AppleCheeks is a very popular cloth diaper brand that hails from Canada. The core components include an “envelope” cover (in sizes 1, 2 and 3) and inserts made of either microterry or bamboo. There are other AppleCheeks accessories like wet bags, training pants, flushable liners and boosters.
The diapers I’m highlighting in today’s review are from my personal collection and include size 1 covers in Figgylicious and Lemon Zest, a size 2 cover in Riptide, and both types of inserts.
If you shop for AppleCheeks in Canada, I highly recommend Cozy Bums (oh, and right now the exchange rate and 15% sale are great for American customers, too!). In the United States, you can find AppleCheeks at many of my affiliates including:
Size 1 – fits 7 to 20 pounds
Size 2 – fits 18 to 40 pounds
Size 3 – fits 35 to 65 pounds (a more recent addition to the AppleCheeks line, for older and special needs children; a portion of the sale proceeds go to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society.
AppleCheeks diapers are adjusted a bit differently from other cloth diapers. There are 3 sizes available, and you might have noticed there aren’t rise snaps to shorten or lengthen the diaper. So how do you adjust it? The first step is to choose the right cover for your child’s size range (1, 2 or 3). And then when putting the diaper on your baby, snap the leg closed first and then the waist.
Here’s a look inside. The AppleCheeks envelope cover is so called because the opening is right in the middle, and one flap slightly covers the other (like an envelope). The entire diaper is lined inside with white microfleece, so it’s not a “wipe clean and re-use” type of cover.
As you may have already guessed, AppleCheeks diapers can be used as a cover or pocket system. Here are the insert choices:
AppleCheeks microterry inserts have a stay-dry fleece topper. You can stuff in the pocket or lay in the diaper cover; the red serged side is the one that should not touch your child’s skin directly as it is microfiber.
AppleCheeks bamboo inserts are either 2 or 3 layers thick, and are made of 70% rayon from bamboo/30% organic cotton.
The most popular way to use them is folded in thirds, either stuffed in the pocket or laid in the cover. You can also fold it in half for a baby who needs a wider area of coverage, or try this boy fold for more absorbency up front.
The 2-layer insert is ideal for daytime use (when folded in thirds it makes six layers altogether). The 3-layer insert is something you can try at night (when folded in thirds there are nine layers total). There are also bamboo and stay-dry boosters, which are smaller and thinner, but can add a little bit of absorbency to the diaper.
These photos show just a few of the ways you can use the AppleCheeks system.
Here are my thoughts on the AppleCheeks system, which we’ve had quite a long time to try out because Erik wore them as a newborn (3 years ago), and Ingrid has worn them off and on for her first 18 months.
FIT: Size 1 started to fit Erik after he reached 9 pounds. Ingrid first started wearing them after the newborn phase. I like the trim, cute fit and soft fleece, especially around their legs. We had a minor dilemma around the 11 month mark (she was about 17 pounds) when neither size one nor size two fit correctly. The size one waist was too tight and the rise was too low, BUT the size two was too big in the waist and too high in the rise. I tried all the recommended “tricks” but just couldn’t get a good fit with either the 1 or the 2. So we had to wait for size 2 until she grew bigger and her body changed.
Here is a picture showing the size difference between 1 and 2:
The microterry insert is longer than the bamboo and so to fit it inside the size 1 cover, you’ll need to fold it under to shorten it. This does create a little extra bulk. Also, when using the size 2 cover (since it’s bigger and longer), the bamboo insert does not quite cover from front to back. For a boy, you can slide it more to the front, but then you’ll have some empty space in the back. You can get around this by adding a booster/doubler.
AppleCheeks diapers have a wide pocket that’s easy to stuff; it also means a fuller cut across the crotch.
The ruffled elastics are cute and help the diaper not only to fit snugly but also to contain messes from the back and front and legs. I usually do not like front elastic on a cloth diaper because it tends to pucker or roll in at the waist. But with the way AppleCheeks elastic is sewn it doesn’t do this. Instead, it “gives” as your child moves. Much to my surprise, it’s been one of my favorite features because Ingrid has a round tummy, and sitting up without her diaper digging in means more comfort for her.
If I could change on thing about AppleCheeks, it would be to make the wings slightly longer. They are very short compared to our other diapers.
PERFORMANCE: After trying different ways of using AppleCheeks, my little ones haven’t had any leaks. For newborn Erik, I did not like the extra bulk of the microterry insert when folded under, so I used either the bamboo trifold or a newborn prefold inside. When Ingrid was an older infant, both the microterry and the 2-ply bamboo worked great during the day. Both she and Erik can wear AppleCheeks size two at night with the bamboo insert underneath and microterry on top.
If used as a pocket, you have to wash the whole thing after one use.
If used as a cover, your baby will need to be changed more often if your goal is to try and re-use the fleece lined cover again before washing. This can save you having to buy more covers overall. In reality, we aren’t able to re-use covers that much. Either they feel too damp for my liking or some poo has gotten on the fleece.
I have discovered that the inserts do not always agitate out in the wash on their own. We have a top-loading HE machine. Because the inserts are multi-layered I worry about them getting clean enough when they are still stuck in the pocket. So I will usually pull it out and launder again. Also, since the pocket opening is right in the middle, that means poo will sometimes sneak inside the pocket. It can be tricky to get out whether you are dunking or spraying. Using a flushable or disposable liner can help to negate this drawback. I prefer a pocket opening in either the front or back of a diaper.
DURABILITY: The only thing I’ve noticed is the white fleece starting to get pilly and dingy after many months of regular use and washing. This is what I consider normal wear and tear. Everything else (PUL and elastic) still looks fine. AppleCheeks diapers include an 18 month warranty on snaps, 12 months on the (waterproof) PUL components and 60 days for elastics. There is also a 30-day warranty on sewing defects on the covers and inserts.
VALUE: AppleCheeks are priced on the higher side. If using as a pocket, you’ll need $25 to $29 for one diaper and insert. If using as a cover, you’ll spend about $20 each and they may often be “single use only.” There are diehard AppleCheeks fans everywhere, so you’ll be glad to know that the re-sale value for these is very good.
Now let’s see AppleCheeks on the babies!
Here’s newborn Erik in his AppleCheeks size 1. You can read more about our experience using AppleCheeks covers on a newborn here. He was around 8 pounds in this picture.
This is Ingrid in the size 1 at about 5 months. I love the way her AppleCheeks size 1 fit at this stage (from about 3 months to 10 months).
And here she is in size 2 now at 18 months and about 22 pounds. The diaper is snapped at an angle, because the leg and waist are adjusted separately.
The front and back and leg ruffles on AppleCheeks diapers are really adorable. The only issue I have with the appearance is that the wings don’t stay flat on the sides and they curl back soon after putting on the diaper, revealing the white fleece underneath.
I can still squeeze Erik into the size two at age 3 and about 28 pounds. But the rise is really low. For us, this diaper will not fit up to 40 pounds and would be more like 30 pounds.
Giveaway CLOSED
US and Canadian residents can enter to win an AppleCheeks Envelope Cover in the newest color: Kiss ‘n Teal, plus a 2-ply bamboo insert! And don’t forget Cozy Bums is having a big 15% off AppleCheeks sale until February 13th as part of “We Love Canadian Made” month.
We’re currently in that in-between stage with our AppleCheeks, and it’s driving me batty! Our stash was 90% AppleCheeks (except for a few nighttime diapers) and when our size1s started looking a bit too snug I confidently ordered an entire size 2 stash. Imagine my dismay to find that none of them fit! We’ve had to scramble to find diapers that work in the interim and it has NOT been a wild success.
Ingrid is about the same shape as my Evie and went through this stage seemingly around the same time. When did the size 2s start fitting Ingrid? Did she ever need to go back down to the size 1s (when she started walking, perhaps)?
Hi Amy, this is frustrating, I know – especially when your stash is basically almost entirely one brand. Ingrid started walking around the 1-year mark and though her weight gain slowed a little she still had the chubby legs and tummy, so we were never able to go back down to a size 1. The size 2 started fitting better when she got taller and was over 22 pounds. She’s short for her age so this is another reason it took a while to grow into the size 2 rise. ~Anne
Thanks Susan! I guess I’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out. 🙂
I have always wondered how people reuse fleece covers. I have two funky fluffs and I do not ever think I have reused the cover. I would love to try the envelope opening and the unique elastic to compare to other diapers.
Good question, Denise. It’s possible depending on the type of insert you use and what your baby’s output is like (and also how often you are changing). For example, I can trifold the bamboo insert and lay it in the size 2 cover, and if Ingrid wets the insert but doesn’t saturate it, the fleece cover will actually be dry and “untouched.” So we can definitely reuse it again. But if she has a messy poo and it gets on the fleece, we’ll obviously have to change it out. Or, if wetness wicks from the insert onto the fleece then we won’t re-use. ~Anne
I’ve heard a lot of great things about AppleCheeks. Thanks for sharing your review and for the chance to win!
Great review, thanks for including all the different ways of using this diaper style!
The poo sometimes getting caught in the pocket kind of scares me! Otherwise Applecheeks look very cute and I have heard good things about them. Thanks for the honest review and giveaway!
I used AppleCheeks exclusively until we ran into the size gap problem and we never had any poo get in the pocket. 🙂
Thanks for your thorough review. I’m not sure if I’m ready to buy an Applecheeks, but I would love the chance to try one by winning. I’ve found my fave diapers by winning then purchased more. 🙂
Hey, whatever works! ~Anne
I like the size 1 apple cheeks but could never get a good fit with the size 2s after my littles outgrew the size 1s. I always had leg gaps even on the smallest snap setting. any suggestions?
The only trick I know for tightening up the size 2 leg openings is to fasten the snaps as snugly as you can, and then grab the wings on either side and pull them up so they stick up past the top of the waistband, on your baby’s hips. ~Anne
Love this new color! I don’t have any Applecheeks in my stash. I’m not supposed to buy any more diapers, but I may have to make an exception for this 😉
I have been wanting to try applecheeks cloth diapers for some time. I wish they made a onesize option but they’re diaper new size 3 makes it easier to diaper a child longer than any onesize option.
These are our absolute favourite diapers! I enjoyed your review, and agree that they don’t make for a great AI2 system. My only comment is that the diapers could be done up another snap or two by stretching out the wings as they are put on, which would give a much better fit on a newborn, and help each size last significantly longer. Thanks for the giveaway!
Though we only have had the size 2 I love the fit of our Applecheeks diaper on my son. I think Applecheeks team is really fun! Their reveals are great and I love all their colors and prints. They are definitely on my list of if I could only own one brand what would it be.
Id love to try their size 1s. Ive only had the 2s and they didn’t last past 2 years old. but i think you’re right, that was probably around 30lbs for my LO
I think the size two would be best for us but my oldest would grow out soon.
I love Applecheeks cloth diapers and would love to win a bamboo bundle in the new color release. It is always nice to see the same diaper on different size babies/toddlers to see what the fit is like. This especially nice for cloth diaper newbies. I always enjoy your reviews, thanks Anne.
Thank you for entering and for your support, Kari! ~Anne
We have one Applecheeks diaper which I really love for my toddler! I didn’t have one until recently, so I wasn’t aware of the possible fit issue in going from the 1 to the 2. We haven’t had any leaks with ours and I love the extra elastic around the waist because my little one is so thin. I do find them pricey though, but the warranty (which I didn’t know about until reading this) is a nice bonus!!
Applecheeks are on sale! Yay! Too bad I don’t need any diapers right now! LOL
Applecheeks are on sale! I am buying a few to start my stash for our 2nd!
I love AC’s colors but I’ve always wondered…. does the ruffling on the edges distort/ interfere with clothing at all?
Not for us. They don’t really stick out too much.
I jumped into cloth very quickly and didn’t do much research beyond the brands I had heard of when I was a disposables user (BumGenius, Charlie Banana, and gDiapers). I ended up starting with a 1 day stash of BumGenius pockets and I loved it, so when I bought enough for a 2nd day, I branched out and tried other brands. I couldn’t bring myself to try Applecheeks when they were so expensive and didn’t come with an insert. Now that I’ve discovered stuffing pocket diapers with padfolded flats, I’m totally kicking myself for not trying Applecheeks sooner. I have two now and they are some of my favorites!
I haven’t tried them with flats yet; that’s a great idea, Emily! ~Anne
Ooh, AppleCheeks on sale ;). I couldn’t get them to work with my newborn, but I also had an incredibly skinny little girl and it was the first cloth I was trying.
We’ve always marveled at how their diapers, without any adjustment other then moving from Size 1 to Size 2, have fit our children so well. I wasn’t aware that they had a Size 3 — good to know since Baby #3 is trending bigger then his sisters 🙂
I love the colour of this diaper! Too bad it didn’t come out a month ago! My sister got married in January and her colour was teal… This would have been awesome on my son!
We’ve never tried Applecheeks but would love to!
I love the new color! I’m trying to build up a small stash of size ones as I try to get pregnant 🙂
Thirsties and Appleckees are some of the products on sale.
Love the Kiss n Teal, and would love to try AppleCheeks! Have been noticing the awesome sale on AC too @ Cozy Bums, so maybe now would be a good time… if I can get away with buying more diapers! 😉 Thanks for the review!
i love the new party marty print they have! im in the us so with shipping likely wont shop there unless theres a great sale! (or if the dollar is crazy strong! 😛 )
I love cloth diapering my boy. Applecheeks is one of my favourite brands.
The way that the wings roll out tells me we would leak horribly. Do you find less leaking in cover and insert/ai2 or pocket/aio?
That’s what I worried would happen, too, Shana, but it hasn’t yet and that’s because it’s on the side wings and not at the front of the waistband or the legs. For Erik (our toddler), the only time it leaked was when I used just the 2-layer bamboo insert inside the pocket. He wets quickly. I had success with either the microterry or the microterry/bamboo. Inside the pocket or laid in the cover didn’t make a difference. With Ingrid, the only leak I has was user error – she wore the microterry through a long nap and sleeps on her tummy, and there was some wetness at the top of the waistband. ~Anne
I’ve thought about these before, but I have a feeling my daughter would be right in between size 1 and 2 right now, and I’ve found that any cover or AIO that has fabric that is sewn into the leg seem wicks super easy so I’ve been hesitant. But these look like they would be super nice for around 4-7months when baby is learning to sit up and has a pudgy tummy!
Applecheecks has such cute fluff! I have been wanting to try them for some time now.
I do not have an applecheeks yet. I would love to try one
I am more of a Thirsties fan myself, but I do have an applecheeks cover that I plan to use once we are in OS.
I’ve heard wonderful things about Applecheeks! I don’t have any, but would love to try them!
Thanks for the review. My daughter is due to have her second baby in August and has been busy researching cloth diapers.
I’ve been wanting to try AppleCheeks, but I’m not sure how I feel about pockets. :/ We haven’t started with cloth yet, (due in less than 3 weeks), and the two pockets we own, I am not a fan of stuffing. I would love the opportunity to try an AplleCheeks product. 🙂
As for the CozyBums sales, the Newborn Samplers are pretty awesome sounding. 🙂
I have on Applecheeks cover and I really like it! The fit is amazing and I haven’t had any problem with leaks. It would be great to add another to my stash!
What a great review. I love applecheeks 🙂
That sale on thirsties covers is tempting! 🙂
I only have one Applecheeks cover, but I really like it and would like more. It’s so easy to stuff a folded prefold in it and I love that
Checking out Cozy Bums’ website… how did i miss that audrey got a makeover? not sure how i feel about the white.
I am still so glad that you put all of that work into the newborn diaper reviews. Hadn’t realized you did an apple cheeks one. Think i have looked mostly and your aio reviews.