REASONS TO BUY
More snaps in waist
Snaps on insert
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor overall performance
Sub-par gusset design
Mama Koala 2.0 Review
A low-scoring diaper that we don't think you can rely on
Credit: Manufacturer
RELATED: The Best Cloth Diapers of 2023
The Skinny
The Mama Koala 2.0 is a one-size diaper that fits babies 8-40 lbs. Many issues kept us from loving Mama Koala 2.0, and across all metrics, it struggled to compete with top-ranking cloth diapers. Our biggest issue with the Mama Koala 2.0 is its poor absorbency performance, suggesting that we can't rely on this diaper to do the basic functionality required of a diaper. We also weren't impressed by the jersey material interior or gusset design. We think other cloth diaper systems will better suit your diapering needs.
Editor's Note: We added new contenders to the cloth diaper review on February 28, 2023, including this option, and we share how it performed here.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Mama Koala 2.0 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | | |||
| Price | $9.00 List $7.17 each at Amazon | $20.00 List | $15.00 List $11.95 at Amazon | $6.50 List $6.17 each at Amazon | $9.00 List $5.00 each at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | More snaps in waist, snaps on insert | Trim fit, easy assembly, easy to get good fit | Absorbent, soft lining, large pocket | Inexpensive set, extra bamboo inserts, good fit | Inexpensive, double row of waist snaps |
| Cons | Poor overall performance, sub-par gusset design | Free floating liner, single gusset | Bulky, difficult to adjust, requires stuffing | Not for heavy wetters, tight pocket | Poor performance, loose around the belly, concave shape |
| Bottom Line | A low-scoring diaper that we don't think you can rely on | Easy to use, easy to clean diaper perfect for on-the-go cloth diapering | A no-frills pocket-style diaper that is bulky but has a strong absorbency performance | A cheap system of cloth diapers that's lower quality but gets the job done | With an overall poor performance, we don't think this diaper is worthy of joining the stash |
| 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 |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
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
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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 Mama Koala insert has snaps so that you can modify it based on your needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
As your baby grows and they no longer need the smallest setting, two snaps (closet to the pocket opening) will be exposed to your baby's skin. With no cover, we worry about discomfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
If you zoom in, you'll notice that the jersey material on the Mama Koala 2.0 appears net-like and feels low-quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
The gusset on the Mama Koala 2.0 is almost convex. The interior lining extends further than the outer waterproof material, increasing the chance of a leak.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
Comfort is vital, and the jersey interior lining of the Mama Koala 2.0 didn't impress us.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
—
Molly Bradac & BabyGearLab Review Team
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