September 10, 2012
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Cloth Diapers: Our adventure thus far
Pretty much before we ever got pregnant, I knew that I wanted to try and cloth diaper our baby. I did loads of research and talked to other moms that cloth diapered and from this decided that one size pocket diapers were likely the best fit for our family. However that didn’t stop me from picking up a bunch of freebie sized pockets that needed work done to the elastics and a bunch of fitteds and AIO’s for $50. I just couldn’t salvage the sized pockets however repuposed the PUL to making some reusable breast pads. They turned out ok, but I leak alot and after awhile I leaked through the seams, so I only use these when I am at home or staying in where ever I am in case of accidents. The fitteds and AIO’s are waiting to be tried out once LA gets up to approx 22 pounds, which at the rate she is growing seems like it will only be a month or two from now lol.
What I did salvage from the busted pockets were their liners, I use these outside of the pocket to minimize how many diapers LA goes through in a day. Most days I can get away with one or two diapers just by switching these liners out at changing time. I use a large one and a smaller terry one on top near the front for extra protection. I am not sure what the larger pads are made of but I’m pretty certain its not microfibre as it is smooth to touch, whereas I find microfibre grabs at my skin.
While some family members haven’t embraced using cloth with LA, my sis Steph knew what I wanted and she and her family purchased me a starter set from Giggle Life for my shower present. They are one size and come in a variety of colors, they also had 2 liners per diaper and came with a couple cute pairs of baby socks
. So far I love the diapers, although I do mean to contact Gigle Life as some of the snaps are not the greatest and come unsnapped occasionally, also LA has little legs and so occasionally we get some side leakage while sleeping or breast feeding. The liners for the Giggle Life diapers are microfibre so I am unable to use these on the outside as of yet but I am thinking about making like a little cover for them should the need arise. I believe total I have about 15 one size pocket diapers between the ones my sister purchased and the few I purchased off the internet. Today I tried just using them with the liner in the pocket and had no issues aside from a bit of leak and almost some poo out the leg as again LA has tiny thighs. We went through approx 4 diapers today so far. That being said if she averaged 6 a day that means laundry every other day. LA is strictly breast fed so really no major rinsing or shaking is required as of yet, our routine so far is just to separate the liner from the outside and put in a wet bag. When laundry time comes just dump the contents of the bag into the washer and then toss the bag in too.
As for wash routine I usually let them soak in hot water and baby washing liquid then wash on hot for longest cycle time, use vinegar instead of fabric softener and then either toss in dryer or line dry. So far it works beautifully and have had no stink issues, and only minor staining on some of the liners not on the diaper outers themselves. Mind you it has only been a week or two of solid cloth diapering so this could change. We got two diaper cakes as shower gifts and so used the diapers up out of those first, though I did have to buy some diapers as LA didn’t fit her cloth or the diapers we got as gifts but I think that was only about $30. We are using up the last of our disposable wipes and did use some of our reusable ones today, they work fantastically. I mixed up a bit of wipe recipe that a WAHM had made and sent me and placed it in the little squirt bottle that you get at the hospital. Perfect
While I am a little disappointed that some family members won’t even try the cloth diapers, it is their choice and I have agreed that if they wish to use them and they are willing to buy them ( as I will not) then it is ok for LA to occasionally be in disposables. As for us I think we will continue with cloth happily. Though Aaron has never changed her butt yet so no idea how he will react. I look forward to any input on cloth diapering or different washing ideas. LEave me a comment
That’s all for now.Later Dayz
Brandi
