Mama Koala 2.0 Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Mama Koala 2.0 | |||||
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Awards | Budget-Friendly Hybrid System | Great Value Pocket | |||
Price | $9.00 List $5.67 each at Amazon | $20.00 List | $15.00 List | $6.50 List $4.99 each at Amazon | $9.00 List $4.98 each at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | With an overall poor performance, it's hard for us to list any positives | Ideal for use in on-the-go cloth diapering, with a simple set up and cleaning routine, but the liner is free floating and single gusset | A pocket-style diaper with notable absorbency but otherwise basic and difficult to adjust | An inexpensive set of pocket diapers to kick off cloth diapering, but it isn't the most absorbent | This pocket diaper struggles to perform, making it one you can pass on |
Rating Categories | Mama Koala 2.0 | Flip with Stay Dry... | Imagine Baby Pocket... | babygoal Reusable | ALVABABY One Size P... |
Absorbency (35%) | |||||
Fit/Leakage (30%) | |||||
Comfort (20%) | |||||
Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
Specs | Mama Koala 2.0 | Flip with Stay Dry... | Imagine Baby Pocket... | babygoal Reusable | ALVABABY One Size P... |
Style | Hybrid/AI2 | ||||
Tested Material Diaper | Natural & Synthetic Fiber: Bamboo, Polyester, Nylon, Polyurethane | Synthetic Fiber: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex | Synthetic Fiber: Polyester, Nylon | Natural & Synthetic Fiber: Bamboo, Polyester, Polyurethane | Synthetic Fiber: Polyester Laminated to Polyurethane, Polyester, Nylon |
Weight Range | 8 to 40 lbs | 8 to 35 lbs | 8 to 35+ lbs | 7 to 33 lbs | 7 to 33 lbs |
Gusset | Single | Single | Single | Single | Single |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Mama Koala company has a website, but it doesn't share much information about the company, such as how it got started and its mission statement.
Performance Comparison
Likes
Every baby is shaped differently, and a diaper's fit is vital to avoiding leaks. With additional snaps in the waist, it offers more adjustability.
The insert has snaps; you can fold and modify it into three lengths. Despite seeming simple, this feature makes the insert more versatile and provides peace of mind that it will stay folded versus non-snap inserts. You can shorten and lengthen the insert as your baby grows, or if you need additional absorbency in one particular spot, fold the insert to give you more padding.
Dislikes
The Mama Koala 2.0 is available in different interior linings, such as suede-like cloth, athletic wicking jersey, and bamboo. We tested the athletic wicking jersey option that's somewhat net-like.
According to the manufacturer, the design of this material is intended to wick moisture away from your baby's skin to keep it dry and cool, making it one to consider if your little one is sensitive to warmth and wetness. However, we weren't impressed by this material choice. With a waterproof exterior, we don't think much breathability is happening. If you zoom in on the photo above, you will notice its textured surface. The jersey fabric feels thin and cheap and lacks the softness we seek for ideal comfort.
We also think the gussets have a few drawbacks. They lack softness, and the interior jersey lining extends past the exterior material, increasing the potential for moisture-wicking leaks.
The pocket-opening on the Mama Koala 2.0 is massive, and with no elastic on one side, it's even more floppy. The extra fabric doesn't lay flat and could create creases that cause potential leaks. While a larger pocket makes stuffing easier, it seems like a design flaw or cheap manufacturing.
The manufacturer claims that the tummy panel is water-resistant, but from our hands-on testing, we don't think it is. We also don't like that some of the hip snaps are exposed, which can lead to discomfort.
Absorbency
Compared to the competition of cloth diapers, this diaper has one of the lowest scores in our absorbency tests, and we wouldn't rely on it to contain leaks and messes.
While we didn't experience runoff because the microfiber insert absorbs quickly, it struggles to wick and hold liquid. We could even see the mock urine move around the insert before and after compression, similar to a sponge. From our hands-on testing, the jersey material doesn't provide much wicking; instead, it allows everything in the insert to be squished back out.
Looking at the test filter paper result, we don't think you can see much worse than the Mama Koala 2.0. It shows more green (mock urine), which means more moisture is against your baby's skin, increasing the potential for skin irritation or a diaper rash.
Should You Buy the Mama Koala 2.0?
The cost of Mama Koala 2.0 is the only real drive to consider this option. However, with other contenders offering more functionality and better performance in the review, we recommend passing on the Mama Koala 2.0. Even if you have to invest a bit more money in your diapering products, we think a higher-scoring product increases the chances that you'll stick to cloth diapering, which can save you money in the long run.
What Other Cloth Diapers Should You Consider?
If you're limited by budget, some economical options to consider include the Flip with Stay Dry Insert and Imagine Baby Pocket Snap. Both contenders are reasonably priced and all-around score much higher than the Mama Koala 2.0. We think you should add these options to your shortlist.