Two days ago, I was surfing Diaper Swappers, and came across a sale by a Work At Home Mom (WAHM), for discounted diapers and free shipping.  I went to her site, and was THRILLED!  She had cute diapers!  They were really well priced!  I could totally afford one and support a WAHM (I always think this is important, but I have rules on how much I will spend on a single diaper).  So I drooled over her site looking at every single diaper trying to decide which one I wanted.

The problem is that she makes a one-size diaper, which comes in two sizes.  Confusing, right?  Well, not really - one is aimed at small babies, and one is aimed at older babies/toddlers.  She had both sizes in the diaper I wanted (red outside! cow print inside!), and I initially ordered the smallest one.  About 2 minutes after I hit “check out”, I had instant buyer’s remorse.  I should have bought the bigger one!  So, I emailed her, and she was soooo sweet and said that she would refund me the money, but the bigger one had JUST sold.  I was so disappointed!  I knew that I should have bought that one when I first thought about it! 

She did say that she was going to sew a whole bunch more up this weekend, and that she’d have new stock next week.  I’m really excited to see what she has, but I’m worried.  What happens if her “regular price” diapers are out of my price league?  I was really thrilled for the quality and size of diaper that I would be getting at the sale price, but what if it gets out of my range?  I’ll be so sad.  Presently, I do know that she doesn’t have any more cow print (cry!!), and possibly no red (I don’t remember what she said), so I’m not sure what I’ll be looking for, come next week.

If anyone is looking for a smaller-end expandable pocket diaper, be sure to check out Happy Cheeks Diapers!  I haven’t used these yet, but they look fantastic!  Also, if anyone has any rants/raves about HCD, let me know - I’d love to go in to this a little less blind! 

Last night we had a grand ‘ole time taking turns wearing Nick’s new “hat.” Nicky put it on himself and couldn’t stop giggling. He thought he was the coolest idea ever, and eventually he decided that Mom and Dad needed to participate, too, so we all wore diapers on our heads for an embarrassing amount of time.

I finally received some feedback from customer service at Cottonbabies regarding bumGenius odor issues. I thought I would share what they told me in case it benefits anyone else. I e-mailed them a few times, and here is what they said:

Q: How do I eliminate odor from my BG inserts?

A: We are sorry to hear that you are having some odor issues with your bumGenius diapers. Usually odor issues are a sign of build-up of some kind on your diapers. It is imperative to make sure that you are using an appropriate detergent and that you are not using any diaper rash creams without a protective layer of material between your baby and the bumGenius diaper. Often times enzymes, perfumes, or diaper creams are the culprits behind stinky diapers.

Britt: I have not used any rash cream, and I have been using Purex Free and Clear which was recommended by Cottonbabies.

Diaper rashes are unusual when using cloth diapers, but not unheard of. If your child should develop a rash and you choose to use a rash cream, you should use a bumGenius Stay-dry Liner or a piece of fleece between your baby’s bottom and the diaper to prevent the cream from transferring onto the diapers. The liner that you choose should be washed separately from your diapers as the oils in the creams can also be transfered through the washing cycles.

If you’ve been using a detergent or rash creams that might be causing buildup, we recommend “stripping” your diapers. Wash your diapers 3 times in hot water. The first wash with approximately one tablespoon of liquid Dawn dish washing detergent in your regular washing machine and 1 teaspoon in a high efficiency machine and 1/4 a cup of chlorine bleach. It must be Dawn - and in it’s original formula. Concentrated Dawn is acceptable, however you should lower the amount you use by half. You should do the next two washes in clear hot water, although not over 150 degrees. You may use bleach once a month on your diapers and inserts without fear of harming them. Dry your diapers in the dryer on medium heat. This procedure effectively removes detergent residue from your diapers and should solve any problems with odor. With tough diaper rash cream stains, you may need to use a toothbrush or nail brush to work the Dawn into the stained fabric area. The brush will help get the Dawn in between all the fibers of the fabric and get out the rash cream stain.

To prevent an odor problem from re-occurring, be sure that you are washing your diapers with an additive free laundry detergent. Approved detergents are free of dyes, enzymes, perfumes, whiteners and brighteners. Using detergents containing these ingredients will cause damage to your diaper including elastic failure and leaking. Do not use extra additives in your wash (like baking soda or vinegar). They are generally unnecessary and can actually cause problems with your diapers and void any applicable warranty.

Unfortunately, I’ve already tried these methods without success, but I asked a few more questions just to see what other options I have.

Q: Can I use Bac-Out with BGs?

A: Do not use Bac-Out on your bumGenius diapers. Bac-Out is a wonderful product for prefolds but on the more advanced products such as bumGenius it will cause leaking and odor problems.

This is good to know, but I’m *this close* to using it anyway because a lot of people have recommended it. I just don’t want to void my warranty, so I’m going to use this option as a last resort.

Q: I have hard water. Is it okay to use Calgon with BGs?

A: Yes you can use Calgon with your bumGenius diapers.

Cottonbabies has been great to answer all of my questions, and they have a very nice return policy, so if it comes down to it, I will return my BGs, but that, again, is a last resort. For now I’m going to try using some Calgon to see if softening my water will help. I’m also going to try a different detergent; a natural one rather than a free and clear variety, and see if that helps.

I’m feeling a lot better about things today. I really think the Calgon might help, but I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

I’ve been happily using cloth diapers for almost two months now, but I’ve suddenly found myself in a dilemma. Over the past week, I’ve noticed a terrible odor coming from my son. I denied it for a while because I don’t want to have that problem. I pretended that it wasn’t the diapers and that my son just had a really stinky butt, but now I need to face the facts… it’s the diapers.

I use bumGenius diapers, and I have strictly followed the manufacturer’s washing recommendations throughout my entire journey. I’ve done the once-a-month non-chlorine bleach wash, and I’ve even line-dried when I can so they get that extra kiss from the sun that helps prevent stains and odors. I’ve searched for advice and tips online, and I’ve read up on detergent build-up and other issues that might be causing the odor but all of the recommended techniques are either a) not approved by Cottonbabies or b) haven’t worked.

There’s also one more issue I’ve been avoiding, the diapers are giving my son sores on his thighs. I don’t know if it’s from the velcro or if it’s from the pinching that occurs where the tabs fasten to the front of the diaper. They don’t seem to be bothering him, but I feel horrible knowing that the sores are there because of my choice to use these diapers.

I feel like a cloth diapering failure, and I’m not sure what to do. I can’t give up because I’ve put too much heart and money toward cloth diapering. I’ve contacted Cottonbabies for help, but their response made it clear to me that they didn’t even read my e-mail. I’ve spent the last two days trying to rid the diapers of the smell, and I feel like it shouldn’t be this hard.

One of my options is to return all of my BGs and switch to prefolds and diaper covers. I would hate to do that because I really love BGs, but if they are going to stink, I can’t use them because odor is not a sacrifice I’m willing to make. In my research I’ve found that a lot of mom’s are having this problem with microfiber inserts from various brands of diapers, not just BGs, and they are all having a hard time fixing it. I’ve tried using prefolds as inserts, and they don’t seem to smell as bad, but I haven’t been doing it long enough for an adequate evaluation of the process. If it comes down to using prefolds as inserts, I think I’m best off returning the BGs and re-investing my money in diaper covers. Why pay for a BG when I have to makeshift my own inserts?

Mommies, what should I do?

Before I begin, let me clear up a few things. You may have read Brit’s post that mentions me. It’s down there somewhere, past all the adorable baby pictures. For the record, I don’t break up with friends because they don’t use cloth diapers. I try not to even nag about it. But if you hang around long enough, I’ll eventually send you off with a dozen diapers. You see, I love cloth diapers, and I want everyone to share the love. But only if they want to.

I grew up the child of hippies, in an extended family that was green and environmentally conscious way before green was cool. We lived in a rural neighborhood with lots of other like minded hippy freaks. I saw my mom use cloth diapers with all my younger siblings and changed more than a few of their diapers myself. And then my cousins diapers. And the diapers of the neighborhood kids that I babysat. So for me, diapers have always been cloth.

Around the fall of 2000, my husband and I started to think about having a baby of our own. It turned out that trying to getting pregnant and actually becoming pregnant are totally different things. So I filled my childless hours (which became childless months and then years) with planning and shopping for the baby that wasn’t even on the way yet.

I checked out the diapers available at few local stores, and discovered that they were nothing like the soft, fluffy flannel squares I remember using with my siblings. These were thin flimsy things and I couldn’t imagine how they would work.

Eventually, I turned to the internet. I found a baby gear swap at babycenter, and bought three dozen gently used infant prefolds and 8 covers for $35.00 It was a steal! The diapers came and I washed them and put them onto a shelf. And waited. And waited.

Finally our sweet baby girl arrived. We diapered her with those prefolds, and then her brother. Those infant prefolds went on to diaper four of my nieces and nephews as well. They were finally retired to the rag bin this winter. Along the way I’ve discovered that there is a giant world of cloth diapers. The variety is amazing. Today, I’m hoping to give you a brief overview of the different kinds of cloth diapers.

All diapering systems (even disposables) have three basic parts. There is an absorbent material that does the dirty work of sucking up and holding the liquid. There is a waterproof layer that keeps the ick from landing on baby’s outfit or your lap . Finally there is some sort of fastening system that holds it all together and on the baby. In a disposable diaper the absorbent layer is a combination of fiber-y pulp and gel stuff, the waterproof outer feels something like soft paper and of course there are velcro-like tabs that hold the diaper on.

Cloth diapers have a lot more variety. I’ll start with the diapers that are most like disposables, and move to the old school stuff (like your grandma used) I’ll try to give a few pros and cons for each type as well.

All In Ones

These look and work much like disposables. There is an inner layer of absorbent material, sewn into a waterproof outer. The inner layer can be cotton, hemp, bamboo or microfiber. Some All in ones are lined with fleece or suedecloth to wick moisture away from the baby’s bottom. The outer layer is usually made with PUL, a durable, flexible and waterproof coating. There are snaps or velcro that hold the diaper on.

Pros: Easy to use, even for the most dedicated disposable diaper user.

Cons: Typically the most expensive type of diaper. Can be difficult to wash and dry, because the outer shell prevents water from moving through the diaper.

Example:

bum genius AIO

Thirsties AIO

All in Twos

All in twos are a lot like all in ones. The only difference is that instead of being sewn together, the absorbent layer snaps out of the outer shell. So if a diaper is only wet, you can snap a new insert into the outer. When the outer shell is soiled, you wash it.

Pros: Easy to use. Washing is easier than all in ones

Cons: Expensive. You will need quite a few shells.

Examples: Baby Soft Wraps

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are one of my favorites. The diaper itself has two layers. The outer layer is waterproof and the inner layer is fleece or suedecloth, which allows liquid to pass through to the middle. There is an opening, typically at the back that allow you to put an absorbent insert into the diaper, between the two layers. The inner layer protects the baby’s skin from wetness. When the diaper is soiled you remove the insert and wash both pieces. Inserts can be natural materials like cotton and hemp, or synthetics like microfiber.

Pros: Easy to use, wash and dry fairly easily.

Cons: Can be expensive. Stuffing inserts into diapers is time consuming.

Fuzzibunz

bum genius

Green Acres Designs

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers still look a lot like a disposable. They are shaped like an hourglass, with elastic gathers around the legs and waist, and velcro or snaps to hold the diaper on. There is an unbelievable variety of materials and styles of fitted diapers. Fitted diapers don’t have a waterproof layer, so you’ll need to use a separate waterproof cover (more on that later)

Pros: Generally less expensive that AIOs or Pockets.

Cons Need a cover, can take a long time to dry

Motherease

Muttaquin

Goodmama

Prefolds

Prefolds are rectangular flat diapers. They are technically a big long piece of fabric that is folded and stitched in the manufacturing process so that they have a middle section that has more layers and absorbancy than the outer sections. Prefolds are described by their size and the number of layers. Typically infant prefolds are 11X14 inches and have 4 layers of material on the outer edges and 8 in the middle. Prefolds need to be fastened on, with a snappi, pins or a snug fitting cover. Prefolds need a cover.

Pros: Inexpensive. Easy to wash and dry

Cons: Need a cover. Can be intimidating at first.

Green Mountain Diapers

Little Lions

Flats

Flats are probably what your grandmother used. They are, as the name implies *flat* Most flats are a 27×27 inch single layered square of material. The flat is folded origami style to create a diaper that fits your baby. Flats need to be fastened with a snappi or pins. They also need a cover.

Pros: Inexpensive and versatile. Extremely easy to wash and dry, even without a washing machine or dryer.

Cons: Need a cover. Need to be folded before use.

Little Lions Flats

Green Mountain Diapers Flats

Covers

Covers are the outer waterproof thing that you need over fitted diapers, prefolds and flats. Covers can close with snaps or velcro. Some even simply pull on. There are covers that fit very snugly and can hold a prefold or flat without a snappi or pins. Covers come in a variety of materials like nylon, PUL, fleece and even wool.

Bummis

Thirsties

Sustainable Babyish

Crankypants

If you made it this far, I’m hoping that you’ll consider using cloth. Maybe you already are.

For me the best part of using cloth, the thing that has kept me washing, folding and loving my diapers for the last five years is this:

They are beyond cute.

Last week I stepped out of my cloth diapering shell a little bit and decided to try a few different brands. I purchased three new cloth diapers of various brands, and the first of the lot arrived in my mailbox today: a one-size Happy Heinys pocket diaper in orange…. bright orange.

I could tell a difference immediately upon opening it. It felt a lot different than the bumGenius diapers I’ve been using, almost cheaper. The fleece on the inside feels like it would be really uncomfortable against a child’s nether regions. The inserts are contoured, but not adjustable with snaps like bumGenius. Luckily it came with two sizes of inserts.

Nicky only had the diaper on for about ten minutes before he peed in it, took it off, and handed it to me. To my surprise, the fleece felt completely dry (a pro). I didn’t even know he had peed until I felt the lumpy pile of insert in the bottom of the diaper (a con: the inserts don’t stay put in these diapers. Once they are wet, they sag pretty bad).

I don’t regret buying a Happy Heinys diaper, but I don’t think I will invest in any in the future. I definitely like bumGenius better considering the price. Happy Heinys are about a dollar more than bumGenius. If HH were less expensive, I’d be all over them, but BG has my heart since they are higher quality for a lower price.