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How to Choose the Perfect Cloth Diapering System!

Page 3

JUMP TO: QUESTIONS 1-6 - 7-15 - 16-24 - 25-28

Image: Rumparooz One Size Cloth Diaper Cover Aplix | four adjustable rise settings designed to fit your baby from birth to potty training

Rumparooz One Size Diaper Cover
Click for more info: US | CA | UK

16. QUESTION: Are there any other concerns about the elastic - other than being too tight?

The elastic should be heat and chlorine-safe, to stand up to the rugged washing diapers must undergo. Chlorine and the heat of the diaper deteriorate regular elastics (as well as Velcro® and vinyl). The elastic should be completely enclosed, so it doesn't pinch or bind your baby's tender skin.

SUGGESTION: Use flat or prefolded diapers inside a Velcro® or snap-closing cover. Since the elastic and Velcro® are only on the cover it tends not to need to be washed as frequently as your diapers. This means the covers are subjected to less heat and wear during laundering.

17. QUESTION: What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of Velcro®?

Velcro® offers an infinite range of adjustments, and makes diapering fast and easy enough for even Daddy to try. Middle-of-the-night changes are a breeze. Velcro® needs to be protected for laundering and drying - to keep them from hooking and tangling one another. If you use bleach and machine-dry, Velcro® tends not to hold as securely after time. Velcro® with loose edges, that are easily grabbed, is often undone by baby . . . very much to the distress of their parents! Some diapers do not provide long enough Velcro® for a secure hold. Watch for sharp corners or rough edges, which may irritate your baby's skin.

SUGGESTION: Gdiapers diapers fasten in back, which helps to prevent toddlers from unfastening them. Bummis Whisper Wraps are harder for toddler fingers to grasp.

18. QUESTION: What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of snaps?

Image: Rumparooz One Size Snap Cloth Pocket Diaper | Patented double inner gusset leak technology | Four sizes in just ONE diaper

Rumparooz Snap Pocket Diaper
Click for more info: US | CA | UK

Snaps tend to provide a more secure fit, but have a slightly less adjustment range than Velcro®. Two snaps per side holds more securely, and offers a better fit. If snaps are not securely fastened, they may fall off during laundering. Metal snaps that touch baby's skin may irritate it.

SUGGESTION: Rumparooz diapers have a unique system of snaps to make it a one-size-fits-all diaper. Litewraps come with both Velcro® and snaps, for a more secure fit.

19. QUESTION: What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of Tie-wraps?

Diapers and covers that fasten with ties are easily adjusted to fit, and offer the widest variety of sizes. Cotton ties tend to get wet along with the diaper, which causes them to tighten. This can make them difficult to untie. Polyester ties don't soak up wetness, or tighten. They are stronger, and last longer. Cotton ties tend to tangle in the wash, polyester doesn't.

SUGGESTION: Try Disana Diapers, which is a tie-on diaper.

20. QUESTION: Some of my friends say I should buy diapers made of cotton only. Could you tell me why?

Image: Disana Cloth/knitted Diapers | 100% Organic Cotton | Made in Germany | stretchy knitted fabric follows baby's every move, keeping the nappy flush with your child's body even when she has a really good wiggle

Disana Cloth/knitted Diapers
Click for more info: US | CA | UK

Cotton fillers absorb moisture quicker, and wick it away from your baby's skin to evaporate, leaving baby's skin cooler and drier. Every time you introduce a synthetic material you raise the temperature inside the diaper slightly, and increase the risk of an allergic reaction.

Synthetic pads or fiberfill can trap dirt and bacteria, so are often harder to keep clean. Inner paddings of 100% rayon are said to go rock-hard after several washings. Loose fiberfill tends to shift and lump up.

SUGGESTION: Diapers with a low rayon count, with a breathable cover such as Thirsties Diaper Wrap. Or and all-in-one with a breathable cover, like Imagine Pocket Snap Diaper.

21. QUESTION: I've noticed some diapers have quite a bit of quilting. Could this be a problem?

Every row of stitching will add to the drying time, and making it harder to clean out the dirt and bacteria. Leakage can occur at any stitching point appearing on the outside of an all-in-one or diaper cover.

SUGGESTION: Pocket diapers, like Imagine Pocket Snap Diaper have an liner system for quick-drying. Bummis Whisper Wraps have little outside stitching, so are less likely to leak.

22. QUESTION: Why are waist and crotch fit so important?

Like any clothing, diapers need to be designed properly to fit well. It needs to prevent messy leaks, without being overly bulky. If the diaper is to narrow at the crotch, it will leak. If it's too wide, the fabric will bunch up and make your baby uncomfortable. If diapers are cut too high at the sides and gaps at the front, you will need to overly-tighten it at the waist to make the diaper fit properly at baby's legs.

The waist should adjust to fit your baby - too wide, it will fall off a newborn. Too small, it won't fit around a chubby belly. The crotch depth should be deep enough to last till training, yet adjust small enough that your newborn won't be lost!

SUGGESTION: For a newborn or small baby, start out with the smallest diaper cover, using night liners inside. These are big enough to cover a newborn's bottom . . . and can be used until your baby fits into the larger size diaper. Then use the liners again inside your baby's diaper for extra absorbency!

Image: Imagine Baby Products Pocket Snap Diaper | Waterproof, breathable outer layer of PUL to guard against leaks | Lined with super soft no-pill fleece

Imagine Pocket Snap Diaper
Click for more info: US | CA | UK

23. QUESTION: I think the frill around the baby's legs and waist are so cute! Is there any other difference to the diapers that are bound at their edges?

Diapers with a frill should be Safety-Lock serged, to provide greater durability. Otherwise it may unravel. Make sure all of the frill on the diaper is tucked inside the cover to prevent leaks. Some feel there is better protection against leakage when the elastic is sewn right to the edge.

However, you should check that the edges are bound in soft trim, with no harsh edges or exposed elastic to pinch or irritate your baby's delicate skin. Also it should be bound in a non-absorbent material, or it will wick moisture out to baby's clothing.

24. QUESTION: Why shouldn't I just choose the most absorbent diaper? Isn't that all that's really important?

The most absorbent diaper will not necessarily meet all your needs. It might require buying several sizes, be a poor fit for your baby, not offer the convenience you are looking for (i.e. an all-in-one, breathable like Imagine Pocket Snap Diaper).

It may have a synthetic padding, when you demand all-cotton. It may fasten with Velcro®, when you wanted snaps, ties or clips. It may take longer to dry, leak at the legs, or be poorly constructed.

You must also take your finances into consideration. PLUS, babies should be changed every two to three hours anyway (even when in disposables!). Unless your baby is a heavy wetter, you may have bought more diaper than you need, while losing the features that are more important to you.

SUGGESTION: Choose the diapering system that fits all your needs and budget best, and add extra liners for night-time or heavy-wetters.

JUMP TO: QUESTIONS 1-6 - 7-15 - 16-24 - 25-28


This article compliments of Born to Love.


The Diaper Facts column:

How Do I Get Started With Cloth Diapering?
Cloth Diapering With A Diaper Service
How Do I Wash Cloth Diapers?
Expensive to Wash Cloth Diapers?
The STINK on Stinky Diapers
Why are my cloth diapers and covers stinky?
Here's my Stinky Diaper Solution!
Why are my cloth diapers and/or diaper covers leaking?!?
How Do I Make My Diaper Covers Last?

Other articles that might be of interest:

How to Choose the Perfect Cloth Diapering System
Feeling Confused About Your Cloth Diapering Decision?
Diapering Expert Shares Secrets!
Do Cloth Diapers Seem Too Expensive?
Frugal Diaper Washing
Frugal Diapering
Frugal Baby Tips: Make Your Own Baby Bum Sweaters!
Your Choice Does Make a Difference!
What's Wrong With 'Disposable' Single-Use Diapers?
Environmental Concerns - What Do They Mean For You and Your Baby?
Environmental Concerns II - Looking at Both Sides of the Issue

 


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Last updated - September 16, 2020