Mama Koala has long been known for their huge selection of very well-priced pocket diapers, so when we heard they were releasing version 3.0 of their pockets, we couldn’t wait to test them out.
Amazingly, Mama Koala gave us the opportunity to review the new Mama Koala 3.0 pocket diapers.
As I don’t currently have a child in diapers myself, a member of the Cloth Diapers for Beginners Facebook community generously volunteered to test out the diapers and provide feedback.
We tested Mama Koala’s 3.0 diapers on her four-month-old daughter during daytime use over about three weeks and compared them to some brand-new 2.0s over the same period. We’ve written this review based on her detailed notes on the diaper’s performance across our five rating categories, as well as our overall impression.
The spoiler is, they exceeded our expectations, but there’s so much more to say.
At a Glance
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Product: Mama Koala 3.0 Pocket Diapers
- Price: Budget-friendly, with exclusive discounts offered to Cloth Diapers for Beginners community.
- Best Features: Highly absorbent, adjustable fit, high-quality soft fabric, and excellent customer service.
- Recommended: Yes, for their excellent performance, quality, and value.
- Weight Limit: Designed to fit babies from 8 to 40 lbs.
Exclusive Discounts for the Cloth Diapers for Beginners Community:
- Amazon US: Use code CDFB10MK for 10% off everything! No minimum purchase, one-time use per account. Can’t be combined with other offers. Expires on 08/10/2024 11:59 PM PDT.
- Mama Koala’s Website: Enjoy 15% off (excluding trial packs) with code CDFB15MK. No minimum purchase, one-time use per account. Valid only on mamakoala.com. This code can not be combined with other offers and does not apply to trail packs. No expiration!
YES! You Can Use these Coupons on the Mama Koala 3.0 pocket diapers when they are released on November 9th!
Mama Koala is launching their 3.0 Pocket Diapers on November 9th, 2023 but you can read all about them in our full review here.
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Snaps offer fantastic adjustability
- Soft, high-quality fabricsResponsive company support
- May not be suitable for some babies overnight (as with all pocket diapers)
Table of Contents
How We Rate Diapers
Before I get into all that I have to report back about Mama Koala’s 3.0 pockets, I first would like to be transparent about how we judge and rate diapers during a review.
In short, we give each diaper a score out of one, in five different categories: absorbency and effectiveness, adjustability and fit, prints and fabrics, support and warranty, and price and affordability. At the end, we add up the score and that’s the rating out of five stars.
This system keeps our reviews consistent, and fair for all diapers we rate and lets you know the true value of the diaper you’re considering.
What Did We Rate Mama Koala 3.0 Pocket Diapers?
I’ll be honest, I could say that I didn’t think Mama Koala pocket diapers would do so well in our typically tough reviews, but given the results of our recent testing and review of Mama Koala’s diaper covers and the result of our absorbency testing for Mama Koala’s entire insert lineup, both of which got a perfect rating of 5 out of 5… well, let’s just say my expectations were higher this time around.
Unbelievably, Mama Koala once again achieved a perfect score, 5 out of 5 stars, for their 3.0 pocket diapers.
I know it sounds too good to be true, but here are the details…
Absorbency and Effectiveness
For absorbency and effectiveness, our tester gave the Mama Koala 3.0 pocket diaper a rating of 1 out of 1 stars. Though she didn’t use the diaper overnight as she doesn’t yet overnight diaper, with just one of Mama Koala’s five-layer bamboo inserts the 3.0 pocket diapers were absorbent enough during daytime use to absorb everything during her normal 1.5-2 hour periods between diaper changes.
Overall, our reviewer was pleasantly surprised by how well the diaper and inserts kept her daughter dry. She added that the hemp inserts worked very well for her and her baby, and that she thought when combined with the ability to adjust the diaper, this is what prevented any leaks.
When asked, she said, “Yes I would trust this product in the future and would just adjust inserts (add one if needed) to accommodate pee output.“
It’s important to note here that when we are judging pocket diapers on absorbency and effectiveness, we’re really judging how effective they are with adequate absorption inside. Since pocket diapers are able to be stuffed with all kinds of inserts, and multiple inserts, all according to your individual needs, it would be unfair to comment on the absorption alone.
To learn more about the absorbency of Mama Koala’s inserts, and subsequently which ones you should opt for when purchasing a Mama Koala pocket diaper, click here.
Star Rating for Absorbency and Effectiveness: 1/1
Adjustability and Fit
For adjustability and fit, our tester was able to get a great fit without the diaper feeling too bulky. The diaper was tested on her four-month-old, who was about 13 lb at the time, and with all of the snap options, there was confidence that as her daughter grows she will be able to continue adjusting to keep the great fit.
The standout feature for our reviewer was the layout of the snaps, which is actually a new feature with the 3.0 re-release. She said that there were a lot to choose from to help with the correct fit and as a result had zero leaks from her legs or back while wearing these diapers.
Mama Koala’s 3.0 pocket diapers therefore earned a full star for adjustability and fit.
Star Rating for Adjustability and Fit: 1/1
Prints and Fabrics
It’s almost unfair to rate Mama Koala on their print selection because if there’s any one brand that’s known for their range of prints it’s Mama Koala, in fact, they release new prints every Thursday on their website!
There’s just no contest here, no other brand has matched their print output in the 8+ years I’ve been following the industry.
When it comes to the fabrics of the new pocket diapers, the waterproof outside is made from a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). As we’ve noted before in our review of their covers, Mama Koala’s TPU is of good quality and is both durable and works well.
Unlike a diaper cover of course these have a pocket diaper lining which is made from a 100% Polyester Athletic Wicking Jersey (AWJ). This was the first time our reviewing mom had used AWJ before and said she loved it and felt it kept her dryer than other fabrics she’s used.
Even better, living in a pet-friendly home our volunteer tester loved the diaper’s material, because it didn’t attract pet fur like some others. The diaper showed no signs of wear or staining after washing after the three-week testing period.
Overall, our tester said, “I would 100% buy the same fabric again – I think I have found my new favorite.”
And so Mama Koala’s 3.0 pocket diapers easily earned a full star in the Prints and Fabrics Category.
Star Rating for Prints and Fabrics: 1/1
Support and Warranty
If you choose to purchase Mama Koala diapers from Amazon, they will come with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee provided by Amazon (rather than Mama Koala), but if you purchase directly from Mama Koala, they stand behind their products so strongly that the company provides a 365-day warranty. Customers can contact Mama Koala anytime with any issues to start a claim.
In my experience, the company is highly responsive to questions on social media, email and their website.
Mama Koala appears dedicated to improving their products (like their 3.0 pockets) and launching new options. There can occasionally be a slight language barrier, but Mama Koala’s customer service team makes an evident effort to resolve problems and ensure satisfaction.
It is clear through their attentiveness that Mama Koala places priority on delivering a positive customer experience. They actively solicit product feedback and are continuously working to upgrade designs and launch new offerings.
Considering their responsive support and satisfaction commitment, I’m always happy to award Mama Koala’s product a full one-star rating for excellent overall warranty and customer service, and our reviewer agreed.
“I read the warranty on the website and it was clear and seemed very fair. I think a warranty is important for manufacturer’s issues etc., she noted.“
Star Rating for Support and Warranty: 1/1
Price and Availability
At the time of this review, Mama Koala pocket diapers cost under $10 each if you buy them individually, but you can save on packages of 7+ or 12+. *
* Please note that prices are always subject to change, so please check the website for up-to-date pricing. Some insert upgrades will add to this price.
With its budget-friendly pricing and free U.S. shipping over $50 available on the Mama Koala website, you just can’t argue with the value of these diapers.
UPDATE: After reading our review Mama Koala generously gave our readers an exclusive discount!
Exclusive Discounts for the Cloth Diapers for Beginners Community:
- Amazon US: Use code CDFB10MK for 10% off everything! No minimum purchase, one-time use per account. Can’t be combined with other offers. Expires on 3/20/2024.
- Mama Koala’s Website: Enjoy 15% off (excluding trial packs) with code CDFB15MK. No minimum purchase, one-time use per account. Valid only on mamakoala.com. No expiration!
These discounts make the diapers even more budget-friendly. And our reviewer said she would happily purchase this diaper again based on the quality and value.
Star Rating for Price and Availability: 1/1
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Overall Impression
In addition to the 5-star ratings, our tester shared her enthusiastic overall impression:
“Mama Koala are now my favorite diaper and the ones I grab first out of my stash. As a first-time mom and relatively new to cloth diapering, I love the snap placement to get the best fit possible, for comfort as well as to prevent any leaks or blowouts. They wash up really nicely and dry fast. I love the material and that it doesn’t attract my cat’s fur. I rarely give a five-star review but since I have zero complaints, it is five-star all the way. Time to go pick out some new prints for my wish list. You will not be disappointed to add MK to your stash. “
Based on the glowing feedback provided and my own positive impression of the diapers inspecting them myself (check out my unboxing video here), the Mama Koala 3.0 pocket diapers deliver outstanding performance and value according to this reviewer. For parents seeking an affordable, well-fitting and absorbent cloth diaper, the revamped Mama Koala 3.0 seems an excellent option to consider.
Additional Considerations
Eco-Friendliness
Mama Koala states their insert products comply fully with CPSIA safety regulations and are tested by a CPSC-approved lab. This helps validate they are free from concerning chemicals such as phthalates and lead.
The company mentioned they aim to use more organic, sustainable materials where possible moving forward. This indicates a commitment to reducing their environmental impact over time.
Additionally, Mama Koala has created a Buy/Sell/Trade Facebook group to enable reuse of their inserts among customers. This helps extend the usable lifecycle and further cut waste.
While Mama Koala currently uses typical manufacturing methods and materials, they seem to have sustainability on their radar for future improvements. Their statements suggest eco-friendliness is an area of increasing focus.
Comparisons
The Mama Koala pocket diapers offer similar performance to leading brands like Alva and Nora’s Nursery at an even more affordable price point. The 3.0 updates bring the diapers more in line with premium options.
Mama Koala 2.0 Vs. 3.0: What’s Changed?
The 3.0 diapers feature an angled hip snap layout for better fit. The crossover snap has also been moved for enhanced comfort and containment.
While this may seem like a small change, our reviewer did actually find the 3.0 better and found they did provide a better fit, and that is actually a big deal.
A good fit is what’s going to keep you cloth diapering instead of quitting in frustration after leaks around the legs or out the back.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of the Mama Koala 3.0 pocket diapers are pretty one-sided. In fact I’m kind of cheating by including a con that applies to all pocket diapers, not just Mama Koala, in order to have something on the cons list.
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly pricing | May not be suitable for some babies overnight (as with all pocket diapers) |
| Snaps offer fantastic adjustability | |
| Soft, high-quality fabrics | |
| Responsive company support |
Final Recommendation
The Mama Koala 3.0 pocket diapers provide excellent absorbency, fit, quality, and value. The angled hip snaps and repositioned crossover snap are smart upgrades. For an affordable diaper with outstanding performance, the Mama Koala 3.0 is easy to recommend.
Mama Koala is launching their 3.0 Pocket Diapers on November 9th, 2023 but you can read all about them in our full review here.
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Snaps offer fantastic adjustability
- Soft, high-quality fabricsResponsive company support
- May not be suitable for some babies overnight (as with all pocket diapers)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weight limit for Mama Koala pocket diapers?
ama Koala pocket diapers are designed to fit babies from approximately 8 to 40 lbs. The extensive snap layout allows for adjustability as your child grows. With options for both smaller and larger babies, these diapers strive to provide a good fit throughout your child’s diapering journey.
How do Mama Koala diapers work?
Mama Koala diapers are pocket diapers. This means they feature a stay-dry pocket that houses an absorbent insert. During use, liquids pass through the top layer into the insert, keeping your baby’s skin dry. Click over to our detailed guide for a deeper look into how pocket diapers work.
How do Mama Koala’s 3.0 pocket diapers compare to the 2.0 version?
In the 3.0 version, Mama Koala has made key updates based on users’ feedback. The hip snaps have been angled and the cross-over snap has been repositioned. These changes enhance fit and comfort, aligning the diaper more with premium options. These improvements make an already reliable and cost-effective diaper even better!
When will the Mama Koala 3.0 Pocket Diapers be Released?
The 3.0 pocket diaper will be launched on November 9th on the Mama Koala website and on Amazon US. Check back then for links.
April Duffy
April is the founder of Cloth Diapers for Beginners and author of The Cloth Diaper Wash & Care Handbook. Since 2015, April has helped well over 75,000 parents and caregivers cloth diaper their children through this website, her book, her YouTube Channel, and the Cloth Diapers for Beginners Facebook Group.
Save Your Sanity and Avoid Diaper Smells and Rashes with This Easy-To-Follow Digital Handbook. This Ultimate Wash and Care Guide Will Give You the Step-By-Step Coaching Your Mom Group Can't Provide!