Cloth Diapers
Yes, I'm a mom who uses cloth diapers. You may think that I'm old fashion, weird, a tree hugger...... Well they all may be accurate descriptions. :) But using cloth diapers have so many benefits (and some negative) for the earth, me, and my son.
Here are some of the benefits:
For the Earth: We are not putting disposable diapers in landfills. It takes 500 years + for disposables to decompose, and they have chemicals in them that I don't want in the earth.
Me: It gives me more spending money. :) I'm not going to Target every week to buy diapers. After the initial cost and shock ($350) of the cloth diapers, I knew that in a few short months (or about a year), the cloth diapers would have paid for themselves. I also use a diaper sprayer and spray the poopies in the toilet so I don't have smelly disposables in a garbage can in the nursery. The smell and poops are in the sewer where they belong.
My son: Cloth diapers don't cause as much diaper rash, and there aren't the chemicals in a disposable on his butt. It also gives him a nice round bubble butt. :)
Some downfalls of cloth diapers are:
I have to do more laundry (but it's really not hard to throw them in the washer and hang them on the line.
They are more bulky, so A looks like his butt is larger than it should be. It also takes up a lot of room in the diaper bag.
Here are some of the benefits:
For the Earth: We are not putting disposable diapers in landfills. It takes 500 years + for disposables to decompose, and they have chemicals in them that I don't want in the earth.
Me: It gives me more spending money. :) I'm not going to Target every week to buy diapers. After the initial cost and shock ($350) of the cloth diapers, I knew that in a few short months (or about a year), the cloth diapers would have paid for themselves. I also use a diaper sprayer and spray the poopies in the toilet so I don't have smelly disposables in a garbage can in the nursery. The smell and poops are in the sewer where they belong.
My son: Cloth diapers don't cause as much diaper rash, and there aren't the chemicals in a disposable on his butt. It also gives him a nice round bubble butt. :)
Some downfalls of cloth diapers are:
I have to do more laundry (but it's really not hard to throw them in the washer and hang them on the line.
They are more bulky, so A looks like his butt is larger than it should be. It also takes up a lot of room in the diaper bag.
Cloth Diaper Stereo Types
Bumgenius hook and loop (Velcro) diapers, drying on a line.
When people think of cloth diapers, they probably picture square pieces of cloth that you pin around a baby's butt.
Well in 2015, that's not how it works. There are quite a few different types of cloth diapers. Pocket diapers, Hybrid diapers, All In One diapers.
I used the BumGenius 4.0 Pocket Diapers. These diapers are in the shape of a disposable diaper and consist of two pieces. There is a pocket at the top where you insert and take out the inner liner, and the outer shell is waterproof. The inside of the diaper is flannel and super soft. And believe it or not, comes out of the washer perfectly white (if there is a bit of a stain, the sun will bleach it in no time). They don't need pins because these diapers either come in Hook and Loop (Velcro) or snaps (which I recommend). Another great feature of my diapers are that they are "one size" which means you can make them smaller and bigger to grow with your baby. There are many brands of pocket cloth diapers such as BumGenius, Rumparooz, Happy Heinez, Fuzzibuns, Thirsties.
I hope to check out the Hybrid diapers such as Grovia for my future babies.
Well in 2015, that's not how it works. There are quite a few different types of cloth diapers. Pocket diapers, Hybrid diapers, All In One diapers.
I used the BumGenius 4.0 Pocket Diapers. These diapers are in the shape of a disposable diaper and consist of two pieces. There is a pocket at the top where you insert and take out the inner liner, and the outer shell is waterproof. The inside of the diaper is flannel and super soft. And believe it or not, comes out of the washer perfectly white (if there is a bit of a stain, the sun will bleach it in no time). They don't need pins because these diapers either come in Hook and Loop (Velcro) or snaps (which I recommend). Another great feature of my diapers are that they are "one size" which means you can make them smaller and bigger to grow with your baby. There are many brands of pocket cloth diapers such as BumGenius, Rumparooz, Happy Heinez, Fuzzibuns, Thirsties.
I hope to check out the Hybrid diapers such as Grovia for my future babies.
UPDATE: Many more brands tested.... here are the results:
Super cute Rumparooz Gumball One Size
Well we had our second baby and our entire set of BumGenius had to go! They didn't last at all! They wouldn't have even made it through my first son, but I (read earlier post) removed all the velcro and replaced them with snaps, and replaced all the elastic in the waste and legs. That was a very daunting and frustrating task and apparently a big waste of time. The PUL, just didn't last and couldn't keep any moisture in for my second baby. Sooooo, we were back to the drawing board and bought (OUCH!!) an entire set of new diapers. Here are the diapers that I now own in my stash
Fuzzibunz: My 2nd favrite!
Pros: Slim (your babies butt doesn't get as big with these dipes)
More absorbent.
The sizes are hidden in the leg and waist band and don't come undone as easily.
They have minky inserts which don't smell like the microfiber inserts.
Cons: Harder to stuff once you start double stuffing. These come in sized and one size.
GroVia:
Pros: Slim AIO so you don't have to stuff.
Cons: Stain VERY easily. They get VERY stiff when they come out of the laundry which looks very uncomfortable for boys. They get softer when you dry them in the drier but you need to line dry them to get the stains bleached so there's the problem.
When they are sized small, the inserts are a bit long.
Go Green Champs (I like these better than BG)
Pros: Cheaper (can get them on amazon).
The pocket is open on both ends so the inserts agitate out
Cute patterns.
Double gussets (Which means they have an extra layer of elastic to keep the poo and pee in)
Inserts snap in so even though they agitate out, they are still attached and easy to find when stuffing.
Cons: Very bulky so your baby has a giant butt!
The snaps tend to break.
Not made in America.
Rumparooz: MY FAVORITE!!
Pros: Cute patterns
Double gussets
Excellent customer service
The inside is super soft
Very absorbent
Cons: Can be a bit small for toddlers.
Expensive
Happy Hienez: I dislike everything about these diapers.. I made those our swim diapers.
Fuzzibunz: My 2nd favrite!
Pros: Slim (your babies butt doesn't get as big with these dipes)
More absorbent.
The sizes are hidden in the leg and waist band and don't come undone as easily.
They have minky inserts which don't smell like the microfiber inserts.
Cons: Harder to stuff once you start double stuffing. These come in sized and one size.
GroVia:
Pros: Slim AIO so you don't have to stuff.
Cons: Stain VERY easily. They get VERY stiff when they come out of the laundry which looks very uncomfortable for boys. They get softer when you dry them in the drier but you need to line dry them to get the stains bleached so there's the problem.
When they are sized small, the inserts are a bit long.
Go Green Champs (I like these better than BG)
Pros: Cheaper (can get them on amazon).
The pocket is open on both ends so the inserts agitate out
Cute patterns.
Double gussets (Which means they have an extra layer of elastic to keep the poo and pee in)
Inserts snap in so even though they agitate out, they are still attached and easy to find when stuffing.
Cons: Very bulky so your baby has a giant butt!
The snaps tend to break.
Not made in America.
Rumparooz: MY FAVORITE!!
Pros: Cute patterns
Double gussets
Excellent customer service
The inside is super soft
Very absorbent
Cons: Can be a bit small for toddlers.
Expensive
Happy Hienez: I dislike everything about these diapers.. I made those our swim diapers.
Washing Those Stinky Cloth Diapers:
Cleaning: When you have breast fed poops, you don't have to do anything but throw them in the washer. It's when your child starts eating solids that you have to put those poos in the toilet. We have a diaper sprayer, but don't use it too often. The solid food poops are what we call fruit roll up poos. They tend to just roll off the diaper into the toilet. But we all know those nasty soft poos. That's when I use the sprayer. But you don't have to use it. There are a couple options.
1) My friend uses a tiny spatula that she stores next to the toilet and scrapes it off. I know that sounds gross, but once you see how most poos don't stick to the material, you won't be so grossed out.
2) You can put liners in the diapers. They are like used drier sheets that you lay inside the diaper so they are touching the skin. Then when the baby poops, you just grab the liner and the poop and plop it in the toilet. But I heard you can't use these if you have a septic tank.
Washing:
1)Take the entire diaper pail liner filled with diaper and push them into the washer so you turn the pail liner inside out. That way you don't touch the diapers.
2) Then you do a COLD prewash.
3) Then a hot regular wash with a half cap of free and clear detergent. I use ALL and find it works much better than the expensive CD detergents.
4) Then do 2-3 rinses so all the soap is out.
5) Then line dry them. I dry them on a drying rack and wheel it outside.
You'll need to strip your diapers every 2-3 months. This just means adding a couple drops of BLUE Dawn Dish Soap to your load and add a pan of boiling water. (Only if you have a top loader). For front loaders, you add boiling water to your sink or tub with the Dawn, and rub the diapers using rubber gloves. Then put them in your washer to do a regular load and many rinses to get the soap out.
1) My friend uses a tiny spatula that she stores next to the toilet and scrapes it off. I know that sounds gross, but once you see how most poos don't stick to the material, you won't be so grossed out.
2) You can put liners in the diapers. They are like used drier sheets that you lay inside the diaper so they are touching the skin. Then when the baby poops, you just grab the liner and the poop and plop it in the toilet. But I heard you can't use these if you have a septic tank.
Washing:
1)Take the entire diaper pail liner filled with diaper and push them into the washer so you turn the pail liner inside out. That way you don't touch the diapers.
2) Then you do a COLD prewash.
3) Then a hot regular wash with a half cap of free and clear detergent. I use ALL and find it works much better than the expensive CD detergents.
4) Then do 2-3 rinses so all the soap is out.
5) Then line dry them. I dry them on a drying rack and wheel it outside.
You'll need to strip your diapers every 2-3 months. This just means adding a couple drops of BLUE Dawn Dish Soap to your load and add a pan of boiling water. (Only if you have a top loader). For front loaders, you add boiling water to your sink or tub with the Dawn, and rub the diapers using rubber gloves. Then put them in your washer to do a regular load and many rinses to get the soap out.
Don't Go Velcro!
Whatever you may call it........ Aplix, Velcro, Hook and Loop, Don't be sucked in. You may hear that it's easier, faster, and lasts longer. Not the case for me. I started off with Bumgenius Hook and Loop Diapers, and Happy Heinez Hook and Loop. YIKES!! They were a pain from the beginning!!! First they made the biggest mess in the washer. I was always so careful about putting my vecro tabs on the "washing tabs" (a vecro piece you fold your tabs to so they in theory don't hook to the other diapers). I would pull my diapers out and have a long long twisted line of diapers. They would all be attached to each other! Then when my son was about four months, the velcro started failing. GRRRR I would go to change him, and his diaper would be half off because the velcro didn't stay. And last, it makes a super fun sound that makes a baby want to pull it off just as you're putting the other velcro tab on. You have to have super speedy diaper changing skills to keep those suckers on. Soooooooo...... I decided to fix the problems. I bought a snap gun and snaps from Kam Snaps (BTW, they are the most friendly and helpful company ever), and seam ripped all the velcro/Aplix/Hook and Loop off my diapers. Sounds easy? NOOOOOOO! My fingers were bleeding from being rubbed on the velcro. I was on a mission though. My husband actually looked at my fingers and made me stop for the night. But 20 diapers and a week later, my diapers are snappers. I love them! Even the quick and strong little fingers of my 1 year old can't get them off. They come out of the wash soooooo nicely, and they actually stay on (imagine that!). You may think "well it just didn't work for you" Oh no! I have a few friends that have also had Velcro failure. Kam Snaps sell their snaps in Bumgenius colors so that tells you I'm not the only one. Just start with snaps from the beginning. Your fingers will thank you.
www.kamsnaps.com
www.kamsnaps.com
3/6/12
I've Discovered Another Type of BumGenius!
LOVE THIS!!!!!!!
Well I'm torn!!! I'm still mad at BumGenius because of the Velcro fiasco, but I discovered the BumGenius Freetime Diaper when I was at our local baby store last week. These look really cool....... I really want to buy one to see how well they work. But I suppose it will have to wait until baby number 2 comes (which is not anytime soon).
Instead of stuffing liners in a pocket, they have two liners that are sewn in, but only on one side so they overlap. That way (I think) they come out clean in the wash without you pulling an insert out. Hmmmmm, I do think I want some of these diapers.
Instead of stuffing liners in a pocket, they have two liners that are sewn in, but only on one side so they overlap. That way (I think) they come out clean in the wash without you pulling an insert out. Hmmmmm, I do think I want some of these diapers.
Well I gave in and bought one....... Only one, but I wish I had an entire set. The Freetime diapers are great! I love not stuffing it and not pulling out the dirty inserts. It does take a little more talent when spraying out the poo but I'll get the hang of it.
Pocket vs. Hybrid vs AIO (All in One)
I've been asked several times what is the difference between pocket cloth diapers and hybrid cloth diapers. Here's the simplest way to explain them.
Pocket: These diapers have a "pocket" in the outer shell. This pocket is where you stuff the insert (that comes with the diaper). The pocket makes sure the inserts stay in place.
What I like: If your child is a heavy wetter, you can stick another insert in the pocket directly on top of the original insert. I have some very in-absorbent pocket diapers, so I bought some bamboo inserts from Amazon and I just stuck the bamboo in the pocket in addition to the original liner and WHA-LA the diaper is absorbent again.
What I don't like: Stuffing and unstuffing! It's part of my normal daily routine now, so it's not really a big deal, but it does take some time. I am much faster at stuffing now, but it still takes some time. Now unstuffing normally isn't a big deal (this means taking the inserts out before washing) until...... you have a blow out! Sometimes you have to navigate around some nasty poo to get the inserts out without getting poo all over your fingers.
Hybrid: These diapers have an outer shell and different types of inserts. The most common type of Hybrid diaper is the GroVia. Using either a soaker pad or a disposable biosoaker, you simply lay them in the shell. The soaker pads have a snap to help them stay in place, and the biosoakers have an adhesive back (which you only use for trainers or underwear).
What I like: The looks of these diapers. GroVia has some SUPER cute out shell patterns that come in hook and loop and snap closures (GO WITH SNAPS). I also like that you can place the soaker pad with just a snap. I'm not a huge fan of the biosoakers, but they are handy when you're on the run or if your child goes to daycare.
What I don't like: How you are supposed to properly dispose of the biosoakers. Once the the poo is removed, you are supposed to rake it into your flower garden or cut them open and dump the insides into your toilet. That sounds like no fun to me. So basically you're not supposed to throw them away.
What I feel "eh" about: You can use the outer shell several times as long as the urine and poo stay on the soaker pad. Sometimes I feel ok about this (thinking it's quite nice not to have as much laundry) and sometimes I feel like its gross. I guess it depends on the day.
Pocket: These diapers have a "pocket" in the outer shell. This pocket is where you stuff the insert (that comes with the diaper). The pocket makes sure the inserts stay in place.
What I like: If your child is a heavy wetter, you can stick another insert in the pocket directly on top of the original insert. I have some very in-absorbent pocket diapers, so I bought some bamboo inserts from Amazon and I just stuck the bamboo in the pocket in addition to the original liner and WHA-LA the diaper is absorbent again.
What I don't like: Stuffing and unstuffing! It's part of my normal daily routine now, so it's not really a big deal, but it does take some time. I am much faster at stuffing now, but it still takes some time. Now unstuffing normally isn't a big deal (this means taking the inserts out before washing) until...... you have a blow out! Sometimes you have to navigate around some nasty poo to get the inserts out without getting poo all over your fingers.
Hybrid: These diapers have an outer shell and different types of inserts. The most common type of Hybrid diaper is the GroVia. Using either a soaker pad or a disposable biosoaker, you simply lay them in the shell. The soaker pads have a snap to help them stay in place, and the biosoakers have an adhesive back (which you only use for trainers or underwear).
What I like: The looks of these diapers. GroVia has some SUPER cute out shell patterns that come in hook and loop and snap closures (GO WITH SNAPS). I also like that you can place the soaker pad with just a snap. I'm not a huge fan of the biosoakers, but they are handy when you're on the run or if your child goes to daycare.
What I don't like: How you are supposed to properly dispose of the biosoakers. Once the the poo is removed, you are supposed to rake it into your flower garden or cut them open and dump the insides into your toilet. That sounds like no fun to me. So basically you're not supposed to throw them away.
What I feel "eh" about: You can use the outer shell several times as long as the urine and poo stay on the soaker pad. Sometimes I feel ok about this (thinking it's quite nice not to have as much laundry) and sometimes I feel like its gross. I guess it depends on the day.
AIO (All in Ones): When you use these diapers, there are no inserts or pads. They are sewn together as one diaper.
What I like: No stuffing, snapping, pulling. You just put them on your baby, and take them off (and spray if necessary). I also like that it cuts the amount you have to hang on the line in half!
What I don't like: Some take longer to dry because they are so much thicker, and you can't double stuff if necessary.
But wait....... My new favorite diaper (BumGenius Freetime) is an AIO and I LOVE it. The inserts are sewn in like flaps and there are two so it is very absorbent for my heavy wetter. The Grovia AIO's are a lot like the Freetime so you wouldn't have to worry about them taking forever to dry. I feel you can't go wrong with these two AIO brands.
What I like: No stuffing, snapping, pulling. You just put them on your baby, and take them off (and spray if necessary). I also like that it cuts the amount you have to hang on the line in half!
What I don't like: Some take longer to dry because they are so much thicker, and you can't double stuff if necessary.
But wait....... My new favorite diaper (BumGenius Freetime) is an AIO and I LOVE it. The inserts are sewn in like flaps and there are two so it is very absorbent for my heavy wetter. The Grovia AIO's are a lot like the Freetime so you wouldn't have to worry about them taking forever to dry. I feel you can't go wrong with these two AIO brands.
Make Your Own Cloth Diapers!
Ok . . . . I'm addicted!! I love making cloth diapers!! This can be good and bad. The good: 1) It makes me happy 2) "A's" butt gets new and cute diapers 3) My friends may benefit from this (hint hint). The bad: 1) My dining room is a disaster from the material, sewing machine, etc 2) I'm lacking a lot of sleep because I just can't stop sewing some nights 3) Nap times are no longer dedicated to cleaning the house and blogging (sorry), and yes, once again, my house is a mess. But.. . . . . . I thought you may want to make your own cloth diapers too. I did use a pattern, but I basically made up the rest of the directions, and low and behold, they turned out pretty well!
I went to JoAnn's and they have super cute PUL, which is so much better than the boring white PUL I was buying a few months ago. It's quite pricey at $14.99/yard, but I always save up and buy it with my 50% off coupons. Here's how to make these AIO diapers:
Supplies:
Cloth diaper pattern (I used the one out of the Babyville book at JoAnn)
PUL
Flannel
Fold over elastic (depending on what type of diaper you sew)
Snap gun and snaps (you can get these at kamsnaps.com or JoAnn's)
Cloth diaper inserts (I like the microfiber and bamboo ones)
Scissors (but a rotary cutter and mat would be MUCH better)
Ruler or tape measurer
I went to JoAnn's and they have super cute PUL, which is so much better than the boring white PUL I was buying a few months ago. It's quite pricey at $14.99/yard, but I always save up and buy it with my 50% off coupons. Here's how to make these AIO diapers:
Supplies:
Cloth diaper pattern (I used the one out of the Babyville book at JoAnn)
PUL
Flannel
Fold over elastic (depending on what type of diaper you sew)
Snap gun and snaps (you can get these at kamsnaps.com or JoAnn's)
Cloth diaper inserts (I like the microfiber and bamboo ones)
Scissors (but a rotary cutter and mat would be MUCH better)
Ruler or tape measurer
1) Using the pattern, cut the flannel and the PUL. Only put the pins in the seam allowance (this way we are not making lots of holes in the PUL which is the waterproof material).
2) Apply the snaps to the PUL front. I made them 1 inch apart going across and 1.5 inches apart. If you want to make it a one size diaper like the diaper shown, go down another 1.5 inches and make a row of snaps (2 inches apart). Make sure the snaps on the waist are the studs. When making the one size part of the diaper, make the first row the socket snaps and the next row or two the studs.
2) Apply the snaps to the PUL front. I made them 1 inch apart going across and 1.5 inches apart. If you want to make it a one size diaper like the diaper shown, go down another 1.5 inches and make a row of snaps (2 inches apart). Make sure the snaps on the waist are the studs. When making the one size part of the diaper, make the first row the socket snaps and the next row or two the studs.
3) Pin them together so the flannel pattern is on one side and the PUL pattern is on the other side. (We won't be turning it inside out with this diaper)
4) Sew around the edge of the entire diaper making sure you have a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
4) Sew around the edge of the entire diaper making sure you have a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
5) Use fold over elastic and pin it to the edge directly above the first snap (that way it's hidden when it's on the baby). Then slowly stitch the elastic so it's folded over the seam. When going around the corner, carefully turn the material so there is not bunching. Now here is the hard part. Look at the pattern and see where it says to put the elastic. Put pins through the material where it says the elastic goes. That way, when you get there, you know to PULL THE ELASTIC as hard as you can while sewing it to the material, and then you know when to stop. This causes the material to be bunched around the legs and back. It can be a bit tricky holding the elastic on while pulling and stretching, but you can do it! :)
6) Finish the snaps by putting two more snaps on each flap (1 inch from the side and 1.5 inches apart). These snaps go through both the flannel and PUL. Make sure your cap is on top and you use sockets on the back.
7) I bought some great bamboo inserts from www.kamsnaps.com. Then I put one (socket) snap on the end of the insert. Then I put a (stud) snap through the diaper close to the top back waist. Once the insert is snapped in, it should lay down inside the crotch of the diaper. If you want to double it, simply add another (stud) snap to the bottom of the 1st insert and add a (socket) snap to the other insert. Then you have a doubler!
The other diaper in the picture is sewn almost the same way except it is turned inside out and doesn't use fold over elastic. I just sewed regular elastic around each leg and on the back before I folded it right side out. Finally I sewed an additional seam around the whole diaper (this gives it a finished look).
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. :) [email protected]
6) Finish the snaps by putting two more snaps on each flap (1 inch from the side and 1.5 inches apart). These snaps go through both the flannel and PUL. Make sure your cap is on top and you use sockets on the back.
7) I bought some great bamboo inserts from www.kamsnaps.com. Then I put one (socket) snap on the end of the insert. Then I put a (stud) snap through the diaper close to the top back waist. Once the insert is snapped in, it should lay down inside the crotch of the diaper. If you want to double it, simply add another (stud) snap to the bottom of the 1st insert and add a (socket) snap to the other insert. Then you have a doubler!
The other diaper in the picture is sewn almost the same way except it is turned inside out and doesn't use fold over elastic. I just sewed regular elastic around each leg and on the back before I folded it right side out. Finally I sewed an additional seam around the whole diaper (this gives it a finished look).
Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. :) [email protected]
MG Baby Cloth Diapers
Sooooo exciting!!! I won a free diaper from www.babyhalfoff.com! I have never used the brand MG Baby, but I am up to trying different types of cloth diapers. The first thing I noticed when I pulled it out the package was how soft it is. The inside is much much softer than the Bumgenius. Then I felt the inserts and they were super soft too. They are also made out of bamboo which I find much more absorbant than microfiber (when I wash bamboo, they take much longer to dry because they absorb so much more water).
So I put it to the test. . . . It came with two inserts, but I decided to just try it with one (I'm currently doubling my BumGenius inserts because we were getting a lot of leaks).
Here's what I liked:
- It was slimming and not bulky
- It has snaps and not Velcro (see previous posts)
- The opening for the inserts was small so they couldn't wiggle out
- The flaps have extra snaps so you can fold them over eachother (in case you have a small baby)
- It's one size, so it grows with your baby
After a few hours (and a poop), I was pleased to find out everything stayed in the diaper. No leaks or blowouts!
I've already recommended this diaper to my cloth diapering friends. I have no complaints, and either did "A".
Here's what I liked:
- It was slimming and not bulky
- It has snaps and not Velcro (see previous posts)
- The opening for the inserts was small so they couldn't wiggle out
- The flaps have extra snaps so you can fold them over eachother (in case you have a small baby)
- It's one size, so it grows with your baby
After a few hours (and a poop), I was pleased to find out everything stayed in the diaper. No leaks or blowouts!
I've already recommended this diaper to my cloth diapering friends. I have no complaints, and either did "A".