I have been very distracted from working lately and have been unable to keep up this blog as much as I'd like. If you have questions that cannot be answered with the information provided (see the list under 'Navigate') please feel free to contact me. Just click on 'email me' under questions/contact.
On another note I have decided to try making some touch tape AIOs with out FOE. Trust me FOE and touch tape are not friends.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Troubleshooting Leaky Cloth Diapers
Whether you use disposables or cloth you are bound to have the occasional leak. Here are a few of the most common reasons a cloth diaper will leak:
The diaper hasn't been washed and dried enough before usage. Most diapers require a good 3 washings and dryings to reach a better absorbency level. Many will continue to increase their absorbency many many washes later.
Needleholes need to be sealed. Depending on the materials used in the diaper, this could be the culprit. Obviously during sewing tiny little holes are impressed along the edges of the diaper or wherever velcro has been sewn in. Many cloth diapering mamas like to line dry their diapers. That is fine. However, the high heat of the electric dryer will heat up the polyurethane thus expanding it and sealing the needleholes. It would only be necessary to do this once. Then you could continue with line drying.
Boys can pee up. Make sure boys are pointed down towards the diaper when closing up the diaper rather than up towards the top.
Diaper is wrong size. If a diaper is too small it may not offer enough absorbency. If a diaper is too big, it is likely that the legholes are gaping open.
Infrequent changing. Cloth and disposable diapers need to be changed frequently. Disposable diapers may hold more urine but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be changed as much. It may be an inconvenience to change baby more often, but it will reduce or eliminate rash and most definitely be more comfortable for baby.
Build up on diaper. Using detergents loaded with additives will leave residue on the fabric reducing absorbency. See my list of safe detergents for diapers. You can strip the residue by washing the diapers in oxyclean and rinsing a few times before using them again. Also, you can use vinegar in the rinse with many benefits.
Diaper is not on correctly. If you are using prefolds or any kind of soaker with cover system, the inner part of the diaper has to be COMPLETELY inside the cover. If any part of the prefold or soaker is outside of the diaper you may have leaks. You should also try to keep the soaker/prefold away from the binding of the diaper.
Heavy wetting period. Babies go through heavy wetting periods. If the child has been soaking diapers very quickly you may just need to double up the absorbency for this stage. Adding a soaker to the diaper can help. For overnight diapers you may want to do this as well, especially if the child sleeps through the night.
The diaper hasn't been washed and dried enough before usage. Most diapers require a good 3 washings and dryings to reach a better absorbency level. Many will continue to increase their absorbency many many washes later.
Needleholes need to be sealed. Depending on the materials used in the diaper, this could be the culprit. Obviously during sewing tiny little holes are impressed along the edges of the diaper or wherever velcro has been sewn in. Many cloth diapering mamas like to line dry their diapers. That is fine. However, the high heat of the electric dryer will heat up the polyurethane thus expanding it and sealing the needleholes. It would only be necessary to do this once. Then you could continue with line drying.
Boys can pee up. Make sure boys are pointed down towards the diaper when closing up the diaper rather than up towards the top.
Diaper is wrong size. If a diaper is too small it may not offer enough absorbency. If a diaper is too big, it is likely that the legholes are gaping open.
Infrequent changing. Cloth and disposable diapers need to be changed frequently. Disposable diapers may hold more urine but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be changed as much. It may be an inconvenience to change baby more often, but it will reduce or eliminate rash and most definitely be more comfortable for baby.
Build up on diaper. Using detergents loaded with additives will leave residue on the fabric reducing absorbency. See my list of safe detergents for diapers. You can strip the residue by washing the diapers in oxyclean and rinsing a few times before using them again. Also, you can use vinegar in the rinse with many benefits.
Diaper is not on correctly. If you are using prefolds or any kind of soaker with cover system, the inner part of the diaper has to be COMPLETELY inside the cover. If any part of the prefold or soaker is outside of the diaper you may have leaks. You should also try to keep the soaker/prefold away from the binding of the diaper.
Heavy wetting period. Babies go through heavy wetting periods. If the child has been soaking diapers very quickly you may just need to double up the absorbency for this stage. Adding a soaker to the diaper can help. For overnight diapers you may want to do this as well, especially if the child sleeps through the night.
If you have tips to share on leaky diapers, feel free to post them in the comments.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Coming soon.....
...AIO's!
I've decided to add All-In-Ones to my stock.
These will be made with a PUL outter, a super soft dry-feel sudecloth inner layer that touches baby's skin, and 3 layers of super absorbent microfiber sewn in between. I'll be using snap closure as well.
Also, very soon I plan to switch from my metal snaps to polyacetal snaps.
I'm still debating whether or not to add in some pocket style diapers. Maybe later. :)
I've decided to add All-In-Ones to my stock.
These will be made with a PUL outter, a super soft dry-feel sudecloth inner layer that touches baby's skin, and 3 layers of super absorbent microfiber sewn in between. I'll be using snap closure as well.
Also, very soon I plan to switch from my metal snaps to polyacetal snaps.
I'm still debating whether or not to add in some pocket style diapers. Maybe later. :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Laundry Detergent
Here is a list of a few 'safe-for-dipes' detergents you can buy in stores.
Allen's Naturally
7th generation (free & clear)
All
Arm & Hammer Essentials
Astra
Country Save
Equator
Mountain Green
Nature Clean
Nellie's
Planet
Purex free&clear
Sun-free *this is plant-based!*
Xtra perfume and dye free
Most detergents labeled "free" or "hypoallergenic" will be better. Look for detergents with no fancy smelly stuff or additives like softeners.... All of these will leave residue on you diapers making them less absorbent. Bleach is not recommended for diapers but can be used to 'strip' diapers of any build up on an occasional basis. Alternatively, you may use oxyclean for this as well. Happy Diaper washing!
Allen's Naturally
7th generation (free & clear)
All
Arm & Hammer Essentials
Astra
Country Save
Equator
Mountain Green
Nature Clean
Nellie's
Planet
Purex free&clear
Sun-free *this is plant-based!*
Xtra perfume and dye free
Most detergents labeled "free" or "hypoallergenic" will be better. Look for detergents with no fancy smelly stuff or additives like softeners.... All of these will leave residue on you diapers making them less absorbent. Bleach is not recommended for diapers but can be used to 'strip' diapers of any build up on an occasional basis. Alternatively, you may use oxyclean for this as well. Happy Diaper washing!
Wipe Solution
My favorite recipe for wipe solution.
2 cups chamomile tea
1-2 drops of honey
1-2 drops of tea tree oil
1-2 drops of olive oil
I keep my solution in a water bottle and just squirt it on a rag when I'm ready to use it. Others use spray bottles and some make use of used disposable wipe boxes.
Plain water is the most hypoallergenic 'solution' you can use, so if your baby is prone to sensitivities, water is your best bet. I've read that distilled water is the best to use.
Do you have a wipe solution that you love? Post it here in the comments and I'll post it on my blog.
2 cups chamomile tea
1-2 drops of honey
1-2 drops of tea tree oil
1-2 drops of olive oil
I keep my solution in a water bottle and just squirt it on a rag when I'm ready to use it. Others use spray bottles and some make use of used disposable wipe boxes.
Plain water is the most hypoallergenic 'solution' you can use, so if your baby is prone to sensitivities, water is your best bet. I've read that distilled water is the best to use.
Do you have a wipe solution that you love? Post it here in the comments and I'll post it on my blog.
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