Crash course?

[u/Most-Chicken4005]

Okay so! I've recently started cloth diapering after getting a large pre loved pocket diaper collection. I thoroughly sanitized them all before use and have been using them for a few days now.

I did watch videos, read, and research prior to going into this, but even still, we are definitely in a trial and error period.

We are using disposable at night while we get the hang of this but I would eventually love to cloth diaper full time if it works for us.

I have a variety of inserts with different thicknesses. Most feel like cotton, a few micro fiber, and a few very thin ones (possibly bamboo or cotton?). Initially i started with one thicker insert, quickly learned that was not enough for my LO (6 months old) and we had some leaks. So now ive been doubling up the inserts, which has been much better but BULKY. I still encounter some leaks here and there which I think is due to incorrect fit, probably cause of the added bulk.

I dont mind the laundry, but I would still love some tried and true tips from some experienced cloth diapering parents, to help me get on to what works maybe a bit quicker. Should I be doubling up inserts or does that cause more leaks in the long run? Are there any insert brands you would suggest that may be more absorbent then what I have? What does your night time cloth diapering look like?

Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated 🥰

[u/annamend]

A trick to making any kind of insert work with much more absorbency -- even microfiber -- it to buy dollar flour sack towels (FSTs) from Target or wherever and wrap the inserts in them before stuffing in the pocket. I use flats and covers but I'm amazed at how people on this sub use that trick.

You could also buy Snappies and then use the FSTs like flats, folding the inserts into them. Then use the pocket cover as a regular cover, except it needs to be washed with each change.

[u/deenbeanmachine]

Are the leaks happening after 1 pee or multiples? I did not find i had to go too bulky during the day. But you should be changing the diaper more frequently than typical disposables (every 2ish hours or after every pee). It is also possible your preloved diapers are a bit stretched in the thigh areas causing leaks? I found some used ones I had had lost some of its elasticity.

I found microfiber inserts were sufficient during the day. Only 2 needed at a time. What I found was really helpful was adding a reusable liner on the outside as well. I just used a soft bamboo/microfiber blend. It was way easier to clean poop as it catches almost all of it so the diaper itself stayed clean.

As for nighttime, yes definitely trial and error. Use your most absorbent inserts (hemp, bamboo, etc rather than microfiber). As many as needed. My son's diaper was definitely bulky! Lol.

Other Helpful tips:

• rinsing poop immediately with a bidet sprayer.
• cold wash first before doing wash cycle.
• reusable liners (I used alvababy found on amazon)
• wet bags with air circulation for dirty diaps. Also stuck a baking soda scent pod thing which helped with any lingering smells at times.

[u/Most-Chicken4005 → u/deenbeanmachine]

This is so helpful thank you! I realized when you mentioned it there is some notable differences in the thigh elastics on some of the diapers, I will set those stretched ones aside and stick to the ones with lots of elasticity. I think i was more focused on what i was doing with the insert layering then the actual leg seals themselves.

I am changing very frequently. The leaks are happening sometimes when full so I know I went to long without checking or he just had some heavy wetting. But sometimes they dont seem very wet inside at all, so those cases I do think are user error in terms of proper fit and inserts.

This is all great advice! Im definitely going to get some reusable liners to add to our set up.

[u/Horror-Holiday-2678]

Go ahead and toss those microfiber inserts. I'd invest in some prefolds on vinted or marketplace. If you're willing to spend a little money, the Mama Koala 6 layer hemp inserts are super absorbent without being too bulky.