Cloth diaper users...

I dont know if I am not putting them on tight enough but they seem to leak out of the legs and the tummy quite a bit. What is the problem? I am using Happy Heiny's and Baby Kangas. I think they are tight enough because I notice markings on their skin so actually I think maybe they are too tight. Not sure what to do.
Any one else have this problem? Know how to fix it?
Thanks!

 

we don't cd but i considered it and did a little research. do you need an insert?

 

QUOTE(esaesa @ Jul 9 2008, 10:30 AM) [snapback]867708[/snapback]
we don't cd but i considered it and did a little research. do you need an insert?

The type I use are the pocket diapers and they have an insert.
It just seems the pilling around the legs and tummy/back get wet and there for get their clothes wet. Maybe I just need to change them more often...maybe they pee more then I thought! It actually seems to be more with my dd and she is a tiny little thing.

 

What rise setting are they on, and how much do your babies weigh?

 

QUOTE(ladybenz @ Jul 9 2008, 10:56 AM) [snapback]867764[/snapback]
What rise setting are they on, and how much do your babies weigh?

I have them weighed tomorrow for their 6mo appt. but I would guess between 13.5 and 15lbs now. I have them on the second rise setting now. Should I make them bigger/smaller?

 

I have my boys on the second rise setting also, and my boys are about the same size. The Kangas seem great for Roman, who has chunkier legs, but not as good on Joel. I find that velcro closures are a little better on Joel as he is longer and skinnier. You may want to try to make sure there are no gaps around the legs when you put the diaper on. If there are, adjust the rise or adjust the waist snaps to close the gaps. I have one diaper that has one snap on the first rise, and the other two on the second rise--it jsut seems to fit them better that way!

 

QUOTE(ladybenz @ Jul 9 2008, 11:23 AM) [snapback]867836[/snapback]
I have my boys on the second rise setting also, and my boys are about the same size. The Kangas seem great for Roman, who has chunkier legs, but not as good on Joel. I find that velcro closures are a little better on Joel as he is longer and skinnier. You may want to try to make sure there are no gaps around the legs when you put the diaper on. If there are, adjust the rise or adjust the waist snaps to close the gaps. I have one diaper that has one snap on the first rise, and the other two on the second rise--it jsut seems to fit them better that way!

I will play with it a little and see if I can figure out a perfect fit-
Thanks!

 

There isn't any cloth sticking out, is there? Sometimes just a sliver of cloth is enough to get a whole outfit wet!

How often are you changing diapers? Some babies are really heavy wetters, and the diapers just can't hold any more after a while.

Don't know if it's any help, but we've had great luck with Bummis Super Whisper Wraps.

 

I'm wondering if maybe they should be moved to the next size up. Of course, I don't know the size you're using, but sometimes that can be the cause. I know when Nikola was growing out of the Happy Heiny we had, he started to leak. It had never happened before then.

 

hmmm, could be several things. First off what is your wash routine? If you are not washing correctly that could be accumulating a residue making them like a wick and not absorbent at all.

Are you using inserts?

How often are you changing the diaper?

I use mostly pre folds (bamboo velour) with inserts and then a cover (fleece or wool (wool is much better))
I change every hour or so
Overnight I use PUL diapers like a Fuzzy Bunz or a Bum Genius or Mother ease.

Go to this site www.diaperswappers.com You can get any question answered over there.

It could be your wash routine though. Tell me how you are washing.

 

I don't use the brands that you mentioned, but I do use Bum Genious and Motherease... I LOVE both, but the Bum Genious are a p[ocket diaper similar to the happy Heiney. As previous posters have said play with the rise settingand check for gaps... When we were first starting out CD seemed a little overwhelming, but now it is the BEST! Also as previous posters have mentioned how you was is super important...

My wash routine is as follows:
Purex Free/Clear 1/4 of rec. amount
Highest water setting
Wash 1:
Short wash in cold water
Wash 2:
Longest wash setting (the one w/ a soak at the beginning)
Hot water wash

LINE DRY - You can dry in your dryer on the LOW setting, but your diapers will last longer if you line dry... Also, if you use dryer sheets on other clothes there can be residue in your dryer that can transfer onto your diapers... Fabric Softener will make your dipers water repellant!

Check out the following website for washing advise and for detergent advice:
pinstripesandpolkadots.com

Good Luck! Once you get it figured out you will be so glad that you are doing this for your babies!

 

With the inserts, if you are just using the microfiber that came with the diaper, you will probably get leaking. They don't hold a lot. Hemp is much more absorbent. One microfiber insert didn't even hold enough for my newborn. They are great when paired with any amount of hemp underneath though.

 

I use Fuzzi Bunz and some WAHM pocket diapers and although I stuff them with nice absorbent soakers. I still add something more. I got some car wash rags at Wal-mart and put one of those next to the skin, It has pretty much stopped all leaks and keeps their little bums as dry as can be.

I would definately look at your wash routine. If they get too much build up on them they will leak for sure. Someone told me to take a clean diaper and lay it flat on the counter top. Throw a few drops of water on it and see how well it absorbs. If it beads up, you are reading for a good stripping. I strip mine in the dishwasher, but about 400 methods exist.

Good Luck!

 

Thanks everyone-my guess is it is either the microfiber inserts or my wash routine-my washer doesnt have different rinse cycles or different temps in order to do a cold rinse and then a hot wash...it is a front loader and I can either choose cold, warm or hot and the cycle is rinse, wash, rinse, spin done...what should I do? If that is the problem, how can I strip them? I do not use softner and I line dry. Thanks!

 

QUOTE(Lesley Anne @ Jul 10 2008, 10:06 AM) [snapback]869605[/snapback]
Thanks everyone-my guess is it is either the microfiber inserts or my wash routine-my washer doesnt have different rinse cycles or different temps in order to do a cold rinse and then a hot wash...it is a front loader and I can either choose cold, warm or hot and the cycle is rinse, wash, rinse, spin done...what should I do? If that is the problem, how can I strip them? I do not use softner and I line dry. Thanks!



Front loaders are tough. Here is what I do when I need to strip. I wash them with a hint of dawn dish soap in the washing machine and I rinse them a couple times. I them put them on the top shelf of the dishwasher and do that a couple times.

I then put them back in the washing machine without soap and wash hot and rinse cold.

It seems to get them stripped nicely and although it is a ton of work, it doesnt have to be done often.

BTW I have read that some free and clear detergents dont work well. I use plain tide and apparently it is a good choice. I am not exactly sure why though!

 

QUOTE(Tammy Fine @ Jul 10 2008, 10:18 AM) [snapback]869629[/snapback]
BTW I have read that some free and clear detergents dont work well. I use plain tide and apparently it is a good choice. I am not exactly sure why though!


Check out, pinstripesandpolkadots.com for a list of detergents to use on diapers. There are some Free & Clear detergents (Like ALL) that are not good to use for diapers, but some of the regular detergents like Tide can contain ingredients that are harsh on your baby (can cause nasty diaper rashes) obviously it depends on your child's sensitivity, but I think if you check out this site you will find that they have an extensive list of detergents that work well on diapers and pose little risk to babies...