Mailbox Mondays 2/28/11 - Stuffing Diapers With Microfiber & Hemp

 

On Mondays, I answer reader submitted questions in my Mailbox Mondays post, and ask you to weigh in your opinions.

Questions don't have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with "Mailbox Mondays" in the subject, or Fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

Sandi says:

Hello Maria. We double-stuff our pocket diapers because our son's a pretty heavy wetter. Sometimes I'll have two types of inserts go into a diaper- standard micro-fiber (or whatever comes with the diaper) and then a hemp insert (usually Knickernappies brand). Would it matter which insert I put closest to baby's bottom? Usually the hemp insert is thinner so I put that on top.
Thanks,
Sandi

Hi Sandi.  Hemp and microfiber are a great night time combo; we use Knickernappies Superdo inserts and they were a lifesaver!

I'd actually recommend putting the microfiber closest to the baby and hemp underneath.  The reason is that while hemp is very, very thirsty, it doesn't absorb as quickly as microfiber.  Liquids can be absorbed into the microfiber quickly, then locked away in the hemp underneath.  This seems to be the one two punch to keep baby's tush dry all night!

That said, nothing bad will happen if you do the reverse!

How about you all?  If you use two insert types in your pockets, which do you put on top?

Mailbox Mondays 1/24/11 - Discolored inserts

 

Every Monday, if I've received a submission, I will answer reader submitted questions.  Questions don't have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with "Mailbox Mondays" in the subject!

Rachell says:

Hi Maria

I have a question about inserts.
Some of my Microfiber inserts have discolored to a light brown with darker brown streaks. Is this ok? And what can cause this?

Rachell

Hi Rachell.  The first thing that comes to mind is discoloration from mineral deposits in your water.  Do you have hard water?  Do you notice buildup/stains in your sinks, bathtubs/showers or toilets?

Is your other white laundry (non-diaper laundry) discolored too?  Are you having stink issues?  Was the discoloration gradual or sudden?  What is your wash routine?

I know that's a lot of questions!  If you have hard water, you will most likely be having buildup issues in your sinks etc. and be having stink issues with your diapers.  If that's the case, you may need a detergent designed for washing cloth diapers hard water, like Rockin' Green's hard rock.

If you're not having any of the other typical hard water issues, you may need to switch up your wash/rinse routine a little bit.  I do get a little bit of streaking staining when a messier BM seeps into the insert.  The best treatment for stains seems to be some good, old fashioned sun!

Another thing to try (if you don't have an issue with bleach) is to wash the inserts only with about 1/4 cup of bleach.  Then, continue to rinse the inserts until there are no suds and no residue in the water, and you no longer smell the bleach.

I do think the cause of the discoloration is most likely to be deposits from your water, but if you aren't having any issues with stink or repelling, it's really just a cosmetic issue!

How about the rest of you, have you had this type of discoloration?  Did you discover what was causing it?

Mailbox Mondays 1/17/11 - Wet Bag/Pail Liners and Washing Natural Fibers

 

Every Monday (if I receive submissions, that is!) I will answer reader submitted questions in my Mailbox Mondays post. Questions don't have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with "Mailbox Mondays" in the subject!

Tamara says:

I have a question! I meant to get it in in time for submission today, but alas, life got in the way. So.....Which side of the pail liner do you put toward the diapers? I have a planet wise pail liner, one side is the shiny PUL and the other side is the fabric. I've always put it in the pail so that the diapers are touching the shiny side. But, I had a friend of mine ask if that was right and it made me wonder..... I investigated and noticed that the tag is on the fabric side and I know that sometimes manufacturers recommend putting a drop of essential oil on the tag so then I was confused. Does that make sense? What do you do? Does it matter? Have I been doing it wrong this whole time?

Diapers do go on the shiny PUL side, so you are doing it correctly! 

Whamies Pail Liners have a patch of fabric at the seam for essential oils, but as far as I know, Planet Wise's tags are just for brand identification and laundering instructions.  If you're having trouble with smell, you might try keeping the pail open a crack.  It seems counterintuitive, but I find that air circulating actually helps with the smell.  Washing every 2-3 days at most helps of course too!

Hope this helps!


Stephanie says:

Hi Maria!

I was wondering if there was any rule of thumb about washing microfiber inserts with natural fibers. If so, do you have any recommendations?

Thanks! :)

--
Stephanie

When you get a new diaper or insert that is made from natural fibers, wash it separately to prep per the manufacturer's instructions.  For example: a hemp product may say to wash and dry it 2-3 times before use.  This will remove the natural oils and get it ready to use.  It will continue to gain absorbency up to 10 washes.

Once you have prepped it, there's no issue washing them with your microfiber products!

Mailbox Mondays 8/30/10

Every Monday I will answer user submitted questions. They don't have to be about cloth diapering! I'll always answer questions via email, but if you would like your question to be answered in a Mailbox Mondays post, send an email with the subject "Mailbox Mondays" to Maria at change-diapers dot com!

Please note: My intent is to get a queue of questions for the next several months, so it may be some time before your submission is posted. If you would like me to email my response so you don't have to wait until your question is posted, let me know!

 
Kelly says:
 

Detergent question- i'm sure you get tons of these, but i've been wondering... I was using RnG hard rock but still had stinky microfiber so i decided to save myself some $ and use tide. our local stores only have original tide in the HE formula, but I have an older top loader (def. not high efficiency!) Can i still use this on my diapers? If so, any idea how much i should use?

wahm question- I've started getting into buying diapers from wahm on hyenacart. Do you ever do reviews or giveaways of those kinds of diapers? I'm always hesitant to try out a new brand w/o having heard an honest review. :)

Love your blog, thanks! ~Kelly

Check us out at http://www.dariusandkelly.blogspot.com/!

 

First Question:

 

Microfiber just tends to get the stinkies!  If your Rockin' Green is otherwise working for you, try "Rockin' a soak" followed by lots of extra rinses.  If the stink remains, try adding 1/4 cup of bleach to a full load of inserts (not the diapers, just the inserts!)  Once I found a detergent that worked for me, I rarely had any issues.  If I start to get a whiff of the weird microfiber stink, or ammonia, I will do a dab of bleach with the inserts.  It knocks it out before it gets bad; I do this about one per month.

 

As far as Tide goes yes, you can use HE detergent in a regular machine.  Use the same amount you normally would.  You will notice less suds than usual; that's the main difference between HE detergent and regular detergent. 

 

I have an HE machine and soft water, and even using 1/4-1/2 of the LOWEST load line (1) of powdered Tide, I have to do some additional rinses to get it all out.  If you decide to try it, be very conservative in the amount you use.  If you need a bunch of extra rinses, cut it back even more.  If you don't think your diapers are getting clean, add a little extra!

 

Second Question:

 

I love WAHMs!  I have done some reviews of diapers sold on HyenaCart.  Check out my Review Archive Page.  I think there are at least 10+ HyenaCart sellers there however, email me any time if you have a specific seller/product in mind that you'd like me to review.  Not all WAHMs are able or willing to do free or discounted products for reviews, but I will see what I can do for you!

Thirsties Duo Diaper Review

I have heard people mention Thirsties duo-diapers when discussing night time diapering options, and a lot of people were interested in them after browsing the site for the fab wipes giveaway.  I was able to get one at my favorite online cloth diaper store for $17 and change after coupon, free shipping, and I had a few bucks in my Paypal account.

Before I forget: Check out my "Cloth 101" post at Village of Moms.  Today it's basic cloth diaper types.

So here's the deal with the Duo Diapers: they have the snap down rise that offers 3 sizes in 1 diaper, just like many one size pocket diapers, except Thirsties come in two sizes.  Size one is supposed to fit 6-18 pounds (or 0-9 months) and size two fits 18-40 pounds (or 9-36 months.) 

Many one size diapers say they will fit birth through potty training, but most people find they don't fit well until the baby is around 10 pounds, and some say they don't fit quite through potty training.  That means even if you buy one size diapers, you could potentially have to buy three sets of sizes; newborn, one-size and XL/Toddler.  With Thirsties, you'd only have to buy two.

My guy is just over 17 pounds, so I chose the size two in Ocean blue.

The double leg gusset is supposed to better contain messes, but I'm not sure how I feel about PUL potentially being directly against his skin (didn't bother him though.)

One thing I love is that the pocket is open on both sides, which means you don't have to pull inserts out before washing, woo-hoo!

The Duo Diaper has a unique insert as well.  It has a two layer microfiber terry insert snapped to a 5 layer hemp jersey insert.  You stuff the diaper with the microfiber facing the baby side (inside the pocket of course!)

The size two duo diaper on the small setting

and stretched

vs a Bumgenius 3.0 on the small setting

and stretched

Thirsties duo diaper size 2 on the large setting

Stretched

vs Bumgenius 3.0 on the large setting

stretched

Overall, the Duo Diaper size 2 is just a bit larger than a Bumgenius 3.0.  Here they are one on top of the other, rises unsnapped.

Too bad they can't "cuddle" and make some diaper babies!  Wouldn't that be cute, some wee little BG/Thirsties babies?  Hee hee.

The small Thirsties setting seems to fit similarly to the Bumgenius 3.0 on the medium setting.

Notice that the microfleece inner was hanging out.  I didn't find info about this happening, so I figured it might wick if it was hanging out, and I fixed it.

It's all good in the hood, but I prefer a diaper that doesn't require any special instructions (make sure you do this or that, don't let the xyz hang out!)  I like diapers that anyone (who can put a sposie on) can just pick up and put on.

There's a close up of the leg opening.  If the PUL touched his skin, it didn't bother him.

The first two times we used this diaper, he wore it for around two hours as usual.  The third time, I put it on him before we went to drop my daughter off at preschool.  It's about 30 minutes round trip, but while we were out, my Mom asked if we could stop by before we headed home.  I told her we couldn't stay long since I didn't have any diapers with me.

But the time we left, he'd had the diaper on for over 2 hours, around 2 1/2 by the time we got home.  He fell asleep on the way, so I took him upstairs, nursed him and snuck him in bed, thinking it wouldn't work.  Well don't you know that my little non-napper indeed napped.  By the time I changed him, he had been wearing the diaper for over 4 hours!  Eek!  Not only did we have no leaks, but there wasn't a hint of redness on his tush either!

Of course now I definitely want some size 1 Duo Diapers for my non-existent newborn baby!  I know that the goal of all diaper companies is to get you to buy a complete stash of just their diapers, but I'd never recommend that.  Buy one and see how it goes.  If you like it, buy a few more.  I still wouldn't recommend putting your stash in one "basket" so to speak.  Make sure you have a variety of brand and styles.  As your baby's shape, size and wetting habits change, things may not work quite the same for you.  Or, something you loved at first, you might not like so much alter.  Just sayin'.

I also have to see how the velro holds up over time.  For now, it's great!

Flip Diaper Cover w/Stay Dry Insert

I had been wanting to try a Flip for a while.  When I found out Abby's Lane was not only honoring the Bumgenius Coupon for a free AIO, but they actually had the coupons for me, I couldn't resist. 

The only catch was that they asked a buyer to spend $25 on Bumgenius, Flip or Econobum products if you wanted Abby's Lane to clip the coupon for you, rather than the $10 stated on the coupon.  Not a big deal since they weren't charging for the coupon (other sites were charging for the magazine/coupon, then crediting you a bit if you didn't want the magazine) and shipping is always free at Abby's lane.  Basically, I got a lot more from them for just a couple bucks more than $10 in product, shipping and the coupon cost would have been from somewhere else.  For the record, no, I don't work for Abby's Lane, just love them!

Anyhoo, my order came at the speed of light at usual.



The packaging had a sticker saying to wash the cover separately 6 times.  I was a little confused, since I didn't think this needed to be "prepped."  I called cottonbabies and it turns out that they had some issues with the covers running.  So, I dutifully washed just the cover 6 times!  You do have to hang the cover to dry.

The Flip cover has an easy snap closure.

The inside is PUL, easy to wipe clean during changes.

The Flip has the same snap down rise that the Bumgenius 3.0 one size diapers have.

Same leg casings and outer too.

The insert is one size and has wonderful seams and markings to make the folding super easy.

They make inserts in organic cotton and disposable too.  The price per disposable insert seems similar to disposables, but instead of chemicals, fragrance and gel, they contain Non-woven bamboo viscose, Wood Pulp and SAP fillers, and starch based glue.  They would be a nice compromise for road trips and such, since you could really just wipe out the covers and even hand wash them if they really needed it.

I prefer a stay dry liner, so I chose the stay dry insert, which has 3 layers of microfiber, and has stay dry suede on the side that touches baby's bottom.  Very soft.

There are no awkward snap attachments, the insert just slips inside.  The little envelope like thingie at each end helps hold it in place and keeps it from wicking onto clothing.

The snap closure was very easy, and this seemed as trim as the Bumgenius 3.0.

He fit wonderfully in the medium setting. 

We had no problems, no leaks.  This was great! 

I'd like to get one more cover and a few more inserts.  I think this would be excellent for being out and about.  One extra cover and a few extra inserts would take up a lot less space than several pocket diapers for sure!

Knickernappies Superdo and Loopydo Inserts

My quest to keep my son dry through the night led me to try several things.  Our Bumgenius 3.0s were working well for a while, but I was having to add so many doublers to the diaper that it was creating a leg gap.  Since my son recently started rolling over on his side at night, this was a problem!

I started reading reviews of inserts on diaperpin as well as many online stores.  The reviews led me to Knickernappies.

The LoopyDo 2G prewashed inserts have 2 layers of hemp french terry as well as 2 layers of microfiber.

Hemp usually requires prepping to remove the natural oils and make it absorbent, but these inserts are prewashed so you an use them right away, though they will continue to become more absorbent with subsequent washings.

Those 4 layers are sewn in a loop so they dry more quickly, saving time and energy costs.

They come in 3 sizes: Small measuring 12"x5.5", Medium measuring 14"x5.5" and Large measuring 16x5.5".  I should have purchased a medium, but I bought a large instead.  I simply folded a portion of it over and stuffed it into the pocket diaper (like a bumgenius one size insert, minus the snap).  It worked wonderfully, though obviously a little bulky.  Not a big deal for me since I was using it at night only. 

It was wide enough to fill the whole pocket as well.  I have a problem with a few of my pocket diapers where the included insert is narrower than the pocket, allowing for gaps and shifting, which always leads to leaks for us.

I used the LoopyDo in a Bumgenius 3.0 pocket diaper on the medium setting, along with the BG insert and a hemp doubler.  I had no leg gap and no leaks, though all of the inserts were saturated in the morning.   I would definitely use a LoopyDo in any pocket diaper for naps, car trips and so forth, but I'd buy the appropriate size.  It's too bulky for daytime when folded over.

I also bought a SuperDo 2G prewashed insert.  These have SIX layers of hemp terry and two layers of microfiber.  This insert is made for heavy wetters and overnight, and is more absorbent than two microfiber inserts together. 

Other than the # of layers, it is the same as the LoopyDo. 

Here it is in a Drybees Fleece night time diaper.

I bought a large in the SuperDo as well and I definitely should have bought the medium.  I am able to use it in my medium diapers but it is much, much too bulky and creates gaps.  I should buy a medium but with a $12.95 MSRP, it will have to wait.  I've spent way too much money on my night time diapering quest over the past month!

Here you can see how much thickness the extra 4 hemp layers in the SuperDo (bottom) add over the LoopyDo (top).

Here you can see both Knickernappies inserts compared to a Bumgenius insert.

The only thing I don't like about these is that they are sized.  Well, I like that they are sized, it really reduces the bulk.  My wallet doesn't like that they are sized!

In short, if you are looking to purchase an insert, buy one of these!  I bought mine from Abby's Lane.  Good prices and fat and free shipping!

The Last Resort

My last resort to fix these stinky diapers was going to be bleach.  I don't have the dislike of bleach that some others do, but it was my last resort nonetheless.

Worked like a charm.  I bleached only the inserts, since bleach can damage PUL, and I only used a few tablespoons in the washer's bleach dispenser.

The diapers are good as new.  PHEW!  I only wish I had tried it sooner.  From now on, I'll bleach at the first sign of stink!

I washed my new ones separately so the stink wouldn't spread.  My new ones aren't really bleachable, so hopefully they won't get stinky.  They don't have microfiber, so I don't expect them to!

It's on now!

Yesterday I decided to declare war.  It's full fledged warfare, me vs. the diapers.

I started by soaking them in bac out and lil outlaws most of the day.  Then I did a cold heavy duty wash with a 3 hour soak and extra rinse.  I followed that up with a hot heavy duty wash with an extra warm rinse.

Then, it was just me and the inserts.  My diapers hung over the washing machine and the inserts gave them a panicked look.   They should know better than to mess with me!

Next...yeah, I did it.  I heard tiny, stinky screams as I plunged the inserts into boiling water.  (Don't try this at home kiddos!)

I filled the washer with hot water, lil outlaws, and bac out (put in the liquid pre-treat dispenser).  I added the inserts and boiling water, plus an extra 7 quarts of boiling water.  I closed the lid and gave one more loathsome and triumphant look at the washing machine before turning off the light and heading upstairs.

As the inserts lay stewing and thinking about what they did, I lay thinking about my HE washer.  I love it, except for those cases where I want to be able to add more water.  I heard some people say they tried to dump additional water in, but the washer sensed it and drained it out.  Mine doesn't do that, but it's a pain to try to fill a pot and dump it in the washer.

Then, it hit me!

Aha!

This morning, I ran another heavy duty cycle with an extra warm rinse and added extra water from the utility sink.  In the last rinse, I still noticed some residue on the surface of the water, so I did ANOTHER heavy duty wash with a double warm rinse, and I added extra water to the wash and the rinse.  I didn't add any detergent or additive, just water, water and more water!

After all that, I'm still noticing sudsy-ish residue on the surface of the water during agitation (I think I was able to capture it in a photo).  So, another cycle. 

The only problem is that I'm down to my last clean diaper.  The diapers are all dry, so if this wash does it, I can have the inserts dry in time for the next diaper change.  If I have to wash any more, I will have to put him in a disposable.  Ick.  (Had to do it since he pooped as soon as I put the last clean one on him.  *sigh*)

I've tossed around the idea of bleaching them to really kill all the ickies, but I think as long as I'm still getting stuff out of the inserts with hot water, they are still going to stink.

I think I'm just going to continue rinsing until I see NO residue, or until I run our well dry.  Whichever comes first, hee-hee. 

I've been rinsing all day, I'm going to let them soak overnight and rinse some more tomorrow.  I did discover that more water does not equal better though.  Adding enough extra to completely cover the diapers is good, but adding too much means the agitator dealie at the bottom of the washer doesn't draw the stuff at the top of the washer down as much.

I hope I get this resolved soon because his hiney is so red with raised welts from the sposies.

P.S. I did try one on him this afternoon about 4 rinses ago (LOL) and it still smelled like ammonia, but not in the make your eyes water way it did before.

P.P.S. Please learn from my mistake and be very cautious with stripping if you have an HE washer/soft water.  It totally slipped my mind that if I have trouble getting shampoo out of my hair in our soft water, the soap may leave residue instead of removing it.