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Bummis Super Whisper Wrap
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JUMP TO: Column Index - More Questions - Answers 1-8 - 9-15 - 16-21 - 22-33

 

QUESTION: I really only have one question as far as cloth diaper reliability. Do they leak any more or less than disposables? When I used them on my nephews the covers were still made of plastic and were scratchy and not terribly reliable for containing everything. Has that improved also?

Oh, covers are wonderfully soft nowadays! You can have your choice of polyester, cotton, nylon, poly-fleece, ultrex, wool and more!
On the BTLdiapering mailing list, I have been reading that most mothers are finding LESS leakage with cloth then when they were using disposable diapers!

QUESTION: My goal is to have something that is breathable and waterproof. I hate changing my baby's clothes because of the wetness coming through. Please advise me on the best thing to solve my problem.

Image: LOVE MY Baby Washable Reusable Cloth Diapers, breathable, Adjustable Snap, Waterproof outside

LOVE MY Baby Cloth Diapers
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To get something completely waterproof, you need to give up breathability. For completely breathable, you need to give up complete waterproofness.
However there are many covers in-between. Wool soakers have excellent breathability, and with adequate diaper absorbency underneith, this works for most babies. Fleece covers are another excellent choice - with a lot less care.

QUESTION: Leaking Covers: Does it have anything to do with how they are washed?

It could - it depends on what you are using. Borax, bleach, bleach alternatives and other whitening agents can affect your cover's waterproofness.

QUESTION: I noticed on the Aristocrats packaging it said untreated Wool Soaker. Do I need to add Lanolin or do anything special before I use it for the first time? My baby is not due until September. I would like to be ready.

Image: Disana 100% Boiled Merino Wool Diaper/Cover Made in Germany - prewashed and slightly felted - leak proof and highly absorbent

Disana Merino Wool Diaper Cover
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By untreated, they mean no chemicals have been added to the wool.
As for Lanolin, some moms find the soaker works great - right out of the package. Others find, especially with a heavy-wetter, that a Lanolin treatment first works best.

QUESTION: I have twins and really want to switch to cloth dipes. However I need to know a few things. How many dipes will I need?

Let's start with how often are you changing your girls? Maybe 6-8 times a day? For this you would need about a total of 12-16 diapers a day.
How often are you able to or want to do laundry? Maybe every two days? For this you would need about 24-32 diapers to start.

QUESTION: How many covers for twins?

I would plan on a bare minimum of two covers per baby, per day. So washing every other day, you will need at least 8 covers.

QUESTION: What kind of dipes are best for 13 month olds and older?

Image: Bambungle Reusable Pocket Cloth Diapers | One Size fits newborn to toddler | Natural bamboo charcoal anti-bacteriual and eco-friendly

Bambungle Pocket Diapers
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Any kind of diapers will work well, depending on your baby's build. Some styles fit better on chunky babies, others fit better on slim babies.

QUESTION: I really like the diaper covers with Velcro®, but are they the best choice?

A good way to start is to invest in some Velcro® covers, and use prefold diapers inside. You can just fold the diaper in thirds and lay inside the wrap. Then use the wrap to hold the diaper on.

QUESTION: I am looking for conveniece and dipes that won't cost me an arm and a leg up front.

Image: OsoCozy Chinese Prefold Diapers - 100% cotton, woven twill gauze

OsoCozy Chinese Prefold Diapers
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Our cheapest Velcro® wraps and diaper system would be Babykins unlined wraps at 1/$5.95 CDN - total = $47.60 CDN and Chinese prefolds at 12/$33.59 CDN - total = 24 diapers for $67.18 CDN
Total cost = $114.78 CDN ($78.05 US)
However, you can start with half that amount and wash more often, then invest in more diapers and covers next month. So that would be $57.39 CDN ($39.03 US) for 12 prefolds and 4 covers.

QUESTION: What are the best diaper covers?

The best cover will depend on your wants, needs and budget. You can get great covers cheaply, but if they don't fit well, or don't breathe enough to prevent rashes in sensitive babies, this won't be a real savings. However, you can spend a fortune on covers and not be happy as well. The best cover (or diaper) is what fits your baby well, keeps baby dry, and fits within your budget.

QUESTION: Are there any sites that give discounts to Moms of twins or more? I could really use a discount as I am a single mom, and looking for a way to cut down on the costs of things. Thank you in advance for your advice!

There may be, but sorry, I don't know of any specific twin discounts. We offer quantity discounts - the more you buy the more you save.
Ways to save: Sew your own, buy used diapers, ask for them for gifts. Swap unwanted baby items for diapers. Here are some more Frugal Diapering Tips.

QUESTION: Do you recommend washing the diaper covers before their first use? If so, machine or hand wash? Hot water or warm? Regular detergent or Dreft?

No, unlike diapers, covers do not need to be washed before use. However, you certainly can if you wish to. How you wash them will depend on which brand you purchased. If manufacturer washing directions were included, it is best to follow them.
For the first washing, prior to use, I would use a gentle soap or clear-type detergent, and warm water. Unless the manufacturer says not to, I would just toss them into the washing machine with a regular laundry.

 

JUMP TO: Column Index - More Questions - Answers 1-8 - 9-15 - 16-21 - 22-33

 


This article compliments of Born to Love.


The Diaper Facts columns:

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 - April 5, 2024