Thursday

Diaper Debrief

OPINION
Help! I need cloth diapering advice. I have some experience, but that was with the kind that didn't use the cloth inserts. This family uses total cloth inserts and all. How do you minimize leaks? - Anonymous

14 comments:

MissMannah said...

If they are leaking, they either aren't on tight enough or haven't been properly prepped. Or they are not rinsing completely in the washer. Ask MB if the diapers ever leak for her and if they don't, ask her to show you how to put them on properly. Also, it is very hard to tell when a CD is wet so you have to change more frequently than disposables. Like every 1.5-2 hours.

Lyn said...

I have had minimal experience with cloth diapers with the cloth inserts but I did a quick check and found this link that offered lots of helpful advice!! Hope you find what will do the trick!

http://www.mummysreviews.com/2010/08/30/how-to-prevent-cloth-diapers-from-leaking/

BrooklynMomma said...

If you find that the diaper leaks after using one insert, try doubling up next time. If the diaper cover allows, you can even triple up. If none of that helps, then its time to do some serious troubleshooting and see if the diaper cover is too big or too small. As well, ask MB how she washes the diaper inserts. Ammonia and other residual buildup can affect the absorbency of the inserts. If the inserts have not been stripped for some time, they will become rough, a bit stiff and will absorb a lot less liquid. Lastly, depending on the gender of the child, you can position the insert either more toward the front or back.

ClothDiaperingMom said...

In my experience leakage can happen for three reasons: 1. The diaper is getting saturated and needs to be changed more often or have more absorbancy. 2. The diaper is no longer absorbing well and is instead repelling. It will need to be stripped.
3. The diaper is the wrong size or fit for the child.
I suggest you go to a cloth diapering forum and ask your question there. Here are a couple of forums to check out: http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/ http://www.mothering.com/community/f/221/diapering

Lizzie Listener said...

I used pocket diapers with liners with both my children. WIth my daughter I had to double up at night. They have so many kinds of liners nowadays, you might have to try some different ones, but the system usually works very well.

Hidden Gem said...

I'm surprised anyone would use cloth diapers anymore. Detailed research proven its no better for the environment than disposable. Its certainly not more comfortable for the child.

Penny said...

This is a great topic I have always wondered about! OP perhaps the issue maybe a few things. I personally want to use only cloth diapers with my children when the time comes so this topic interests me for many reasons. Since I am not as familar with using cloth diapers I do know that in the little research I have done it is important not to use diaper creams/ointments/powders because it will break down the fibers. When washing said diapers you should always use a fragrance free biodegradable detergent (a friend of mine who only uses cloth diapers said this cleared up leaking issues because it rinses clean,) avoiding fabric softeners liquid and sheets. Some people may disagree with this but if your washer has a sterilizing cycle helps greatly, & putting the diapers through a second rinse is always a good way of knocking out excess soap/grime. If that doesn't clear up the issue check to make sure you are putting the liners in correctly & adding the amount of liners you need. Also I do know certain brands fit better on bigger/smaller babies so proper fit could also be a factor. Start with the new washing method & go from there that way you have exhausted all avenues. Good luck OP hope this helped!

MissMannah said...

Hidden Gem, that is completely untrue. Disposable diapers sit in landfills, cloth diapers can be used over and over and with multiple children. The energy used to wash them is a negligible amount. And yes, it is more comfortable for the child--have you felt the inside of a CD? They are very soft. Disposables have been treated with chemicals, children with sensitive skin can develop allergies to them or even experience chemical burns. Personally, I think it is ludicrous the way so many people still use disposables.

Penny said...

Manahha Amen! I agree 100%! The babies I know that have use cloth diapers are some of the healthiest kids I have ever seen! Zero skin issues, AND they end up obtaining bladder control easier & faster vs. disposable diaper babies I have known. It's a little more physical work but worth it!

MissMannah said...

Thanks Penny! I don't have my own babies yet but I've been collecting cloth diapers for awhile now. I can't wait to use them!

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MissMannah said...

Diaper services aren't the same as typical cloth diaper use. Many people who use CDs wash them at home, eliminating the need for a middle-man.

I'm sorry, but you are incorrect about disposables not causing rashes. My friend's daughter is highly allergic to most brands of diapers. She only uses the "natural" ones, though I have encouraged her to try cloth.

There is a disposable biodegradable diaper: gDiapers. They can use either a cloth liner or a disposable one that can also be flushed. If they weren't so darn expensive, they would be my choice.

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