Prefold Diaper Woes

Updated on September 09, 2008
J.P. asks from Chicago, IL
4 answers

I am trying to use prefold diapers with my newborn and am about to stop. I am getting frustrated with the process and need some help. I have 24 unbleached Indian prefolds, 5 bummis covers, 2 snappis, and all the accessories to clean them. I also took a class at Be By Baby and feel I understand the process but am having issues. My first issue is that he is still leaking through. This may be more a product of having a newborn and not a prefold issue but it is annoying non-the-less. I am using the newspaper fold at this time. My other issue is that the covers are always wet. I was under the impression that the covers are just that, covers, and not something you need to wash after EVERY use (I was recommended to have 6 with a newborn). I feel like my little guy is always damp, wet, or sitting in a wet cover. In terms of poop we have only had one leak through so that is good. I guess I am just used to disposables where you baby comes out of the diaper relatively dry. So how do I keep the covers dry? Is it normal for baby to be damp? Any other words of encouragement to keep me going? Thanks!!!

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T.P.

answers from Chicago on

Hi J.,
Maybe try a fitted diaper like the Thirsties Fab Fitted or the Swaddlbees (theirs worked great when my son was a newborn). I think you can get the Swaddlbees at Be By Baby. I know a lot of people who started with the prefolds and ended up switching to pocket or all-in-ones because the prefolds were so hard to use. Its not impossible, it just takes practice and with 2 little ones time and ease is of the essence. There is a website nickisdiapers.com and the owner, Nicki, is very helpful and could probably solve your problems with a phone call or email. I visited her storefront in Wisconsin a few months ago and nearly passed out when I saw all the beautiful cloth diapers! I have cloth diapered for a year now so if you have any other questions please pm me.
Good luck and congratulations!!!
T.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.W.

answers from Chicago on

You may need to adjust the fold you're using or the cover -- I know that I had just assumed that the same covers we used with our first child would work just fine for our 2nd child but that wasn't entirely true. Babies are all built differently so chubbier or slimmer thighs make a huge difference. For the fold -- are you putting the flap up front? Are the snappis tight enough? Are you using one prefold or two? Since you're diapering a boy, are you "aiming" him down when you're putting the diaper on? We noticed with our son that he was always leaking through in the same spot so we discovered that he had a definite angle in the first few weeks (he isn't circ'd so things sort of evolved over time and the issue went away).

For the covers, the did tend to get damp but we'd wipe them and hang them near the changing table and alternate between two covers throughout the day.

Good luck with it -- if you can hang in for a few more weeks, I think it'll get better!

1 mom found this helpful

C.N.

answers from Chicago on

Did you buy the prefolds new? How many times have you washed them? What is your diaper wash routine and what detergent do you use? pm me if you want some help!

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

How often are you changing him? I switched my two and it took me a little while to re-adjust, I change them every 1 1/2 hours. Also, I've heard that cloth diapering can be tough during the newborn stage so STICK WITH IT, it may change soon! Also, the detergent you use can cause lots of problems, some that you would think would be good (like Seventh Generation Free & Clear) are not good.

http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html

Or try http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?cPath=57&amp...

PS. I am hosting a Cloth Diaper Demo in my house in Lakeview on Sept. 27th it's FREE. Maybe now that you have had the baby it would be helpful to come ask questions, if you are interested, let me know! The owner of Love Bugs will be teaching it (www.lovebugsco.com).

1 mom found this helpful
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