Mailbox Mondays: Wet Pail vs. Dry Pail

First I want to say thanks to all who have submitted a question for Mailbox Mondays.  I am going to try to answer your questions as fairly as possible, starting with the most urgent.  If I don’t know the answer to your particular problem or I don’t feel qualified to answer it, I will either pose the question to the readers, or I will send you a personal email.

Todays question is from Holly Stowell.  She writes:

I have been soaking my cloth diapers until wash time. Is it necessary to soak them or will they be okay just taking them off my baby and putting
them in the laundry basket.  What I do is have a bucket, put a table spoon of our chosen detergent (Rockin Green) and fill the bucket.  When I do my wash I rinse them, and wash as directed per detergent instructions.  I ask because years  ago
when I cloth diapered my oldest (20 years) we soaked them and {gasp} they were only pre-folds
back then.

I want to preface my answer by saying that you should always refer to and follow the manufacturer recommendations for washing your chosen brand of cloth diapers.  Keep in mind when taking washing suggestions from others that it may void your warranty {if there is one} and you don’t want to put that in jeopardy!

The preferred method of storing soiled diapers today is a dry pail.  For most brands that I know of, the manufacturer recommends that you not use a wet pail or soak your diapers.  Some of the modern synthetic fabrics do not respond well to soaking.  {See more washing tips here}.

This is especially true if you are using pocket diapers or diaper covers with a PUL/TPU waterproof outer shell.  The laminated fabric can delaminate if constantly soaked.  Sometimes you may get build-up on your diapers and feel that you need to soak them or strip them.  This may be true, but you should only soak the inserts.  Occasionally washing microfiber inserts with a little bit of bleach may also help, but you should never do this with the outer waterproof shell of your diapers.

One popular way to keep diapers de-funked is “rockin’ a soak” using Rocking Green detergent.  If you “rock a soak” you should do it only with your inserts.  If you must soak your pockets/covers, it should be for a very short time.

Personally, I use both a diaper pail with a pail liner and a wet bag to store my dirty diapers.  I keep the diaper pail next to the changing table.  If the diaper only contains pee, I simply separate the insert from the pocket and throw it in, along with my cloth wipes.  I keep a hanging wet bag in the bathroom.  If the diaper is poopy, I spray off the solids into the toilet with a diaper sprayer, and then toss the insert and pocket (or prefold and cover) into the wet bag.  On wash day I dump everything into the washer and they are cleaned together.  The wet bags and pail liners are designed to contain odors and wet messes.  {You may find this better than just using a laundry basket}.

It is recommended to wash every 2-3 days.  This will help keep odors at a minimum, as well as prevent the “soil” from setting into your diapers too much.  It also ensures that your diapers will not have pre-mature wear from being washed constantly every day.  Personally, I wouldn’t go more than 4-5 days between washes if you are trying to wash as little as possible.  Most people don’t have enough diapers to go that long anyway!

I hope that helps!  Do you have any other advice for Holly?  Did I leave something out?  Leave a comment so Holly {and others} can be sure to benefit from your experience!

New Feature at Doable Diapers…and a giveaway!

Happy Thursday everyone!  I hope you all are enjoying the crisp fall weather.  It finally decided to make an appearance in New York City!  I am loving the cool and breezy days with lots of sunshine.  Perfect weather for sunning your diapers!

I want to start a new feature here on the Doable Diapers blog called Mailbox Mondays.  Each Monday I will answer a question from one of you.  I will also pose the question to the readers who can chime in on the comments section.  This is a great opportunity to glean from the “wisdom” and experience of other cloth diapering moms (and dads)!

You questions can be regarding product features, looking for help to solve a specific problem, personal questions for me, something you’ve always wondered about, etc.

If you have a question or issue of concern please fill out the form below or send it in an email to info@doablediapers.com.  Mark the subject line “Mailbox Mondays.”

And to help us generate some questions for the first few Mailbox Monday segments, we’re going to enter you into a giveaway for a FuzziBunz One Size diaper.  All legitimate questions received through October 15th will be entered to win!

*You can submit as many questions as you want, but each person will only receive one entry into the giveaway.  Open to US and International residents.

Pre-fold Diaper Storage

I have done many different things to try to organize and “contain” my mess of prefolds throughout the last two years.  I think I finally have a system that I like, so I thought I would share it.  And I would love if you would share your tips, tricks, and systems.  Leave a comment or upload a picture to our Facebook page!

I always use a stay-dry type fleece liner in my prefolds to help prevent diaper rash from wetness.  I like to have the liner ready with the diaper so I only have to grab one thing at the changing table.  I tri-fold my pre-fold diaper, and place the liner on top.  Then I stack all of my prefolds.

In the past I have just stacked the prefolds on my changing table.  Recently I got bins to make everything look nicer.  The bins are not wide enough to allow my prefolds to lay flat.  So I started folding them in half, and I like it a lot!

My bin holds two stacks of prefold diapers.  Then I put the diaper covers in the top.  My Snappi fasteners are stored next to my wipes.

You may also want to see my DIY tip for making your own stay-dry liners.

Calling All Bloggers

Dear Doable Diapers readers -

I am looking for some special guest posts to be published here at Doable Diapers.  I have a baby coming in just six weeks or so, and I would love to have a couple of posts ready to go for that time when I won’t be blogging!

Though I have a lot of experience in cloth diapering, there are a few areas which I know nothing about.  If they fall into your area of expertise, then I would love to feature a post written by you. 

Here are a couple of topics I am looking for specifically:

• Using cloth diapers when baby is in day care
• Cloth diapering twins/multiples
• Having two little ones in cloth diapers (I will be there soon!)
• Transitioning from cloth to potty training
• Anything unique – a special tip, how you solved a problem, an unusual situation, or something you feel would be helpful to other cloth diapering moms

We would be able to offer some small fluffy rewards in exchange for these posts.  If you are interested in submitting a guest post, please send an email to info@doablediapers.com with your topic idea.  I look forward to hearing from you!

Questions from the Readers: When to “Size Up” Your Diapers

Sometimes there is a question that comes to me through a web-site comment, a blog comment, a survey, or an email.  Maybe there are more people who have that same question, so as they come in I would like to take a moment to answer them.

Today’s question came from the Obsession Confession survey, from Lindsey:

“How do you know when to size up your One-Size diapers?”

I never thought about it before, but that is a great question.  There is a little bit of trial and error in getting just the right fit with your cloth diapers.  And it will likely be different from brand to brand.  Here are some things that I use as a guide in knowing when to size up my one size diapers.

1.  Rise – the diaper should come about to your baby’s belly button.  If it is lower, you should probably let out the rise a bit.  You can do this by adjusting the rise snaps (ex: Rumparooz) or the adjustable leg elastic (ex: FuzziBunz). 

2.  Fit around the legs – if the diaper is too tight or too loose around the legs, it is time to change the size.  With loose leg openings you could have leaks.  If the legs are too tight you will probably leave red marks on baby’s skin.

3.  Fit around the waist – you want to be able to get a snug fit (but not too tight) around the waist.  If you are having a hard time fastening the diaper on your baby, then it is time to size up so there is more room.  Also, if you notice red marks on your baby’s waist, you are probably snapping the diaper too tight, and you should move “out” on the snaps toward the edge.  Don’t let the diaper get too loose around the waist, or you will have leaks.

4.  Check the sizing chart – as your baby grows and gains weight, check the manufacturer’s sizing chart and adjust your diaper accordingly.  I don’t notice it when Elaine gains weight because it happens slowly.  So I check the chart after our well visits – when Elaine has been weighed at the doctor’s office.  Then I know how much she has grown, and I can adjust the diapers if I need to.  Keep in mind that sizing charts are just a guide.  Every baby is built differently, and you may need to tweak it a little – especially with adjustable elastic diapers.

5.  Leaks – if you are having leaks then your diaper is likely too big or too small.  Change the setting and try again.  This is where the trial and error comes into play.

6. Overnights – Your overnight diapers may need to be set one size larger to accommodate the extra absorbency pads you stuff into it.  I use Rumparooz one size diapers at night.  If I am using a trim hemp insert, I leave it on the current setting.  If I am using a double stuffed microfiber insert, then I open the diaper’s rise up to allow for the extra cushion.

7.  Red marks – it has been alluded to, but if your diapers are leaving red marks then they are likely set too small, or fastened too tightly.

I hope that helps a little bit.  What do you use as a guide to know when to size up your diapers?  Leave a comment and share your wisdom with other readers!

Survey Winner

Thanks to everyone who participated in our survey.  Your answers will help us carry the products that you want!  We have already added several items based on responses from the survey: bumGenius! Elemental Diapers, bumGenius! newborn diapers, more diaper covers (Rumparooz and Lil Joey), and more detergent options (Eco Nuts and bumGenius! Detergent).  We are working on getting some WAHM wipes in fun colors and prints. 

And now…the winner of the FuzziBunz One Size diaper:

Rosie
(rosieh2@…)

Congratulations! 

Please email iwon@doablediapers.com with your full name, shipping address, and color choice.  Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Special Parking for Pregnant Women?

I heard this debate on the morning talk show yesterday when I headed to the OB doctor.  Then it arrived in my Daily Babble today.  It makes me curious…what do you think?

There is a councilman here in New York City that is proposing special parking or parking passes for expectant mothers with “particular health challenges.”  The NOW spokeswoman for NYC has come out against this proposal because it makes women seem weaker when pregnant.

For those who are not City dwellers, let me tell you that parking is a pain!  It does depend on the neighborhood that you live in.  We have spent 45 minutes looking for a parking space before.  Then if you have to park several blocks away and walk to your home or destination, with baby, bags, and stroller all in tow, it can be quite an ordeal.

Now that I am nearly halfway through this pregnancy, I am realizing what a hassle is required to go out of the house, even for just a few minutes.  With the added problem of the lacking public restroom in NYC, I often cannot venture very far unless I know there will be a bathroom when I arrive.  I now leave the grocery shopping for an evening activity when my husband can help with the bags and parking.

I think the parking passes would be a blessing to any expectant mom.  I may not even qualify, as I have had healthy, and considerably easy pregnancies.  But it is still a nice gesture. 

I don’t think that my pregnancy makes me weaker.  I have definitely discovered that I can do many things (often requiring a little creativity or new approach) even with my expanding abdomen.  Yet I appreciate the little bit of extra care that my hubby gives me.  He understands when I feel ill.  He takes care of the dishes.  He spends his evening with me at the grocery store.  It makes me feel valued and special that he will take special care of me at this time.  I do not feel belittled, put down, or second class because he does these things.

So…what do you think?  Does pregnancy make women weaker?  Do we deserve a little bit of special treatment?  Should we just be expected to carry on as we did pre-pregnancy? 

Should there be special parking passes?  And does pregnancy and mothering turn a woman’s career down the wrong path?  Leave me a comment and share your thoughts.  Be sure to read the original article, found here.

Retired

This week my daughter finally outgrew her small sized FuzziBunz pocket diapers.  These six diapers were the beginning of my stash, and gifts from family and friends at my baby shower.  I think I got a lot of “mileage” out of them.  At 13 months, my daughter is a skinny 18.5 pounds.  So these six FuzziBunz are retired…until June or July when the next baby arrives.

I still have a colorful stash of pocket diapers, as you can see from the picture below.  I have FuzziBunz One Size and medium Perfect Size diapers.  I have bumGenius 4.0 diapers with snaps, and Rumparooz G2 One Size Diapers.  I also have a Doopsy, a Knickernappies, a Kissaluvs, and a Happy Heinys.  And of course, I have dozens of prefolds!

The six diapers that are now safely tucked away awaiting baby #2’s arrival were nearly enough for a whole day of cloth diapering.  In their absence we will be returning to prefolds and Flip One Size diaper covers.  The majority of our diaper stash which we purchased consists of prefolds and covers.  After all, we started using cloth diapers to save money, and stocking up on prefolds and covers is probably the most economical way to do cloth diapers!

I don’t mind using prefolds.  They are not quite as easy and convenient as pocket diapers, but there is something nice about their simplicity.  My prefolds are a little “crunchy” because I don’t have a dryer.  Sometimes I just like the soft polar fleece in my pocket diapers.  But prefolds have been around for a long time – they are definitely tried and true!

How about you?  What kind of diapers make up the majority of your stash?  Were they gifts, or purchased by you?  What factors influenced your decision to go with that type of diaper?

Ask the Readers: Front Loading Washers

 

A friend of mine has a two month old little guy and she is starting to experience some stink with her diapers.  She is not having leaking trouble, just smelly diapers.  When she walks into the room, she gets hit with the diaper pail odor.

As we discussed the issue, I learned that she has a front loading washing machine.  I have never had a front loader, so I don’t have any personal experience or expertise to share with my friend.

I recommended an extra pre-rinse, an occasional “rock the soak” with Rockin’ Green, and some vinegar in the wash.

From my readers who regularly use front loading machines, what advice do you have to offer?  What do you do to ensure your diapers are rinsed well enough and stay stinky-free?

Please leave a comment with your experiences to help out this new cloth diapering mama!  My friend uses mostly prefolds and FuzziBunz pocket diapers.

Obsession Confession: Diaper Laundry

Here is my latest cloth diaper Obsession Confession:

I LIKE doing diaper laundry!

While at times it seems so hard to tackle Mount Laundry and stay on top of things, when it is time for a diaper load, I enjoy it!  I only have a washing machine and clothes line.  After my wash cycle is complete I sort the diapers and wipes into piles.  Prefolds and covers here.  Each pocket matched with it’s insert there.  Wipes over there.  Then I hang them on the line.  When they are dry, I pull off the pocket with it’s matching insert and stuff it, then toss it into the laundry basket.  Yup.  I enjoy doing my diaper laundry!

Do you have an Obsession Confession relating to cltoh diapers?  Leave a comment and share yours – I would love to hear it!

Ask the Readers: Your Favorite Diaper?

 

So we started Doable Diapers with my two favorite brands of cloth diapers – FuzziBunz and Rumparooz.  We also have prefolds because they are a cloth diapering staple, and we are working to add diaper covers.

I would like to get a little input from my readers on what other diapers to add to the store.  What are your favorites?  Which ones would you like to see me add next?  What is your favorite diaper cover?

Leave a comment and let me know…I can’t wait to hear from you!