Cloth Diapers

[imported_rachel]

I got my fuzzibun diaper today and I LOVE it! :D

It fits my 1 1/2 year old perfect (Size Large) and its sooooo cute =)

no pins
they adjust to if he grows

What I didn't realize is I had ordered POCKET diapers- which I am fine with, you stuff a pre-fold or liner pad in the pocket part and never deal with having to fold, pin or anything. – I just wasn’t sure what a pocket diaper was before.

By far the easiest cloth diaper system I’ve found.
And my husband is learning to love them as well
thought I’d share!


FuzziBunz come in sizes, however Wonderoos are a 'One Size Fits All' (though I hear all over the place that they dont fit newborns well)

here are their links so you can see and understand them better. www.fuzzibunz.com & www.wonderoos.com

Haha Cloth diapering isn't what it used to be. My Mom was the first to suggest CDing our first son. She found the Kushies/Kooshies diapers and also sewed the edges of flannel to make prefolds for diapers. I bought a few diaper wraps for them and used those when our first son was an infant. Then, we used Kushies till he outgrew them. After that I just went back to disposables. Now that our second son is here, I bought a few more diapers (so I wouldn't have to do laundry everyday....didn't like that part!) and some toddler size ones to get our first son back into~I'm hoping they will help with potty training too). With 2 kids still in diapers it is saving a lot of money to use cloth!

I actually have a couple patterns to sew all-in-one and pocket diapers but have to find out where/how much it costs to buy the PUL fabric (makes the diapers waterproof). A friend who lives about an hour from me is interested in making her own diapers too, so we are hoping to split the cost of putting an order together for fabric that we will probably have to buy online.

Also, wanted to add that if you are using pocket diapers, you can buy the "stuffers" at walmart in their automotive department or at Sam's Club in bulk for really cheap! I can't remember what it is called though...not microfleece?? micro-something though! I'll get back to you on what it is called~it's on the tip of my tongue! lol Anyway, it is the same fabric you pay a lot more from if purchased from the Fuzzibunz, etc. companies! Just fold it and stuff your pocket diapers! ;) Can't wait to talk to you more about the cutie cloth diapers out there! :D

We cloth diaper! Let me say, FUZZI BUNS!! Oh my gosh, I wouldn't do it without them! Sometimes they have some on their clearance area.

My almost 3 yr old still sleeps in diapers at nap and bedtime. So at night we always use fuzzibuns. My oneyearold stays in a diaper all the time, and oh my does she pee a lot! ha!!

For everyday, I like diaperaps. www.diaperaps.com I like their covers and you can get the regular trifold diapers and GREAT biodegradable liners.

Also, I love SNAPPI's, for fastening. Actually with the diaperaps covers you don't have to fasten at all, but a snappi is just so easy and great.

I just rinse mine and throw them in a bucket for washing. I used to fill it with water, but that seemed to be more of a hassle. I do love oxyfresh too for soaking and making them smell good. I always add it to the wash, though.

My diapers have lasted great for 3 years, and 2 kids. I think its great.

www.diaperpin.com

[harmony5]

I'm thinking I'm gonna have to bust the budget and buy a couple of these myself. The other brands I have bought so far all leak. Drives me nuts! :roll:

Lori

[raisinberry]

I use Fuzzi Bunz for both ds and love them!

[imported_rachel]

I was hoping I could get some recommendations on which ones to use. I saw the Gerber ones at Wal-Mart for $10 for 12 diapers. The covers were $5 (I think) for 6. Are these good diapers?? Where do you get diaper liners? I didn't see those!

Also, I need advice on using a diaper pail. Do I use any kind of soak like vinegar with water?

So, if anyone wants to give me some pointers on what supplies I will need to diaper a baby for the next 9-12 months (hopefully just 9 :D ), I would so very much appreciate it!!

[Bekah]

Girls!!!! If you have any sewing capabilities at all... MAKE YOUR OWN DIAPERS... Much cheaper! For the price of one sized set of Fuzzibunz you could make enough diapers to get you through all the sizes!!

[raisinberry]

Bekah- I wish I had known you before I had my first DS! No one ever told me to try and make them on my own and I never thought of it. I would have saved so much money.

[4HisGlory]

I have been picking up used cloth diapers from a great second hand babie store. they are about half price as new. Bekah how hard is it to make cloth diapers? I hate pattern sewing but if it isn't that tough I could do it. do you have a pattern I could use? or a site?

[jamma]

Ooooeee, so easy to sew your own!!

Here's some links...

http://mayna.livejournal.com/198548.html

http://www.diapersewing.com/quick_%20and_%20easy.htm

http://www.diaperfabric.com/store/WsAncillary.asp?ID=3 - wool soaker pattern

http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html - Just about everything you need here!

Wool soakers (the thing that goes on the outside of diapers that are not all in ones) are great. Bekah and I both made some 'cuz we rock the cloth diapering world. Here's some links for that if you knit or crochet!

http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/soakers/pattern/index_printable.html - easy pattern, knitting

http://www.tickleturdle.com/wrappattern.html - crochet wrap style pattern

I actually splurged and bought the Little Turtle Knits Ribby Wrap Pattern. it's by far my favourite. If we're ever blessed with another horrible, I'll be making more of these! ((Link for that, www.littleturtleknits.com))

[4HisGlory]

thanks so much.

[BlessedMommy]

Sewing diapers sounds much cheaper than Fuzzi Bunz. I checked out the prices and we could never afford them. I do have one second hand Fuzzi Bunz on hand that my mom gave me and they are nice.

I'm going to have to try to make some myself. This is cool to see this thread here, because just today I was doing some research online about diapers. Now, what do most of you ladies use for a plastic covering? I've thought about Gerber vinyl pants, since I have some on hand and they only run about $16.95 a dozen.

~Ruth

[Rach]

We have Fuzzi Bunz and Wonderoos here. No leaks. I make my own inserts out of auto towels from Costco (20 for 9 bucks) - the thick yellow ones are much more absorbant then what you find at WalMart. I trim them to be the proper size, then fold in thirds and do a zigzag stitch. That way I never have to fold them again. For doublers, I ordered some hemp french terry and some hemp fleece, cut rectangles, and made them 2 thick. Works awesome, even at night!

When Bobert was a NB, I used fitteds and covers.

Anyone wanting to buy the Gerber ones, RUN AWAY LOL. Chinese prefolds are like 10 times more absorbant.

Oh and if you use cloth dipes, use cloth wipes to save even more money. We have 2 in diapers right now and we are saving so much money!!

We are still using disposables :oops: We just saw a news article two nights ago saying that one child will go through about 6000 diapers before mastering potty training and that creates 1 TON of waste. :shock:
I did a calculation and worked it out that we will probably spend about $2000 plus on disposables before Abby is potty trained. Whereas I can get a system of 24 Nap naps (the fitted cloth nappies) plus 24 liners, 24 overpants etc... for about $670. So we are seriously thinking about getting one before the baby is born. With 24 of everything we can diaper both the baby and Abby hopefully. Abby only goes through 4 disposables each day. A newborn goes through about 8 if I remember correctly. So I'd have to use about 8 of the fitted for Abby and 16 for the baby. I'd have to wash every day. But that's ok. I may buy the odd packet of disposables in case I don't have enough fitted nappies and run out. I'm sure they are pretty fast to dry anyway... and we have a dryer and the website says you can put them in the dryer. :wink:

Oh and if you use cloth dipes, use cloth wipes to save even more money.

That's a great idea! I have about 24 cloth diapers so I can easily get my mum to cut some into smaller squares for me and sew the edges. I can't sew :oops: And there is always the washcloths ;) That's what I use when I do cloth diaper (which is hardly ever) ... I just stick them in the Napisan with the diapers and wash them in the washing machine.
We spend about $8.40 on wipes each week. I'm really bad with them... I use about four or more for each diaper change. I have to get all the poop off :oops: I'm so OCD it's funny. :oops:

[Bekah]

So sorry I haven't answered you guys! Life has been a bit hectic around here... but I used most of the links that Jamie probably posted... but know I have the Very Baby patterns from here www.diapershop.com and they are the ones I use all the time... they are so easy to sew...

[Crissyanna]

I couldn't believe this. I was browsing on wal-mart.com and looking at baby stuff (like swings and things like that) and they had diapers. I thought, ok, online? Sure, why not look. Online they have Kushies! Including the swim diapers! I was shocked beyond belief. I am not sure if the price is comparable (I haven't done much comparison shopping and am pretty sure we are going with CPF's and I know where I am going to order those from probably...). But I thougt I would share that info with you all out there. There seemed to be a pretty decent collection of them.

Just had to share that with you all.

Crystal

[Bekah]

Ah... but like I said... if you have any sewing capabilities the prices of all diapers will far exceed the price of homemade ones!

[harmony5]

I just wanted to put my 2 cents in...as usual. :wink:

I have been cloth diapering for about 6 months. I wish I would have started when Preston was newborn, but I used to think--ummm, me use a cloth diaper..yuk..no way. They actually aren't bad at all. I have been very pleased with my experience. If we are blessed with another baby, I will cloth diaper from the beginning.

So, anyway, I just wanted to say, please do not waste your money on the "AIO" diapers that are so outrageously expensive!! I fell into the trap! :twisted: I bought 16 of these! Yep, sure did. :oops: Well, my ds pees like you wouldn't believe and every one I had leaked!!! I bought 3 different kinds to total the 16 that I had, but they all leaked.

I have 0 sewing capabilities because I have never tried. I may try one of these days! But, if you do not know how to sew and still want to cloth diaper, just go all old fashioned! I now use Chinese Prefolds and covers. I still get a leak here and there, but nothing like I did with the AIOs. And, I'm not above buying used either. You can sometimes find them at thrift stores or online. Some people buy them and they have too many or something and just want to get rid of the extras and there is nothing wrong with them at all! I have bought some practically brand new "used" diapers and covers that work great!

So, don't feel like you have to go overboard with the "fancy" diapers. Take it from someone who knows from experience!

Happy cloth diapering!
Lori

[Bekah]

Yes... a good word of advice... Never buy tons of one kind of diaper.. you don't know if they will work with the shape of your baby or not!

I bought four diapers from a WAHM off of ebay... They suck!!!! They are supposed to be AIO's but the fleece inner material rolls to the outside and so anything that the babies pee touches on the inside wicks to the outside! I am so mad!

So be careful when decided what diapers you want.

[BlessedMommy]

All of the different diaper choices have overwhelmed me. I have been thinking about just using plain old flatfolds, pins, and cheap covers. I mean, that worked just fine for our grandmothers. If I spend tons of money on cloth diapers it virtually defeats the money saving purpose of using them. Anybody have much experience with flatfolds? One thing I figured is that with them at least you don't have to buy different sizes.

[Bekah]

Flat folds will become harder and harder to put on a squirmy older baby!

[Crissyanna]

My MIL just bought me a ton of diapers. She found them on EBay. Most are used, but are in good condition. Might be worth checking into. And remember with Ebay, if you have any questions, ask the seller before bidding. She bought me about three hundred dollars worth of diapers for sixty last weekend. Between that set and the others she's bought, I think I have about every diaper imaginable. Hopefully, something will work. Now, to just get some covers for the prefolds.

Crystal

[Bekah]

I have bought used from ebay... the ones I got were awesome! In fact we still use them... and will use them with the new one!

[BlessedMommy]

Crystal, your MIL sounds like a wonderful lady. So glad that she helped you out with all those diapers.

[Crissyanna]

I think I have the best MIL ever. She is going nuts over this whole grandbaby thing. Oh well, it makes her happy. She called me the other day to ask why in the world she didn't think to just have all those diapers sent to my house instead of hers. She said she has so many diapers over there, she isn't sure what to do, nor what all of them are! I told her to dig out one of my SIL's old baby dolls and practice diapering it! She laughed.

I hope you all have success in finding the right diapers! And cheaply!

Crystal

[BlessedMommy]

Well, I decided to try sewing my own. Since I'm not terribly ept at sewing I decided to sew flatfolds. Anyway, I have half a dozen wonderfully soft flannel diapers now and plan to make more. (Best part is that I got the flannel absolutely free!) My mom actually still remembers how to fold diapers from when she used them with me over 20 years ago, so I learned how to fold them too. I'm going to use the leftover flannel from them to make a set of wipes. And I'm going to buy some diaper pins at Wal-Mart, since Snappis don't work very well on flannel diapers, due to the tight weave of the cloth. I have a number of diaper covers already at home that my mom gave me and will buy more if needed.

I was thinking that for trips or going out places, I could buy a few more expensive diapers such as Fuzzi Bunz and use enviro friendly disposable liners for them, to maximize convenient changes away from home. My hubby likes the idea of cloth diapers but doesn't want to have away from home diaper changes be gross.

Any suggestions on a good diaper to use away from home?

[Bekah]

I make AIO's from the Very baby pattern... That way I don't have to mess with pins or covers when we go out.

[Rach]

I was thinking that for trips or going out places, I could buy a few more expensive diapers such as Fuzzi Bunz and use enviro friendly disposable liners for them, to maximize convenient changes away from home. My hubby likes the idea of cloth diapers but doesn't want to have away from home diaper changes be gross.

Any suggestions on a good diaper to use away from home?

We use Fuzzis and wetbags. I keep hand sanitizer in the diaper bag.

[raisinberry]

What do you all use for your away from home bags? I have some that were great to start with, but now the the wetness seeps through and gets on the clean diapers and clothes! Whenever I take something out of the diaper bag that was touching the dirty diaper bag it needs to be washed! Yuck!

[Rach]

I have one from Mother of Eden, some from a website that's out of business, and some I made myself.
You can get decent PUL at celtic cloths, and just make sure you use 100% polyester thread to sew it with. Cotton will wick. I made mine extra tall with an elastic top, then I just twist and fold over the top. Works great/ The others I got had a drawstring, which I wrapped around the top and snugged.

HTH.

[BlessedMommy]

Yay! My set of 6 small Fuzzi Bunz arrived from Ebay. They came with Mother of Eden inserts. They seem to be very nice and absorbent. Has anyone else here used MOE inserts?

[Rach]

I use the MOE inserts and other microterry inserts along with a hemp doubler. That works well for us.

[kanaclark]

we used prefolds with pro-raps in the beginning and the switched to kushies aio when he weighed ten pounds, but I have larger prefolds and proraps for his size too.
I had a few bummis, but wasn't crazy about them. They're cut small and that got on my nerves, bad.

we didn't go out much while he was little, but once he got into the kushies, we did, and I like them traveling.
as far as wet bags go, i bought a kushies bag, didn't like it at all so i freecycled it. I also bought a "ditty bag" from my hubby's fave sporting good store, suposedly a better one, cuz it's for camping. HA! Threw it away a week later when it tore! I just throw a grocery store bag in the diaper bag now. We keep them for the little waste baskets in the bathrooms, etc, so I just use them.

[Cheeseburger]

Well, I am a lazy bum, so I had decided not to cloth diaper, because I hate laundry. But just recently my dh and I realized how much $$ we had spent on katherine's diapers already. We were buying the cheap store brand (Teddy's Choice), but it was still adding up since she pees/poops A LOT!! Since we plan on having 2-3 more kids, we decided cloth diapering was the way to go, and there are some out there that don't take nearly as much work as I thought. I did some research and decided on fuzzi bunz... I just ordered 24 of them, that should get me through 2-3 days between washings right?

We figured it would be better to spend 2000 dollars on diapers for 3-4 kids instead of 2000 dollars PER kid... over the long run, anyway. I mean, you could buy a car with that kind of cash. That's crazy!

So other than the mother of eden terry inserts, what else can you stuff fuzzi bunz with?

[kanaclark]

Are they pockets? I'm not familiar with them, as they were OUT of our price range for the number of diapers we wanted to buy.

If they are a pocket, you could probably just tri-fold a prefold and stuff it with that. I also bought a pack of washcloths (the big pack for like five dollars at walmart) and folded them in to the size of stuffer and used my machine to sew a seam through the middle to keep them that way, and used them with the pockets we had as well as inside a prefold folded in thirds as a doubler. We still use them for our one year old.

Hey, I'm new to cloth diapering (only doing it about a year), but I LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk about it, and I'm sure most other moms who cd here do too. It's kinda addictive :-)

-Kana

[Bekah]

You can stuff fuzzi bunz with prefolds... Depending on what size the fuzzi bunz are would depend on what size prefold you can get in there... Some people stuff them with microfiber towels for trimness...

[Cheeseburger]

Hey, I'm new to cloth diapering (only doing it about a year), but I LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk about it, and I'm sure most other moms who cd here do too. It's kinda addictive :-)


Well, when you have babies I guess diapering kindof becomes your hobby! LOL I know I hardly have time for anything except feeding & changing, and doing housework. My sister-in-law has five kids, and I never had anything to talk to her about until after I had my baby. Now we talk about diapering, potty training and what to feed kids, etc. LOL, at least we don't sit there in awkward silence anymore while our husbands talk!

Thanks for the stuffing suggestions, I will have to see about picking up some prefolds or terry cloths.

[BlessedMommy]

I'm with you, I use and like Fuzzi Bunz also. Yes, they are more expensive, but for me the convenience is well worth it. And I think that altogether they would run less than $1000. Of course, it all depends on how many you get. My goal is to have about 18 in each size. I've gotten some as gifts and have put that as an item on my baby shower list, that way we won't have to buy them all. We also want several kids, so I figure that once we purchase our all of our Fuzzis, we're set for the rest of our diapering years.

I use microterry or Mother of Eden inserts or Chinese prefolds to stuff mine. But I got a pack of Gerber prefolds as a gift. Does anyone know if they are effective as stuffers or are they not absorbent enough?

[Cheeseburger]

I use microterry or Mother of Eden inserts or Chinese prefolds to stuff mine. But I got a pack of Gerber prefolds as a gift. Does anyone know if they are effective as stuffers or are they not absorbent enough?


I don't know, pour a glass of water on them and find out??

[Cheeseburger]

Does anyone know why my quotes aren't working??

[Rach]

Does anyone know why my quotes aren't working??

no they look good...?

anyway on top of the microterry, I use hemp. Do you sew? They are easy to make, you just need to do a zig zag around the outside. If you don't sew, pm me and I can give you my website.

we love fuzzi bunz here! I much prefer snaps to velcro, even though the WAHM diapers are super cute, most of them are aplix :(

using cloth wipes, and cloth napkins at your table can also save you a lot of $$!!

[Cristina]

Has anyone had to wash their dipes at the laundromat? Our landord is renovating so we have been without a washer and dryer for a couple of months now; knowing him it could go on for a few more months :roll: . I tried washing them at the laundromat but ds was getting horrible rashes, either from the hard water not washing out all of the detergent or from build-up of whatever was already used in the machine. This was my laundromat wash routine: 1 hot wash cycle with a few tbsp detergent, and 1/4 cup of Borax, another hot wash cycle with no detergent. I still got some bubbles at the end of the second cycle, but at $2.00/cycle that's about all I can swing.

Alas, I caved and bought a case of 'sposies, but the whole time I was like "I could have bought 3 dozen prefolds at this price!" :shock: :x , so I will do just about anything short of calling in a priest to get these dipes up and on ds' butt. Any ideas from laundromat mamas? Should I give up until I have a washer and dryer again? It could be a verrrry long time...considering it took 6.5 years for the landlord to start the project :lol:

[Cheeseburger]

Perhaps a neighbor whom you like to visit with would enjoy making some extra cash? You could use their home machines and pay them about what you would pay for the laundromat?? If you lived nearer I'd gladly welcome you over for some tea or hot cocoa and laundry ;)

[Cristina]

Aww, thank you! :D

[jamma]

Has anyone had to wash their dipes at the laundromat? Our landord is renovating so we have been without a washer and dryer for a couple of months now; knowing him it could go on for a few more months :roll: . I tried washing them at the laundromat but ds was getting horrible rashes, either from the hard water not washing out all of the detergent or from build-up of whatever was already used in the machine. This was my laundromat wash routine: 1 hot wash cycle with a few tbsp detergent, and 1/4 cup of Borax, another hot wash cycle with no detergent. I still got some bubbles at the end of the second cycle, but at $2.00/cycle that's about all I can swing.

Alas, I caved and bought a case of 'sposies, but the whole time I was like "I could have bought 3 dozen prefolds at this price!" :shock: :x , so I will do just about anything short of calling in a priest to get these dipes up and on ds' butt. Any ideas from laundromat mamas? Should I give up until I have a washer and dryer again? It could be a verrrry long time...considering it took 6.5 years for the landlord to start the project :lol:

Just a crazy thought, but do you have a dishwasher? I've 'heard' but not tried that stripping diapers in the dishwaser works really great.

[Cristina]

:cry: Unfortunately no. That's a great idea though!

[Cristina]

I have an update on my diaper situation! A couple of weeks ago I was at the laundromat and I couldn't help but notice that another woman was washing cloth diapers; I figured I was the only mama left on this entire island who used them! So I told her the trouble I was having with build-up and rashes, and she told me what she did to make CDing work with the laundromat:

1. Cool soak in the bathtub (the diapers, not me :lol: ) for about 1 or 2 hours, with 1/4 cup of bleach. Rinse and toss in the diaper pail to bring to the laundromat.

2. Hot wash cycle with a few tablespoons detergent (I switched back to my enzyme-free detergent because I think the enzymes were contributing to the rashes).

3. If there are a lot of soap bubbles in the final rinse, do another full wash cycle with no detergent. If there are some bubbles that is fine because its not likeyl you can get them all out anyway.

4. Dry on hot for up to 1 hour.

So I've been doing this the last couple of weeks and it is working out awesome; no stinks and no rashes! And after a few trips to the laundromat I have found that I no longer need that second wash cycle, I guess because a lot of the build-up has washed out. Hey, it saves me 2 bucks!

[Aalena]

That is awesome you were able to figure out a way to make it work for you! God plants people in the right places at the right times for us. An answer to a CD prayer.

[Ashlee]

Wow! Who knew cloth diapering could be so complicated? I just spent the last 30 minutes skimming over all the excellent advice on cloth diapering and the links provided by you wonderful ladies! I am determined to cloth diaper!! I have wanted to since I had my dd, now my ds is a year old and he is getting a diaper rash that i have concluded is caused by the cheap bargain disposables we stocked up on! So.. I went to Meijers and picked up the only pre-folds they had which are made by dundee, probably no good, but I plan to make some of my own fitted diapers asap. Before I start I want to ask all you cd professionals a few questions.
1. What is so special about fuzzibunz.. I hear good stuff about them... what makes them better then other cloth diapers? Can I make a fuzzibunz knock off on my own with basic sewing skills?
2. Do you think the prefolds I bought would work as soaker pads for the homemade diapers I'm making?
3. What material do you ladies suggest? I thought about using fleece.. will that work for the inside layer of the diaper?
4. Some of you prefer snaps over velcro.. is that because the velcro sticks together in the wash? I planned on making pockets to tuck the velcro in like I saw in one pattern.
Ok.. thats all I can think of for now unless anyone knows someone who can lend me a sewing machine. :wink:
Thanks in advance ladies! :D

[Bekah]

Hey Ashlee. I sew all of our diapers. I don't buy any because they are so expensive!!

You can use fleece on the inside as a wicking layer and will help keep the baby dry but it adds no absorbancy. I make most of my diapers out of flannel because it is easily accessible. You can use other fabrics and the more you get into sewing you will discover all kinds!

You can make fuzzi bunz knockoffs... you would need a waterproof materal for the outside called PUL.

If you want I am pm you the address to a forum all about sewing your own diapers!

[Ashlee]

Sure! You can pm that address to me! :D I already printed a pattern off another link given in this tread or the Q&A thread.. I can't remember which one. It looks like a good pattern, I guess I will have to try to know for sure.
So.. fuzzibunz is an AIO diaper? Is there something about the way they are constructed that makes them different from other AIO's?
One more question.. sorry. :oops:
I actually wanted to use fleece for the outside because I like some of the patterns I saw in fleece.. but wasn't sure if it was good for the inside also.. so if I did flannel on the inside and fleece on the outside would it make a good absorbent diaper?
Thanks so much :D

[Cheeseburger]

So.. fuzzibunz is an AIO diaper? Is there something about the way they are constructed that makes them different from other AIO's?


AIO's are all in ones - fuzzi bunz are pockets.. .basically the outside (waterproof) and inside (permeable and quick drying for baby's skin) liner and then you have to stuff it with absorbent material, like hemp or terry.

With fuzzi bunz you shake out the inside material and wash the diaper and the stuffings separately ,with AIO's none of it comes apart. :)

I like fuzzi bunz because I can put as much stuff as I need on the inside - like if I need 3 layers of hemp for nighttime, then I can do that... with AIO's the extra would have to be on top of the diaper or something...

[Cheeseburger]

OK just throwing this in here

One thing I have noticed with the fuzzi bunz is some of them are different sizes, or the leg elastic is not in the same place or the same length as others... so some of them leave a huge gap in her leg because her leg isn't very chubby, and that makes them leak. they are ALL size medium but only some of them leak, some of them fit snugly on her leg. I am sure when she grows they will all fit properly but it's kindof annoying right now...

[Ashlee]

Thanks Cheeseburger! I saw a pattern for pocket diapers somewhere in one of those links. I'll have to go back and look again. Actually I could probably alter the pattern I have to work for a pocket diaper.. I guess I'll have to experiment!

I'm planning on going around the house this evening collecting fabric, cutting what I can find, and maybe sewing what I can tonight when dh gets back with my sils sewing machine. I don't have everything I need yet though.. I will have to go out tomorrow to get elastic, velcro and more thread. I will let you all know how it goes! :D

[BlessedMommy]

Ashlee, I've started sewing diapers too. Here's the site that I got my sewing instructions from: http://www.livejournal.com/talkread.bml/journal/mayna/itemid/198548/

These are so wonderful and clear and have great pictures! I was basically a non-seamstress and even managed to figure it out.

[Ashlee]

Hmm.. the link took me to a login page. Do you have to have an account with livejournal?

Its 11:30 and I'm too tired to do anything else but I did get the pattern cut out, its a start! Dh went out and got me the velcro, elastic and thread, and picked up his sisters sewing machine. She got it for Christmas 2 years ago and never used it, the box isn't even opened, lol. Well I will try tomorrow to get a diaper sewn and I will take a pic and share with you all. Thanks to everyone for your help.

[BlessedMommy]

Sorry Ashlee! Here's the real link: http://mayna.livejournal.com/198548.html

Hope that helps!

[Bekah]

Sorry Ashlee! Here's the real link: http://mayna.livejournal.com/198548.html

Hope that helps!

That is the very first diaper pattern I looked at and used too! But my diapers didn't turn out all that well!!

Here is a link to my blog where I posted a pic of them. I made them last fall for my now 1yo.

http://pbreffe.blogspot.com/2005/11/cloth-diapers-and-weird-pregnancy.html

They aren't that bad. But compared to what I can make now they are funny looking!

[Ashlee]

I decided to go with a pattern that I found the link to from that livejournal link. You need acrobate reader to view it. Tell me what you ladies think...
http://www.ottobredesign.com/en/print/pdf/vaippa_en.pdf

[Bekah]

Ashlee I think that one runs a little big just to let you know! I made one and thought Whoa!! But I know some mom's that have used that pattern.

[Ashlee]

Thats funny.. I just cut it out and dh said to me, "ah, that looks a little big"! I thought maybe after stitching it that would cut the size down a bit. I already cut out the fabric though so I might as well sew it together.. if its way too big I can put it aside and if he's not potty trained by the time he grows into it then it won't go to total waste. Ok.. so I'm learning as I go along, I'm probably going to buy a pattern before long. We will see! :D

[BlessedMommy]

Actually I used the INSTRUCTIONS from the livejournal link. I bought a PATTERN from elsewhere. When I tried to make my own pattern, the diaper turned out doll sized! (Actually I think that I'm going to finish it and give it to Hannah for her dolls! :))

I use the Goodness Gracious diaper pattern. My first ones turned out funny because I didn't understand the instructions and sewed elastic all the way around. But once I understood the instructions, it turned out a pretty nice diaper.

[BlessedMommy]

Hey, Bekah maybe you know the answer to this question? I use microfiber auto towels for the soaker pads. But the fitted take forever to dry! Of course, my commercial purchased AIO's and Kissaluvs take ages to dry too.

But is there any way to sew quicker drying fitteds?

[Bekah]

Yeah.... You can do a snap in soaker or just a lay in one. Instead of sewing inside you can zigzag around the edges and sew it inside the diaper at just one end. Then it will flap around in the dryer. Or you can make square soakers about the size of a prefold with the microfiber towel sandwiched between flannel zig zag that then trifold it and zigzag the bottom. The bottom would edge would be permanantly sewed into a trifold but the top would be able to fan out in the dryer then you just lay it in a fitted with no internal soaker.

Did any of that make sense??

[BlessedMommy]

In other words, make a pocket fitted?

[Bekah]

Well sort of. But there is no pocket. You just sew a 2-3 layer fitted and have the soaker on the inside of the diaper next to the baby instead of inside the diaper.... Here... like this.

This one the soaker is sewn in just down the middle so the sides of it are loose and able to dry faster.
http://static.flickr.com/75/268020155_daefe9409e.jpg

These are snap in. I had the snaps inside the soaker layers so they aren't agains the baby.
http://static.flickr.com/117/260770197_e5968c74ec.jpg

Snap in soakers without hidden snaps.
http://static.flickr.com/40/117306599_60315e4dc1.jpg

I personally hate pocket dipes because I hate stuffing it with stuff! And I actually don't mind true AIO's that have internal soakers even if I have to dry twice because it is so much less work.... And with a few kids that's pretty important!!

[Ashlee]

I give up!! Well.. with that pattern anyway. Bekah, you were so right.. that pattern runs way big.. whoa! I was going to finish it because I thought well maybe ds can wear it later and I thought it would be good to practice anyway.. well I need practice thats for sure.. I messed up so many times!! I'm a little dissapointed with myself, but I will try again with another pattern and hopefully won't repeat my mistakes! I plan on having a completed diaper to show off soon!

[Bekah]

Try printing out any of these patterns. I hear they are really really good diapers... I made a fitted a while back with it and used it for a while!

http://www.thenappynetwork.org.nz/diy.php

[Ashlee]

I did it!! Yay! I got my first cd sewn and it fits! He is wearing it now.. we will see if it works.

I used the wee weka fitted s-m-l pattern. It was very basic and had easy to follow directions.. perfect for a beginner like me. My sewing needs a little practice still.. but, I'll get there. Once I make a few of these more simple diapers maybe I can move onto some covers or AIO's. Then I can get myself a snap machine and go pro, jk!

Thank you all for the help..

Bekah.. thanks so much for answering all my silly questions, you were especially helpful! :D

[Ashlee]

Drum roll please....

Tadaa!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/recentpics/diaper001.jpg

[Ashlee]

I know the pic is huge.. photobucket isn't working properly or I did something wrong.. I did resize it, but photobucket is giving me the same url for it. Oh well! You get to look up close at all the mistakes I made.

[Bekah]

Yay!!! That looks awesome Ashlee! My first diapers were really weird looking!

[Ashlee]

Thanks Bekah! :D

I have got 3 made but I ran out of material so I started making my dd diapers for all her dolls. I used a pattern from the nappy network for the first one but for her favorite doll (precious moments angel) I had to custom fit it. They turned out so cute!! Dd was so excited. I also used the scrap fleece to make my own wipes!

Ok.. so I have a few more questions, about covers.

Can I buy material for covers at any fabric store and what material can I use?

Has anyone made their own covers using a free pattern online that workedout good?

I think thats all for now.. I'm sure I'll come up with more questions as I go! :D

[Bekah]

You can get some PUL fabric which is waterproof on the net. Then you would need FOE.
Or you can use fleece. You can get it at Walmart or Joann's and just make the cover two layers of fleece.

If you don't have a cover pattern (that is one I can't find a free pattern for) You can add to your diaper pattern. Add a 1/4 in around the pattern. Always worked for me!

[Ashlee]

Thank you! :D

[Bekah]

Anytime!

[Ashlee]

I need some more advice please. I have 100 dollars worth of fabric and notions waiting in a shopping cart but I'm afraid to go through with the purchase in fear that I am going overboard or not getting exactly what I need, or possibly paying too much. I thought I would run it by you ladies first and see what you think...

I plan on having enough material to make 6 AIO's, 6 fitteds, 2 pul covers and 2 fleece covers. I have plenty of material to use as soakers already on hand, and different color thread too.

[Cheeseburger]

It doesn't let us look at your cart :(

[Bekah]

It says your cart is empty....

Also so you know... you nedd 100% polyester thread to make anything waterproof ex AIO's, PUL covers.... I use Gutterman's.

[Ashlee]

Sorry about that.. I wasn't thinking! I should have known that wouldn't have worked.
Well, this is what I have:
2 yards 60" wide patterned artic polar fleece for outside layer of AIO's $6.95/y
2 yards 60" wide Malden Mills 100 single sided lining fleece for liner of AIO's $5.00/y
6 20"x24" PUL diaper cuts for AIO's $20.00 for 6
6 yards 45" wide heavyweight flannel for fitteds (2 layers for each) $4.00/y
1 yard 60" wide Malden Mills 200 Texured Series for fleece covers $6.32/y
1 yard 55-60" wide PUL for covers $6.00/y
10 yards of FOE
2 yards of 1" hook Applix
5 yards of 1" loop Applix
10 yards 3/8" swimsuit elastic
1 550y spool polyester thread

[Bekah]

Sounds good to me!

And I am jealous! I would kill for that much stuff! Oh and don't forget you can get a lot of stuff locally... I use flannel from Walmart or Joannes... You can also use the polar and anti-pill fleece from those places too... And a lot of times it is much cheaper and you don't have to pay shipping!

Have fun sewing!

[Ashlee]

Wow your fast! I just edited my post and added the prices. I looked everywhere it seems and I think I'm getting it all decently priced??

[Cheeseburger]

Hi Ashlee,


where did you get your diapering supplies online again? I looked at the previous posts but it didn't list the store. I need to start looking so I can sew newborn/small diapers.

[Ashlee]

I ordered from www.wazoodle.com which happens to be in Canada so that might work good for you. I waited a long time for my fabric because first wazoodle messed up, then the postal service messed up. The woman did explain that they just moved their store and if I ordered from them again they would be a lot faster. They have a diaper shop on their website that has the fabrics used for diapers grouped together but be careful, I ordered some malden mills lining fleece that I was going to use for the inside of the diapers to wick but it ended up not being the right stuff.. I don't know why it was in the diaper shop. The other downside to wazoodle is they didn't have any absorbing fabrics for soakers. If you want to buy everything together from the same place a good website that I might try next time is www.diapershop.com Their prices were a bit higher but at least you know your going to get the right stuff, and all at one place. Congrats on the new pregnancy! Have fun sewing.. WARNING.. its highly addictive!! :D

[Ashlee]

I was just checking to make sure my links worked and noticed that wazoodle has made some changes to the diaper shop and added a micro fleece categorie specifically for diaper making.. how cool!!

[Cheeseburger]

thanks for the link ashlee. They are way cheaper than anywhere else i've looked! And I don't have to do all exchange rates/extra shipping like I do when I order from the U.S.... so yeah, awesome!

[Ashlee]

Good.. I'm glad that it will be useful to you! :D

[gamommyto4girls]

I'm a newbie here so I apologize if this question is a repeat. I'm very interested in cd'ing my newest blessing due in May. I used disposables for her 3 older sisters. From reading here and other places I'm getting that fuzzi bunz are highly recommended. My babies tend to be really small. I always deliver a few weeks early due to a uternne problem. What is recommended for a preemie/small new born? I was thinking of maybe trying diaperaps with pre-folds? I hate to invest tons of $ for this relatively short stage. I will stay very close to home at first and have lots of help, so convienence is not nearly as much of an issue as it will be later. I wish I could sew my own... I'm an avid stamper and knitter but my sewing skills stink. Plus I find it super stressful. Mending DH's shirt buttons is about all I can handle. Help! Thanks in advance....
Beth

[jamma]

Beth, if you knit, you can easily make yourself some covers. There are loads of free sites... I can post some if you're interested. Then prefolds might be a fabulous idea. Either those or flats.

I'm not too impressed with Fuzzibunz, to be honest. I used a few but didn't think they fit that great.

You can always just decide to use trashies for the first few weeks as well. That's what we did.

[Rach]

Beth, you could definitely stretch prefolds and covers. Especially the wool, I think they had a larger range of fit. Plus, you knit!! I bet you could do a swap with someone if you can figure out how to knit soakers and longies, I think you could definitely find someone to exchange for fitteds or prefolds.

We used Prefolds for the same reason, being such a short time you hate to invest so much, but also remember, you can get about 10-15$ each on eBay when you are done with them, especially if you don't use them long.

Another thing - If your baby will be in the hospital for a while they provide free diapers (at least they do here).

Oh and if you are going with prefolds, check out the Snappi! it's awesome!

We absolutely love Fuzzi Bunz; I've tried several combinations, and it works best for our family.

[MrsAldridge]

I have to say I LOVE using cloth nappies and down undies (they are colourful covers-get them in New Zealand- not sure about other places). They are velcro and adjustable and just throw them in the wash- so handy esp when babies grow so fast.
It also helps i enjoy washing but, soaking the nappies and washing them isnt too much hassle (whats another load of washing?!?)
They beat disposables , but can see why some people use them.
If you can use cloth- GO FOR IT!

[imported_rachel]

Anyone tried gdiapers (sp?)?
They are part reusable. The non reusable part is the liner that gets soiled, but it disinegrates when torn and dropped in the toliet bowl. It's enviro-friendly. I hope they perfect this idea-- because it must be a lot easier than 100% cloth. Best of both..

[MrsAldridge]

To help with the clean up, we are using Bio Liners in the cloth nappies.
Here they come in a pack of 100. To save a few cents we fold them long ways and cut them in half. 2 for the price of one (we found no difference in having it folded in the nappy to only have it a single sheet)
You just flush the liner and whats on it down the toilet and we also found Bio Wipes-also flushable!!!
All Great Stuff and helping the environment :)

[~Tara~]

I've used gdiapers with my last as a newborn Less than impressed honestly.
Keep in mind, this is ONLY with a newborn. Experience could be considerably different with an older baby..

The liners didn't fit well in the cover...or however/whatever you want to call it all..the disposable diaper part was rather long for the cover. Had to smoosh it in there and that led to some leaks. And with newborn breastfed poos...always a mess...always. I even talked to a lady via email, repeatedly over th eproduct and what to look for/do to get the best fit possible. No. Still had messes.

Couldn't use the covers with my other dipes. I had newborn fitteds. And it would have to be some smaaaaaallllllll prefolds to fit. I had some cheap birdseye prefolds that I could barely make fit in there. Of course, the absorbancy of such was ridiculous. In a bad way.

And that whole dump n swish thing..it was more trouble than my cloth.

They're very cute. Nice idea. Could work for older babies. I would not recommend for newborns though. But, I don't know, for the price and all...why not just by the Tushies from the health food store ya know?