be their impetus to jump in and finally give Glow Bugs a try. ~Anne
those gussets sound amazing! I really have to try one on these someday. I love that they made a video on how to spray it out. If I win I’ll be sure to check it out 🙂
I’m completely fascinated by that video and keep watching it over and over! LOL So satisfying to see them spray those gussets clean! ~Anne
Love reading your reviews, hoping some day I can get a review of one of my diapers!
Kim, I just added your shop to my Etsy favorites. Your sherpa fitteds look so beautiful and cozy! Would you want to work with me on a review in January? ~Anne
I have 1 first generation Glowbug and 2 second generation Glowbugs I would love to try the newest with the 360 degree gusset!!!!
We’ve been a cloth diapering family from day one! We’ve been using gDiapers for the most part, but I’m starting to branch out into OS and AIO’s. I’d be super excited to win a few of your diapers so I can try this new 360 degree gusset!
Haven’t used Glow a Bugs yet, but I’m always interested in trying new WAHM items 🙂 I’ve never used pockets with gussets either… Very intriguing!
I am new to cloth diapering and just trying to absorb all the info I can!
My daughter’s baby is due next month and she has decided to use cloth diapers, so I am entering this giveaway for her.
I haven’t tried Glow Bug diapers, but I really like the prints and the 360 degree gussets sound awesome.
I didn’t know they had a lifetime warranty for snaps – I just got a different cover and one of the rise snaps were broken and I don’t think I can have it replaced! 🙁 I would definitely consider a payment plan for a set of Glowbugs in the future.
These prints are awesome! But I’m not sure how much I like the idea of only selling them in bundles. That means you have to put a lot of faith in a product before you purchase it. It’s nice to hear that they have good customer service though. I’m going to give these a try in the near future. 😉
I completely see your point of view, Amber! That’s why it’s so important to research a company/brand thoroughly before buying a package deal. In that regard, I hope my review will be helpful to you, as will all the other “glowing” Glow Bug reviews out there. They really are a company I can feel great about recommending! ~Anne
The argyle is just TOO cute!! Your review was so helpful & thanks for the pictures! I’m a visual person.
I’m due with my first in March and would love to be able to try a Glow Bug diaper on my little one.
That’s interesting that it’s a 360 deg double gusset – have not had a chance to try those yet!
I have a couple of glowbugs and they are among my favorite diapers! I would buy the package if I had the money but alas, I have to enter giveaways and keep my fingers crossed. 😉
I’m curious to see how the 360 gusset works! Love the prints!
I am new to cloth diapering and would love to try these!
I am intrigued by the 360 gusset! I like that they dry quickly too!
I love the 360 gussets I bet they would be great on a younger baby who has poop explosions!
I have tried a Glow Bug diaper, and it does hold in the poop better than any of my other diapers, and the material is super soft.
I want to try a Glow Bug, but I wonder if they’ll ever use anything other than microfiber. I’m not a huge fan of synthetic fabrics.
I’ve never seen a gusset like that before, it’s very interesting. I don’t use pockets that much, but a good give-away to try something new can change my mind 🙂
These look so cute!
I want a gender neutral diaper.
I have one glowbug diaper that I’m super impressed with. But buying a whole package still seems a bit intimidating!
These seem like the perfect start for someone new to CD! Cute prints too!
I would love to try the new 360 GBs. GB diapers were the first pockets that fit my newborn. I am having leaking issues, but I have yet to have poo escape this diaper.
I’d love to try glowbugs 360 gusset, I have their older style and they are the first diaper I’ve seen to have the 360.
I like the gussets. And that the diapers fit even good size toddlers.
I have been dying to try this out for a couple of years now. I just never had the money to spend up front on at least 6! They look so great tho, Ive always loved their prints. I love how affordable it is!
especially for being made here in the USA! Thats such a HUGE bonus!
I really appreciate reviews like this. They are honest and heartfelt. I CD’d 2 of my girls 5 years ago and diapers have changed so much in just that time, but also, the ones I had were hand-me-downs from years prior, so really, I have little experience with today’s diapers and I need to get prepared for my baby (due in April). I would love to have a variety so I know what I really like and want to buy more off.
Thanks for your very thoughtful comments, Heather, and I hope you win something for your new arrival! Congrats! ~Anne
I love love love the styles! They are so cute! I would love to try one for sure
I am curious to try these, with the 360 gusset on my new baby, who will be born in the next couple weeks.
Congrats, Emily!! ~Anne
I am so sad I didn’t know about this diaper sooner! they seem so functional and are definitely cute!! I wish they would sell singles!!
The 360 gusset idea is brilliant!
Would love to win this! Have a 16 month old and a new one on the way! Need all the help I can get 🙂
I’d like to try one of these before committing to buy a whole pack of them. Love how you get such a good fit on all 3 kids!
I have a small cloth diapering stash and would love to add a glow bug diaper to it 🙂
Love the 360 gussets and prints!
I think the 360 degree gusset is a great idea and I’m excited to try it! I just wish I could choose specific prints!
I don’t have any glow bugs in my stash yet but the 360 gusset (albeit possibly tough to clean?) looks like it contains blow outs well.
I’m trying to build my stash before my daughter gets here. I don’t have any glowbug cloth yet, they seem like a great brand and would love to try them.
Based on your review, Glow Bug is constantly trying to improve their product as well as their business procedures. Bravo for them! Their items look like very high-quality products.
I love the cassette print!
Glow Bug diapers are one of the brands I have on my list to build my stash after reading hundreds of reviews. The price is excellent!
I’ve only been using cloth for 2 months and I love it. I love your blog and these diapers look awesome. I’m definitely going to check them out and enter the giveaway. Thanks for this opportunity.
You’re very welcome, Elaina! ~Anne
I just heard of glowbugs yesterday, and really wanted to try them. This would be an awesome way to find out if i should buy them or not!
I’ve loved looking at these diapers for a while, and I would love to try them, but I’ve never been a fan of the pricing/wholesale purchasing of them. This would be a great way to try them out, since they look so effective at stopping leaks!
omg I love that gusset! Looks super helpful with baby poosplosions!
I really love the new 365 gussets. I bet it really keeps the messes inside.
We are looking to build a stash to switch our youngest or to prepare for a future child, and this would be an awesome start! 🙂
I’m looking forward to seeing how the 360 gusset compares to the “parallel” gusset of my Rumparooz. Plus I have many elastics that need replacement now & still need pocket diapers for sending the little guy to day care. This would mean one less elastic I need to replace!
This is the first 360 gusset I’ve seen. I would love to try one out! And that cassette tape print is the cutest! 🙂
I have a glowbug with the 360 degress and I like them.
the argyle print is so cute!
I have one glowbug diaper and love it. Could use another, thank you!
I’m brand new to cloth, my son is 39 days old. Excited to learn!!
Love the 360 concept!
Great review! Never tried this brand before but it looks fabulous!
I love that you showed the fit on two of your littles… I’d also love to try out the 360 gusset, the whole package is too much to just try- winning one would be great!!!
I really liked how you compared the 2 different styles side by side. Gives a very clear example of the different styles!
I have wanted to take the plunge into cloth but I’m so scared! I know I shouldn’t be but I would like to try one out before I go and buy a whole bunch! Ahh but I have heard about these ones and yay for this giveaway!!!!!
I’m brand new to cloth diapering and would love to try out this brand!
Buying 12 diapers at one time kind of scares me 🙂 Maybe I’ll win and have a chance to try them out before taking the plunge! 😉 they are a fantastic price! And I loooove the prints they offer!!!
Cant wait to try a GLOW BUG 🙂
I’ve never tried a glow bug and I’d really like too . I’d love to see how well the 360 gussets work.
These look so useful!! Love the 360 gusset!
I love the new changes to glow bug diapers! I would love to try one, the 360 gusset looks awesome!
im loving the new version of this diaper the new 360 gussets awesome that extra snap is a plus im excited to try it
I’m excited to try a 360 degree gusset on my son. I really like the argyle print you reviewed too.