My present excitement level compares similarly to the long awaited joy that children feel upon Santa’s yearly visit.  I have longed to write a review of the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin for quite some time but have been stymied because I feared my test was not relevant.  For the past 6 months, my son’s diaper out put has been completely inadequate as he has been exclusively breast-fed. To be completely honest, his business smelled more like daisies than doo-doo.   You can’t test a smell containment system with daisy-doo.
Things have changed!

The recent introduction of peaches, pears, carrots and squash to little man’s diet has given him the fortitude he needs to be a formidable foe.  He is smelly and ready.  I changed a diaper the other day in the DadLabs studio and cleared the building.  The carpet resellers next door sent folks home early and the Catfish joint across the alley called the HAZMAT team.

Let the test begin.

I tested, evaluated and graded three distinct capabilities of the pail:

Ease of Use: A

In order to receive a passing grade in this area, the pail must be conducive to one hand operation, in the dark by a severely sleep deprived individual whose brain is functioning at approximately 30% of capacity.  The Munchkin passes with flying colors.  I successfully disposed of many a diaper at 3 a.m.  The pail is simply designed, comes fully assembled and is as easy to drive as a hobbyhorse.

Maintenance:  B +

I am not very handy and struggle when manipulating tools that are more complex than shovels and axes.  Many a plastic toy, electronic gizmo and/or appliance have met an untimely end gently cradled in my paws.  I actually broke two diaper pails with previous children trying to install the plastic bag system.  Fortunately, the Munchkin makes it idiot proof.  The Arm & Hammer bag system snaps in and out easily and there are no fancy plastic parts to break.  I do hope that in future iterations of the pail  they increase the size of the bags.  The bags currently hold 25 to 30 diapers and could stand to be a bit bigger, but honestly, that’s like saying Penelope Cruz would be a lot prettier if she were taller.

Smell Containment:  A

The most important aspect of a smell containment system is smell containment.  The Munchkin contains smells like the Minnesota Vikings contained the Dallas Cowboys offense yesterday, complete lock down.  Each time you put in a smelly diaper and close the lid, it gives a shot of Arm & Hammer baking soda that absorbs the smell. The concept is simple but it really works.  It is quite refreshing to have a nursery that smells of something other than poop.  Awesome.

Bottom line the Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin is a quality smell containment system that does the job admirably.
But the final verdict is still out, check back for an update in about 6 months when I take the test to an entire new level.

Can you say Hotdogs!