Cloth Diaper Help

Well DD has yet another awful diaper rash. She gets changed frequently and it doesnt seem to matter. It has been suggested we try cloth diapers. I know nothing about cloth diapering and need some major help. I need something EASY and fool proof.

HELP!

 

There is a website called: Green Mountain Diapers (www.greenmountaindiapers.com) - they have a page for people that need help getting started and you can also order a starter kit. My mom bought us a starter kit and we are going to tackle them this summer.

 

May I ask who suggested it? Does she have yeast rashes or just red rashes that need diaper cream? Could it be the solids she eating? Some tend to be too acidy and can make the skin more irritated. Do you use vasaline for every diaper change? That helped us. Or just generic A&D ointment works well.

 

Good question. I tried using one this morning and I folded it correctly but the pin part scared me as DS is so mobile and was trying to grab at it I was afraid it would poke him so I just put a regular diaper on over it VERY losely and low just to hold it on then a onesie on top of that. Seemed to work but it was a pain.

 

All in one or pocket diapers are a great choice because they are almost like disposables. Most cloth diapering websites have a way to contact the owner of the site with questions. They are very knowledgeable and could probably answer any question you throw at them.

I switched to cloth because Sean had awful awful yeast diaper rashes, plus his skin just gets irritated by disposables. He needs a dry "breathable" butt and no chemicals. The switch to cloth was a godsend because he has only had one bad diaper rash since we switched about a year ago. I still use disposables on occasion for diarrhea or outings and it's worked out really well for us. I use prefolds and super whisper wraps and I'm very happy with my cloth diapers.

 

QUOTE(iluvpugs @ May 11 2008, 10:22 PM) [snapback]767751[/snapback]
May I ask who suggested it? Does she have yeast rashes or just red rashes that need diaper cream? Could it be the solids she eating? Some tend to be too acidy and can make the skin more irritated. Do you use vasaline for every diaper change? That helped us. Or just generic A&D ointment works well.



Actually a couple of friends suggested it and when I mentioned it to the PED she agreed. We have had staph diaper rashes, yeast ones and just plain old res ones. Right now she has open sores on her bottom.

We have tried all diaper creams, corn starch, just about everything you can think of. I feel so bad for her!

 

Corn starch is a big no-no for yeast rashes FYI. The yeasties love cornstarch.

 

QUOTE(Her Royal Jennyness @ May 11 2008, 10:54 PM) [snapback]767804[/snapback]
Corn starch is a big no-no for yeast rashes FYI. The yeasties love cornstarch.



Yes, we tried it with what turned out to be Staph.

BTW, her brother has NEVER had a diaper rash! Go figure!

 

QUOTE(Tammy Fine @ May 11 2008, 08:57 PM) [snapback]767806[/snapback]
Yes, we tried it with what turned out to be Staph.

BTW, her brother has NEVER had a diaper rash! Go figure!

The really nice thing with cloth diapers is that you can bleach them occasionally to sterilize them but you still get all the benefits of "breathable" bums.

Aren't twins funny? One always seems to have a stainless steel bum.

 

HI

I am a CD mommy!! I use a variety of things, but if you are looking for easy peasy then I would suggest fuzzi bunz diapers. You can buy them here http://www.kellyscloset.com/, or might I suggest a website called Diaper Swappers http://www.diaperswappers.com/. This is a wealth of info, and you can get gently used diapers for a great deal. If you take great care of them, you can sell them back for what you buy them for; especially if its a diaper in high demand. Fuzzi bunz are most likely one of the most easiest diapers you could use. It snaps on as is with a liner in side and it doesn't leak because the inside is made of PUL. PM me if you want more info, I can get you as much info as you would like. If you really want to get into CD'ing and natural CD'ing, then I would suggest wool. That is a long explanation though so I won't get into that here. Good Luck

 

QUOTE(Her Royal Jennyness @ May 11 2008, 11:30 PM) [snapback]767864[/snapback]
The really nice thing with cloth diapers is that you can bleach them occasionally to sterilize them but you still get all the benefits of "breathable" bums.

Aren't twins funny? One always seems to have a stainless steel bum.



Actually, bleach is a big no no for diapers. Bleach will break down the fibers one, but more than that it will leave build up that over time can really give your LO a bad rash. Here is some great tips for caring for your diapers

The BIG NO-NO:
* Bleach--breaks down cotton fibers.
* Fabric softeners,(DO NOT USE DREFT, IVORY SNOW, OR DRYER SHEETS) these products will leave a coating(wax) which will affect the absorbency factor.
* Don't leave poop in your diapers for several days it will break down the cotton fibers.
Wash only two dozen diapers at at time.
Note: Watch out for detergents which list enzymes or whitening enzymes in their ingredients. Such as; Fabricare: Arm and Hammer Advanced Detergent Action. This product can produce a really awful rash. The enzymes(remains in cotton fibers even after washing) reactivate in the fabric when your baby wets their diaper.
*Tip: Use flushable/disposable diaper liners to get rid of waste, just peel off. This is handy when newborn-poos are more explosive.
WET PAIL METHOD FOR CLOTH DIAPERS:
o Flush stools down toilet and place soiled cloth diaper in diaper pail.
o Soak the cloth diapers in a a pail filled with 1/2 water and 15ml of laundry brightener, or 1/4 cup vinegar or washing soda. It's not recommended to soak diaper for more than three days--they could get moldy.
o Transfer diapers in the pail to laundry machine, either hand wring diapers and use lid of pail to carry OR pour all the diaper pail contents into the washing machine turn on rinse cycle and spin solutions out of diapers.
o Use pure soap products(not recommended on fleece) or Strong Detergent Products (liquid works best;Cheer,Surf, All free) Most baby detergents have fabric softners in them, so be aware.
o Drying cloth diapers: Dry cloth diapers on medium setting for half of the drying cycle and then hang damp diapers to dry for the balance.
*Tip: to avoid amonia smelling cloth diapers: Fill a downy ball(available at Wal-mart) filled with half a cup of vinegar into the wash cycle or run an extra rinse cycle and put a quarter to a half-cup of vinegar in cold rinse cycle. This will remove any soap left on the diapers. Vinegar will also restores the pH balance, and keep cloth diapers soft and fluffy.
DRY PAIL METHOD FOR CLOTH DIAPERS
Just rinse in COLD WATER first(so stains don't set) then and wring, and drop in the pail. If there's any stains or soiling (stain removal ideas below), soak diapers in the sink/washing machine(cold water) with baking soda(neutralizes urine & brightens) or Amaze, then put it through a cold rinse cycle. Then wash normally in really hot water, then give an additional final rinse after washing with some vinegar. Some people double-bucket; one for poop diapers and another for pee diapers.
Also note: If you buy brand new--never washed diapers, wash them about 3-5 times before using them to get optimal absorbency. The cotton fibers need to fluff-up.
CARING FOR YOUR CLOTH DIAPER COVERS OR WRAPS
Your diaper covers should not be place with your cloth diapers if you soak them; the waterproofing layers and the elastic will damage over time. Rinse out diaper covers in the sink with some mild soap & cold water,just hang to dry in between changes. Use a cover about every 3-4 changes as long as there isn't any soiling or just alternate them. Be certain to close velcro closures when you throw them in the wash. Avoid the dryer if possible, hang-drying is best. If you do use your dryer check the manufacturer's tag--most state low/med heat or air dry.
Wool diaper covers (pull-on or wraps) should be aired-out between uses unless they were soiled. Rinse in warm water with a little bit of baby shampoo or a wool wash if available, final rinse with a tsp. of vinegar. Gently squeeze out excess water(rolling it in a towel to keep the shape)and hang to dry, but not in the sun. Lanolizing your wool cover periodically will keep it healthy.
*Tip for lanolizing wool covers: Fill a medium bowl with warm water, add 1 tsp. vinegar. In a seperate container w/lid (cup or shaker) Add about an 1/8 tsp. of the lanolin to very hot water and shake until most of the lanolin is dissolved (it will beed up), then add it to the bowl of water & vinegar. Put the wool cover in (inside out), flip it over a few times and let it set for 10-15 minutes. Let it air dry, squeeze out the excess water in a towel--it will feel funny once it's dry.
STAIN REMOVAL IDEAS FOR CLOTH DIAPERS
o White bar of soap:Rub a bar of white soap on the wetted down stain before placing in diaper pail.
o White shaving cream or white toothpaste: Just rub it in, let it set a for a bit and throw in the wash.
o Cold water: Rinse diapers with cold water before anything else. Either soak or rinse the diapers in cold water or run a short cold water wash cycle before a hot wash cycle. Protein stains, such as poo, come out easily using cold water (hot water & soap will set the stain).
o Lemon juice: Squirt on a stain and set it out in the sun; takes a couple hours.
o White vinegar: Added to the rinse cycle. Will aid in whitening and restores the ph-balance--keeps diaper soft. Note: When washing all-in-ones, give an extra rinse after the intial rinse with vinegar. Some diapers tend to smell strongly of urine after the baby pees--it has to do with the two acids (vinegar + urine) colliding.
o Hydrogen Peroxide: Use like lemon juice (no sunshine required) much kinder than bleach (do a test area first incase yellowing happens).
o Sunshine:Let the sun do its own natural bleaching action.
LEAKAGE ISSUES
o Make sure the diaper is tucked completely in the cover so clothes don't get wet. This is usually the problem.
o Change the diaper frequently; cotton diapers need to be changed when wet.
o An improper fitting diaper cover could be the problem. If there's leaking around the leg openings, but the baby's diaper and cover aren't very wet. Make certain your diaper cover is fitting properly.
DETERGENT BUILD-UP / STINKY DIAPERS/ FLEECE REPELLING: Use CALGON water softener (in the laundry detergent isle) if you have hard-water or detergent build-up. CALGON(it's phosphate-free) will remove any residue and make your diapers soft and stink-free. Also known as "stripping" your diapers. Tip: For fleece you can also use DAWN dish detergent to remove residue or oils.

 

I use cloth diapers and so far my favorite are Happy Heiny's pocket diapers. I ordered 24 diapers and so far this has been plenty for us-I do a load of laundry a day no big deal.
Good luck, and I hope you babies bum is better soon!
Feel free to PM if you have any questions on how to use or get started.

 

Another vote for Green Mtn Diapers - they have excellent FAQ sections, and I'm sure you could also email them for suggestions!

Whichever diapers you use, make sure you wash them 4-5x before using. Any cloth product you buy is full of processing chemicals, and that helps get them out. Also, make sure you wash dipes with a perfume- and dye-free detergent, and use as little detergent as possible - like maybe 1/2 the normal amount for the first wash cycle and 1/4 the normal amount for the 2nd wash. (Many CD users do a cold wash, then a hot wash, then put everything in the dryer.) Any detergent residue can be irritating for little tushes.

GL! I hope your poor little girl gets some relief soon!

 

Diapers Swappers and Diaper Pin are great websites to get info and ask questions.

We use Bum Genius One Size Pockets.

Pocket and all-in-one are the easies and most like disposables, but all-in-ones take a long time to dry.

You may have to choose a natural product like wool or cotton, instead of a microfiber because of the severe sensitivity your baby seems to have. I would post about your situation on one of the sites.