Diapers Q&A

Making cloth diapers?

I've been making them for my 9 month old. The instructions I have say to use fleece on the inner layer, flannel on the outside, and a soaker in the middle. The fleece almost always feels dry, but the flannel is always soaked! I've about given up due to the number of outfits my daughter goes through in a day. I've been using the Gerber covers from Walmart, but they tear so easily in the wash, and I just don't like them. What fabrics do you use, and what do you use as a cover?

Public Comments

1. You did your part for the environment, now for yours and your babies comfort switch to disposables. (huggies)
2. I think making your own is a bit involved - I bought Gerber prefolds from Target and used pins - you can also use snappies. In terms of covers - yeah, the Gerber covers tear easily. Maybe try hand washing them and airdrying to keep them from getting beat up. Otherwise try these covers. http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/prefolds.htm
3. The fleece is dry because you want to keep the wettness away from her bum, keeps diaper rash away. My friend bought her cloth diapers, sorry I can't help more!
4. I wish I had the guts to use them. Good for you and the environment. I would go to the fabric store ,their are so many new kinds material that might help to just adhere to the outside of the diapers to help prevent leaks.
5. I buy mine so I can't help you there, but bummis super whisper wraps are good covers. And cloth is much more comfortable for a baby if you change them...which would you rather wear, cotton or plastic?
6. I bought Happy Heinies off the internet. They use a PUL for the outter cover adn do not leak like a flannel outter will. You do still have to change at least every two hours and if your little is a big wetter use two soakers overnight.
7. Flanel will absorb but not protect. Flanel or terry or hemp should be in the midde to absorb. The fleece wicks the urine away from babies skin to keep it dry. Try finding some PUL fabric at your local store if you need to make your own. My baby (5 1/2 months old) has been in nothing but cloth since he was 1 1/2 months old. I have many different types/brands of cloth diapers. The homemade ones just flat out do not work as well. I suggest some indian prefolds, a couple of snappies and either some bummis super whiper wraps, prowraps or wool covers. This is the cheapest option (and my personal favorite. If you prefer pocket diapers I suggest bumGenius one size--wonderful. I use use cotton babies insert with mine. For AIOs, if you can find them, All Togethers are wonderful. Little Raindancers were the ONLY homemade diapers I was pleased with, and I loved them. I had 5 AIOs and used them 1st always. If you have some more questions or would like me to reccomend some websites to buy them, just contact me. :) Best of luck (and cloth is no harder than sposies and they are better for baby's skin. My baby has not had a rash since we switched!) OR