Cloth diapers...what am I doing wrong???

[Iwantmycrown]

So yesterday I finally bought some cloth diapers. I washed them before DD wore them. They are made by gerber and said they were pre-fold...4 ply.. I got them at k-mart. Well I also got some vinyl pants to go over them. I followed the instructions on how to fold them. But, they leak. I mean the whole diaper is soaking wet when she goes the bathroom..from top to bottom...to the outside..just the whold diaper in general :cry: . Thank goodness the pants were on and nothing leaked out. But, I thought cloth diapers absorbed all inside and the outside of the diaper itself would be dry...am I wrong? This is my first go ever at cloth diapers. My neighbor across the street showed me how to fold them a different way...but, DD never went before bedtime...so I never got a chance to see if that would work(I just put her in a regular diaper for bedtime). Am I doing something wrong or is it the brand? What can I do to stop the leaking? I really want to use cloth diapers...please help!

[harmony5]

I started using cloth diapers when my ds was 9 months old. I bought several AllInOne diapers that I was not impressed with at all. They leaked. So, my sister suggested prefolds. So, I sold all my AIO's and bought Gerber prefolds. Well, ummm, they leaked too. My son is a very heavy wetter so I thought that may be the problem, but I did a little research to see what the best cloth diaper was.

I found out that prefolds get more absorbant the more you wash them. I also found out that the Gerber prefolds are not really good diapers. They just aren't that absorbant. I have some that I have had for 9 months now and they still leak. They've been washed a lot!!

Anyway, so after researching, I figured out I needed Indian or Chinese Prefolds. These are made better, or something, and are way way way more absorbant. I bought some from another mom on diaperswappers.com. She didn't like having to fold them, so she was selling them and they were barely used. I also started using Proraps for my covers. These things do not leak!!! Overnight, naptime, anytime...no leaks!! And, you don't even have to fold the diaper and pin it. The cover has velcro like a disposable diaper. You just fold the prefold longways and lay it in the wrap, velcro it, and voila! you've got a diaper. This works!! I cannot pin a diaper to save my life. :oops:

So, the Indian or Chinese prefolds and wraps cost a little extra money, but they are so worth it! And you may get lucky and find a really good deal on some somewhere. I do recommend diaperswappers.com because other mothers are selling stuff they tried and didn't like or they just bought to much or something. They also have forums with lots of advice on how to wash them, etc. Everything I have bought on there has been sent to me in excellent condition and I don't have a problem using used (as long as it isn't grungy and is still like new). So, good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

I went through the same stuff and I almost gave up. I really like my cloth diapers!! I will use them with my next baby also. Prefolds and wraps. Woohoo!

Lori :D

[Rach]

I'm sorry, but all I used my Gerber prefolds for were burp rags. They are probably the worst kind of cloth diapers I ever tried.

you can get what are called fitted diapers that will work well with the gerber plastic pants. They dry faster than AIOs and are very easy to use.
here's a site for fitted dipes: theclothcasa.com

another option is the Chinese or Indian prefold. You do need to wash them at least 5 times for them to get good and fluffy and absorbant. They are wonderful! you can get some pictoral guides on diaper folding by searching for diaper folding techniques.

Our family favorite is Fuzzi Bunz. You can do a Google search for Fuzzi Bunz and I'm sure you will get a lot of good results.
here's a store I have ordered from several times and always had good service: http://lilbunz.com
My favorite insert combination is microterry with hemp on top. I even use these at nighttime and we don't leak. Plus, dh likes them and that's huge for me cause I am all about sharing duties.

You have to be very careful about what you buy used. I prefer to buy new. It doesn't cost that much more and you know where your diapers have been. I would buy maybe 3 of any one kind and try it out to see if you like it. Then if you are pleased, you can buy a bunch.

HTH.

[Rach]

I forgot to mention that you don't use fabric softener. It decreases absorbancy. You prolly already know that but just in case.

[Bekah]

Here I am again.... haven't been around much but seriously if you can sew SEW YOUR DIAPERS! Jamma has a cartload of websites with patterns for sewing them your self... I NEVER buy diapers!

I know if you can't sew that is pointless but it is MUCH cheaper especially if you went with the gerber prefolds because of the price.

That said... if you are interested in the cheapes way to go stick with chinese or indian prefolds and some wrap style covers.... if you are afraid of pins go with snappis... but if you use Bummis Whisper Wraps you can trifold your prefolds and not secure them with anything... I have done that as well..

The only things I buy now are the covers.. because I can't seem to perfect sewing one... or if you are handy with a knitting needle or crochet hook you can crochet or knit your own wool soakers for a fraction of the price that you can get them of the net for....

If you have any questions feel free to PM me!

No the whole diaper will get wet. If you change her every 2 hours you should be able to avoid it being totally soaked .. which makes it less icky to take off :lol: I used plastic pants and fluffy bunnies over top of the plastic pants too. You can double diaper also :wink:
Also there are heaps of different folds. The one I liked the most has thick padded section in the middle that absorbs more. I cannot remember what it's called but I will try to find out for you. It's especially good for overnight :wink:

Ok I cannot find it on the internet...

I will try to explain it to you...

So take a diaper and lay it flat on the floor. Fold the bottom half up. Then take the top right hand corner and pull it across to the top left hand corner making a triangle. Then turn the diaper over (face down). Then take the top right hand corners and fold them in thirds towards the centre of the diaper until you have thick padded section.

If you don't get it let me know...

There is also another fold I like that is more tight around the legs. I think it's called the Kite fold. But I'm not sure...

bekah

I am buying mine from another mother who sews and sells them on ebay. Phew, you are a total champ if you have managed to sew your own but I don't have any sewing skills, or a sewing machine, or time and patients.

There are companies online that made presewn nappies (that are not the regular kind you get). I figure it's a lot of outlay initially but when I add up that a box of HUggies is $38.00, it adds up to big savings in the end.

[Iwantmycrown]

Thank you all for the info and internet links...I guess I will have to buy some new ones(but, it will probably be next month). But, I think I will try the double diaper thing first. Right now I am just using them for daytime. If we are going out somewhere or bedtime I use a disposable. I guess I should have researched before I bought. At least I was able to find vinyl pants in her size...it took me three stores before I found any. They really work great. I just imagine for her it is uncomfortable to be that wet. DH calls it "secret mommy powers" :lol: ...cause I can tell from across the room if dd is wet or dirty...so her diap gets changed very frequently. I think she is a big wetter too...I always say on disposables she makes sure we get our moneys worth :lol: As for sewing...I can do aprons really well...I have just recently started on making DD and I matching skirt and dress. I guess I would be able to give it a shot. Would flannel be the best kind to use? I was really excited about trying cloth diapers and that we were saving money as well. I also like that I can pass them on to our next child. I also read that cloth diapers were really great for potty training...cause it is easier for your little one to feel when they are wet a lot better. So I will check out the different brands y'all have rec. and the sites. Not giving up yet. Thanks!
**Sorry I didn't get back on the thread...DD and I have been sick this week with a cold.**

[Bekah]

Yup! I use flannel all the time... Most of my diapers are made out of flannel. Usually I use three body layers of flannel and then I make the abosorbant middle out of either lots of layers of flannel (8-10) or I use some other types of materials I have gotten off the internet such as terry cloth, sherpa or hemp fabrics....

I now it sounds complicated but it really isn't. A lot of women that I talk to online that sew diapers never sewed anything before they started sewing diapers...

And the best part is that you can pick out all the prints and things. It makes it so much more fun!

I have the name of a forum about sewing cloth diapers that Jamma and I frequent but I am not sure if I can post it... if you are interested then pm me!