I'm making some of the Katrina Fleece Soakers for the baby and I know that I can use fabric softener to help "water resist" the fleece, but the problem is, even just using softener occassionally, I can feel it on clothes it's not used on, esp. on my wash cloths, towels, etc. so I do not use it period. (Also, we do not have a dryer)

My options are:

1. Take covers to my moms to wash and dry, 30 miles one way. Caugh it up as a nice visit with grandma and baby, as she is not in health to watch him/her, or should I say won't be when Raindrop gets here, but take them there since she uses softener liquid and sheets and her washer/dryer is used to it

or

2. Wash at home as I do all of my clothes and take them to the laundromat and dry with a few dryer sheets in there with them.

Honestly, I don't WANT to do either, but realize I must do at least one if I want the extra protection of the softener. Either way, with gas mileage and cost of dryers, it's not cheaper either way, so there's not "cheaper way out" but I don't think I want to go to my moms every 2-3 days either. I love her, but no. Loading up a basket of dipe covers and three kids just doesn't seem like my idea of fun.

I guess I've answered my "which one" question myself, I suppose my real question is if I wash them at home, and take them to the laudromat to dry, if I throw a few dryer sheets in there, will it be as effective??? Or should I soak them in the liquid softener/water mix that I've read about also??

Any ideas?

Hmm. I did not know you had to do anything with them. I know my sister has just used fleece pants for a diaper cover and been happy with the results on a little guy. And the Katrina ones have an extra soaker. Not sure how it would work on a heavy wetting toddler? I do not use any type of fabric softener. I can let you know how it works on a newborn sooonish? :-D

yeah, they do have that extra soaker.

are you using the Katrina's with your babe? If so, let me know how you like them and what size you use. I made the smalls b/c even thought they're big the fitted's I'm using are kinda bulky and I think they'll work better. Even on a tiny bit.

Yes, I think I made about seven out of fleece. I did make one nb, but it looks so tiny it might fit with a flat. I mostly made smalls which look great and a couple mediums just because I was not sure how much sewing I would want to do after the baby.
:-D Will let you know for sure.

In my experience, the fleece soakers were only good for around the house, daytime with no pants on over them. I used fitteds or prefolds with snappis. They really aren't as waterproof as other options like lanolized wool or PUL.

I used fleece pants over a diaper when they were little and needed an extra layer. That was a 2nd layer of protection. I never used them alone out and about tho.

If you are getting good at sewing them, try to order some wool interlock and make some wool soakers. You can probably get wool wash or a lanolin at the same webstore.

Just my 2 cents on what worked for us.

Idea: could you dilute the fabric softener and use a spray bottle, then let it dry?
Idea: can you lanolize fleece?

I know it works great for wool... here's the directions for wool.
Lanoizing wool
You will need to lanolize your wool every two to three month or if you notice that it is leaking. We also suggest you lanolize it before using it for the first time.

What you'll need:
1) Large tub (or your kitchen sink will work!)
2) A small glass jar with a lid. Baby food jars work great
3) Liquid lanolin
4) Baby soap
5) A towel

First, fill the large tub (or sink) with warm water and put your cover(s) in to soak. Then, take your glass jar and put approx. 1/2 tbs of lanolin into the jar along with 1 tsp. of baby soap. Fill the rest of the jar with HOT water. Put the lid on the jar and shake until the lanolin is completely dissolved. The water will turn a milky color.

Now, take your cover(s) out of the water and set aside. Poor the contents of the glass jar into the warm water and swish the water around so that it is evenly distributed. Place your covers back in the water. Let them continue to soak for approx. 15-20 minutes. You may want to move the cover(s) around a few times during the 15-20 minutes to make sure they get maximum coverage. After that time, spread out your towel and place the cover(s) on top and roll the covers in the towel. You don't want to wring them since that will stretch the wool. Then, hang your cover(s) up to dry!

Ok, have used the small Katrina soakers on our little guy for about 3 days. :-D They work great. Perfect fit over a prefold. He is about 10lbs now. I have had no leaks and change him about every 2ish hours. They are so soft. I have been using the bummis super brites too and it is a tad easier to put on the velcro then pulling on the fleece, but I do like them. :-D

Have not left the house and not sure how they would work on a bigger guy, but am happy with just around the house and changing often. :-D