Diapers Q&A

Moms that use cloth diapers, can you give me some tips on preventing leaks, best washing methods, etc?

What has worked best for you?

Public Comments

1. What kind of diapers are you using? Pockets, AIOs, pre-folds? Making sure the cover fits your little one snugly is key. for instance, Bumkins AIOs don't fit my little one right, but Fuzzi Bunz and Bummis do. Your kiddo may find the right fit with one, but not with another. Making sure your diapers are properly stripped and cleaned will improve their absorbency. You'll need to wash your prefolds several times or boil them to remove the oils and residues that can interfere with absorption. With a pocket or AIO, you may only need to wash it once to "prime" it. My wash routine is this: 1) Warm wash/Warm rinse with 1/4 to 1/2 C additive-free detergent (like a free&clear) 2) Hot wash/Warm rinse with 1 Tbsp Dawn detergent Once a month I'll add 1/2 C Baking Soda to step one and 1/2 C White Vinegar to step 2. My baby's dipes stay absorbent, soft and stink-free. Never use fabric softeners, either in the wash or dryer sheets. If you feel the dipes aren't soft enough, try tossing a tennis ball into the dryer on low or delicate. The vinegar rinse also helps keep dipes soft. Here's a website with all kinds of great CD'ing info: http://www.diaperpin.com
2. Preventing leaks--First, use good diapers. If they came in a package that says Gerber, then you'll have to learn to live with leaks. Chinese or Indian prefolds are awesome, especially with a Snappi. Washing methods--I have lived in many places with different water chemistry. In each place I've lived, I have had to change the washing routine. Here is my current routine: Run a cold rinse with detergent and baking soda and some tea tree oil if I remember. Hot wash cycle, hot wash cycle again (if needed). If I can see a yeast rash coming on, I add vinegar to one of the rinses. Line drying is best, especially int he sun, but If you use the dryer, it pays to remove all of your PUL and hang it up to dry. Another tip is that cloth sanitary pads are really comfortable. You wash them with the diapers. Make them yourself from several layers of flannel or buy them on the internet.