Thursday 18 September 2014

Training petals (for the nearly potty trained)

So my friend's 3 yr old is potty trained but has night time accidents.  She asked me if I had a solution that wouldn't undermine her daughters confidence (so can't seem like diapers or pull ups). 

My solution was petals made to fit in underwear.  Smaller and trimmer then what you would but in a diaper.  And to keep in place it has wings like mama cloth.  This way it fits into any undies she buys.  She grabbed undies a size up as for these.  There is 3 petals joined end to end.  The bottom petal is fleece and flannel (so water repellent). The top 2 petals are 3 layers flannel each.

Wednesday 27 August 2014

Wool longies

Made and sold some wool longies this week. 
I use the Katrina's patterns.   Just Google "Katrina's soakers wool longies ".  It's an easy pattern amf it works well on upcycled sweaters.  The arms make good legs and come with cuffs.  The waist makes a good waist band.  Find a wool turtleneck and you have the perfect waist.  I alter patterns for specific sizings.  Made some wool applique for them also.   I stabalized which was necessary cuz wool stretched.  I'll be making some for my baby too.  Just gotta wait till the mission gets more wool sweaters. 

Friday 1 August 2014

REVIEW OF MY HYBRID FITTED LEG PREFOLD (H-FLP)

Love it!  Absorbency is the same as my other diapers.  It lasts 2 hours easy.  It survived through a 4 hour period when Baby Moss had aa 4 hour nap during a growth spurt.  The "T" shape fleece works great as a water repellent layer.  And I've been very happy.  So glad I re-positioned the Velcro tabs.  Much better fit. 

Down side? We had some ebf poo leaks in angel fold but when I Jelly rolled we had no ebf poo leaks. Jelly roll is designed for catching poo and preventing leaks.  And Baby Moss poops about 4-5 times a day.  Daddy Moss loves the H-FLP and big sisters think they are adorable.   I made some with T-shirt liters which even won approval from 6 and 12 year old brother, who could generally care less about diapers lol.  So an all around win. 

^^jelly rolled^^

Wednesday 16 July 2014

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T STRESS ABOUT DIAPER LAUNDRY

I'm writing this post for my April Mommy friends and anyone else who might find this helpful.  Yes another laundry post but this is about reassurence and explanations. Hope it helps.

First of all stop stressing. You all have being doing your own laundry for years with nice clean clothes as a result.  Cloth diapers are the same thing with just a few differences.

First a diaper load tends to be smaller then a regular laundry load so you need less water and less detergent.  I'm not saying to skimp on detergent just make it and the water match the laundry load.  Also if you have access to a top loader use that, they clean laundry better, all laundry.

Next difference. This is laundry that has been pee'd and pooped in; Rinse it and wash often.  If your kid pee'd their pants your first step would be to rinse right?  Same thing.  If you wash every 2 days then a lightly pee'd in diaper is fine but a heavily pee'd in diaper needs rinsing and so does a poo diaper, even ebf poop. diapera 6-8 layers thick? Rinse every single diaper.  The thicker the diaper the harder to get clean. If you use diapers with synthetic fabric rinse every single diaper.  Many synthetic fabrics dont wash as clean and microfiber was designed by the cleaning industry to trap germs.  So rinse right away.  Personally I won't use most of them especially microfiber. 

Another difference, the biggest difference is that diapers are washed every 2 days on average.  To break that down it's like this: If your baby wears an OS and potty trains at 2 years old then your diapers have gone through 365 washes.  The average piece of clothing will have been washed weekly.  That's 104 washes (significantly less washes).  So unless you wear your favorite shirt every other day no other laundry item goes through this.  The effect is fabrics wear out.  That's a reality of all fabrics.  Wash your favorite shirt every 2 days and it will wear out. 

Bleach:  for all the of above reasons bleaching your diapers is a bad idea.  Imagine bleaching a shirt every month.  It's not gonna last.  You have the laundry knowledge to know this. The only time I recommend bleach is 1. If you get ammonia.  2. If baby has a yeast infection. 3. Before using second hand diapers unless it was bleached prior to sale. 

Sunning.  Ever hung laundry to dry outside?  Then it smells all great and looks bright and clean?  Yeah that's the sun.  Those UV rays kill bacteria and bleach out strains.  Wanna bleach?  Sun instead. 

Detergent: You don't need extra detergent.  That will lead to build up.  You don't need less detergent cuz then your diapers won't get clean.  You don't need specialty detergent.  Regular stuff has been cleaning diapers since before you were born.  Except nowadays they have all kinds of new crap in the detergent.  But most brands have 3-4 variations so buy the variation without softeners,  brighteners etc cuz they will make your diapers repel instead of adorb.  And you sure as Hell don't need dawn dish soap or any other weird ideas.  On this note skip bounce sheets for the same reason and buy a dryer ball. 

Speaking of things you don't need.  You don't need advice from someone who became an expert in 3 months and you really don't need advice from someone who is am expert at stripping landry cuz that's someone who dose not clean their diapers well,  Unless they work for a diaper based charity and strip second hand diapers to give them away. 

Know your fabrics: This your mother taught you when she taught you to do laundry, so not a difference, just a reminder. Some things don't handle high temperatures such as elastic and PUL.

Vinegar: vinegar is awesome.  Its been used in laundry for a long time.  Some even use it in their hair to get rid of shampoo residue so they don't get build up.  So guess what? You can use it to rinse at the end of a wash cycle to get rid of detergent residue to prevent build up.  I use after hand washing.And when machine washing I vinegar soak prior.  I also use it to clean out my diaper pail. 

Ironing: like hanging diapers to dry in the sun but dislike the stiffness?  There are two options. 1. Iron afterwards.  2. Throw in the machine dryer for 5-10 min with a damp cloth and a dryer ball or tennis ball, both will bring the fluffyness back to your fluff. 

Hope this takes the stress away so you can relax and enjoy laundry time. 

Tuesday 15 July 2014

A PREFOLD THAT'S ALSO A HYBRID FITTED

So if you saw my last 4 posts (part 1-4 tutorial) you'll know I got to experimenting again and made a prefold diaper with a fitted leg that's also a hybrid style (water repellent). It's been on my mind since someone thought I was making water repellent prefolds cuz I decided to call my prefolds "prefold hybrids" meaning it was a hybrid of two diaper styles (prefold and fitted). So to avoid confusion I'm calling them "fitted leg prefolds" or "FLP's" and now I've created their cousin the "hybrid fitted leg prefold" or "H-FLP's".  I've also moved the Velcro tabs so they fit better when baby is a lil bigger (now that my baby is a little bigger at almost 3 months lol). Things you learn as you use something.  I am also preparing to make my next size diaper so I need to test out my new idea to see if I like them and want a few in the mix. 

Because prefolds get folded, I couldn't just cut a rectangular piece of polar fleece otherwise when folded the water repellent layer would be in front of the absorbent layers.  So after some thought I created a T shaped fleece layer

This way when you Angel fold or Jelly roll fold (which is what I do), the fleece isn't in the way. The fleece goes across the back of the bum and up threw the core. I've got just one made (life with a young baby), and 3 prepped. Last nights H-FLP was tested today but baby Moss pooped in it so water repellency wasn't tested lol.

The leg fit very well so I am happy with that and the shift in the Velcro tab fixed my tummy fit issue. Also the previous Velcro placement on my FLP's ment they sometimes touched baby Moss's skin. I have 2 potential concerns to test on this new invention of mine.
•1. Will there be wicking at the leg? I will know and post once the other 3 diapers are made.
•2. Laundry: Making a hybrid means using a synthetic material. Now polar fleece does wash well compared to other synthetic fabrics. In fact I rated it high on my fabrics post. But can it stand up in a hand washing routine? Well I'll need to test almost daily for a month to know and I will of course post those results. I'm pretty excited to see how it all works out :)

FITTED LEG PREFOLD TUTORIAL PART 4

FINISHING:
8. •Set machine to zigzag or diamond stitch. 
•stitch around entire boarder of fabric.
9. • At top inside corner of fabric (for H-FLP this is at the top of the T on the all cotton side) place the 1in Velcro loop and the 2in Velcro hoop. Sew to diaper with hook tab hanging over<br>
•repeat on other side.

• sew 2 in loop piece to back of one of the hook side tabs. This allows for overlap on a small waist.
• sew long loop piece of Velcro to outside bottom of diaper in the center. (For H-FLP this is the stem of the T on the flannel-fleece side. And That's All Folks :) Below is pics of folding in angel fold. To size down amf fit under belly button of newborn just fold down back edge and wing out the tabs.

FITTED LEG PREFOLD TUTORIAL PART 3

ADDING THE ELASTIC:

Ok its time to give these a fitted leg.
4.b, (H-FLP step) place the flannel-fleece layer under the all cotton layer. Pun together at core only.
5. • open up one side along the core. (H-FLP'S: On all cotton layer)

•Place elastic beside core Where we marked for stitching the core at. 4.6in and 11.2in. •Pin.
•repeat on other side. 6. •tack down one end of elastic. I sew forward and backward several times.
•sew down along side of elastic stretching material out straight as you sew. Careful not to sew elastic. Now the elastic is encased.
•tack down other end in same manner.
•repeat on other side. 7. • pin sides of diaper making sure all ironed hems are even.

FITTED LEG PREFOLD TUTORIAL PART 2

LET'S START SEWING :
2.  (If sewing H-FLP set aside the fleece-flannel layer for now).
•Sew threw all layers of fabric along the sides of the core.  I like a diamond stitch but zigzag is good also.

3. • set machine to straight stitch. Sew down center of core
• measure down core and mark at 4.6 inches and 11.2 inches. Sew across core in these 2 places. 3. b, (H-FLP step)
Sew fleece to flannel on fleece flannel layer 4. •Iron 1/2 inch hem (tucking in) on sides of all flannel pieces (including fleece-flannel layer if making H-FLP.

Monday 14 July 2014

FITTED LEG PREFOLD TUTORIAL PART1 (with hybrid option)

PART 1: THE INTRO:
I'm doing this blog post in parts because my phone doesn't handle posts with many pictures very well.

Also I'm calling my prefolds "fitted leg prefolds" (FLP's) now because using the term "hybrid" confused people.

However that confusion got me thinking: is a hybrid prefold possible?  And after much thought I think it might be. I'll call it a "hybrid fitted leg prefold" (H-FLP's). It will however mean the diaper can only be folded in Angel fold and Jelly roll fold (with or without poop catchers). Again I don't see this as an issue personally since I only use these two folds anyway and having the fitted legs already creates these fold restrictions. 

Will I create other prefolds crossed with other modern diaper styles? I don't think so (but who knows).  Doing the hybrid option means using a synthetic.  I'm semi ok with using polar fleece (windpro is a great brand of this) since it washes well and prefolds traditionally are not to thick and the combination of number of layers, cotton (or hemp) and their open design means they wash well.  I will be testing these out to see how well they wash as I believe this is an important aspect of a diapers functionality.  Again, ammonia should never be a common occurrence.  It should be a one time accident while learning proper wash routine. I will make a post on my thoughts on this and initial reaction and later a long time use post.

Cut & Prep.
FLP: •Cut 2 flannel outer pieces. 14X18 in (width x hieght). Birdseye or muslin are also good fabric choices.  Some people may wish to use 3 or 4 outer layers. I don't recommend more then that and I find 2 is sufficient.
*if making the H-FLP stick to 2 outer layers.
•Cut 2 core layers 5X15  I have one cotton batting and one flannel.  Again Birdseye and muslin are also suitable, as is cotton Sherpa, and cotton or hemp Terry's.   4 layers is also an option but I don't recommend more, and I find 2 is sufficient. 
• Cut two lengths braided elastic 4.3 in inches.
•Cut 2 lengths of Velcro  (hook side)  2 inches and 1 (loop side) also 2 inches
• Cut 1 length of Velcro (loop side) 5.4 inches
•Cut 2 lengths of Velcro (hook side) 1 inch for laundry tabs.
* Velcro is optional if you prefer to use snappies or boingos you won't need Velcro.



H-FLP option:
•Cut 1 outside layer in printed cotton woven or knit. I'm using flannel (obviously printed is a personal choice) 14x18
• Cut 1 "T" polar fleece 13x17"T" top x5 Deep "T" stem x7 Wide (I initially cut the stem at 5 inch wide but think this may cause more wicking around the leg). *My 6yr old cut the T in this tutorial and didn't mention he couldn't find the lefty scissors so excuse the messy.cut lol.

1.•clean your bobbin run, change your needle and thread your machine.
•iron all fabrics
•place outer layer right side down
• place core layers on top
• iron top and bottom edges of fabric over core
Place inside layer over top. Tuck and iron top and bottom edges to match. 1. b, (H-FLP step)
•place 3rd large flannel piece top side down
•place fleece on top
•iron top and bottom of flannel over fleece in the same way you did in the previous step.

Tuesday 1 July 2014

MACHINE WASHING WOOL

So today I bravely threw 3 of my wool diaper wraps in the washing machine (top loader at laundry mat) and they came out perfect.   Then I lanolized and hung to dry.  I have been hand washing the covers due to fear that I would shrink my wool wraps.   I am so thrilled to know they do machine wash. :) I hand wash my diapers through the week and machine wash every 7-10 days for the past 2 months with great results (as in no ammonia aka stink).  I'm a happy Cloth mom.  I haven't successfully sold any wraps or covers and only one diaper which is disheartening but perhaps knowing I can machine wash my wraps will help change that. 

Monday 2 June 2014

Fabric for cloth diapers.

The following is an opinion piece on fabrics in diapers.  I feel an opinion piece is valid as I have been sewing since I was 3 and am now 39.  Also I am currently cloth diapering my 6th child over the past 18 years.  Understanding fabric choices is important.  One thing all good seamstresses know is that the best seamstress with the best pattern won't make a good item without the right choice of materials. 

CLASSIC COTTON FOR DIAPERS: diapers used to be all cotton, usually flannel or Birdseye.  There is even diaper flannel.  Cotton is a natural fabric and washes and dries well. I rate it 10/10 on a scale of 1(poor) to 10 (excellent) on how well it washes.  If stained it suns well (hanging in the sun to get out stains) .  It is absorbent and has stood the test of time when it comes to diapers.  This is a healthy, clean and reliable choice for cloth diapers.  You can use other cottons too such as t-shirts (not very absorbent)  or old sweatshirts. You can also use cotton batting in the core of a diaper so long as you quilt it.  You can use FST'S (flour sack towels) and cotton Terry (old towels), both are very absorbent.  Softer French Terry (still absorbent because the shape of the fibers draws wetness in and distributes it).  Burly Knit Terry (bkt) is a Terry with extra long thick loops.  Its super absorbent but very thick so best used as an insert rather then through a whole diaper.

HEMP:  Everything I've said for cotton goes for hemp; just double the absorbent factor, unfortunately the cost is also higher. Its a wonderful addition to the natural fabric options for diapers.  For wash rating I give it 10/10

BAMBOO (rayon): If you can find it in hemp you can find it in bamboo rayon. Like Hemp it is very absorbent. The difference is bamboo is chemically processed into rayon and is not a natural fabric.  If you see it listed as such (except for bamboo linens which aren't used in diapers) you should report it.   Zorb I & II are also bamboo rayon .  Zorb is very absorbent! However it doesn't always hold everything it absorbs.  Its texture and construction are much like batting, but thicker.  Charcoal Bamboo is popular but it is exactly what it says, bamboo (rayon) with actual charcoal in it.  It washes great for a synthetic and I'll give it 8/10.  If you want to read more about the truth behind bamboo check out this news article here. You can also read my post titled "the heartbreaking truth about bamboo".

MICROFIBER: Its generally used to make inserts to stuff pocket diapers.  It cannot be used against babies skin as it will suck the moisture out of your babies skin.  As an insert it will be effective in the diaper.  What you should know is that microfiber was created by the cleaning industry to trap dirt and germs.  It does this effectively. The downside is it's very effective which makes it difficult to clean. It is more prone to ammonia issues then any other fabric choice. The trapping germs part (personally)  worries me about its use in diapers. I'll rate it 1/10 on its ability to wash clean

FLEECE: There are a variety of fleeces and they do not all do the same thing.  Some wick, absorb and some are water resistant.  Fleece is polyester (chemically made). It can be made with  bamboo but it is not organic despite the title organic bamboo  fleece (OBF), this is because bamboo is creatrd through a cellulose process.  Cotton or hemp fleece that isn't poly blend is for absorbtion.  Polar fleece and Windpro (which is a  polar fleece) are water resistent.  They are used on the outside of diapers or as diaper covers.  They can suffer compression leaks.  They are soft and let air circulate.
Microfleece is a moisture wicking fleece. It is used on the inside of a diaper to create a soft feel dry layer. Fleece washes well enough.  They rank in the middle wash wise in that they won't wash as well as cotton but better then mocrofiber. I'll rate it 7/10 on washing clean.

VELOUR AND SUEDE CLOTH: Velour is uses on the inside of a diaper for a feel dry layer.  The kind used for diapers is polyester backed.  Without the poly backing it will wear out quickly.  Velour is cotton, organic cotton and bamboo cotton.  OBV stands for organic bamboo Velour but is not organic.  Suedecloth works and is used like the velour.  It resists staining.  But its not as soft. They  does not wash well and is prone to ammonia.   I'll rate it 3/10 for ability to wash clean.

MINKY: This is also polyester.  t is super soft and moderately absorbent.  It might be  used on the inside or outside of a cloth diaper.  It's popularity is based on its amazing feel and look. wash wise I rank it 5/10.

PUL: This is Polyurethane.  It is used as a diaper cover, outside of AIO's or inside as a hidden waterproof layer and same on pocket diapers. It is waterproof.  It needs a different wash routine as a cover then a regular diaper.  However since it might be sewn as part if the diaper the whole diaper then requires a different wash routine.  A cheap PUL will delaminate.  Over time PUL will wear out especially when not used as a seperate cover.  It can make the inside of a diaper humid against babies skin.  It does wash clean though.  Wash wise (clean speaking)  I give it a 9/10.

TAFFETA: I have never sewn a taffeta cover but I have used one by Kushies.  Its waterproof but unlike PUL it breathes.  It is also thinner then PUL and longer lasting.  It has no stretch to it though so it's not good as an os (one size fits all).  Im not sire why its not more popular and not available as a diaper fabric.  It is a synthetic fabric but also washes well and I give it a 9/10. 

WOOL:  This is the hero of the diaper cover world.  It is used as a seperate cover.  It sounds complicated to wash but it isn't (check out my posts on wool). It Breathes, its natural, its water repellent, it's natures raincoat.  I have no leaks with wool at all, not even overnight.  If your having leak issues this is my recommendation hands down. It is pricey but you can use upcycled wool which is cheap.  Wash wise I rank it 10/10. 

looking to make cute wool covers.

I like my wool wraps best cuz they are easy to use at diaper changes.  But they aren't as cute as my diapers.  I've been told I can't cover wool in flannel or applique in non wool due to compression leaks.  And I know this is true....or is it?  the other material will end up lanolized and I dont get compression leaks from his clothes (and onsies for pretty snug over the covers)....so I think I want to experiment and test out just one.  If I have success then I'm doing more.  So wish me luck cuz they would be all oh so cute.  

Friday 16 May 2014

2 weeks in: diapering baby moss.

Like my oldest, baby moss is a heavy wetter.  And my mama moss diapers hold up.  Like his oldest sister though he needs a diaper cover full time.   That's a little sad cuz it covers the super cute cloth.  however I am very happy with the wool.  I made wool covers in a wrap style and for myself I made some pull on ones out of upcycled sweaters.   Cuteness-wise I like the sweater ones.  Function-wise the wrap ones are so much easier to change.  

So I am happy with using my own cloth diapers, what about washing? Well I was going to the laundry mat. Then daddy moss got a breach of probation (yeah we are not a middle class family, we are a low income Native family with matching problems) . So money us even tighter then usual so I'm hand washing and hanging to dry. My method? a good grape stomping in my bathtub. Works wonderful. Read about it online somewhere months ago. First time I used to much water and detergent which took forever rinsing but I got it down pat now. Also I rinse in cool water and vinegar. I hang to dry on the fire escape.

Tuesday 29 April 2014

BABY MOSS HAS ARRIVED

Baby Moss arrived last night at 10:28pm est.  He is 8lbs 3oz and 20 inches. Heisman wearing his Mama Moss Diapers I designed for him.  Test 1 - they fit √  Test 2 - hold pee √ (of course its tiny newborn pee, but for now its what I got (other then my personal test lol.  

Friday 18 April 2014

Baby Quilt & Moss Bag

I am finished! Well I'm waiting for daddy moss to put away the laundry I washed and folded :/ but otherwise I am finished chores and baby sewing.  I feel I can incorporate so much into making both a quilt and a moss bag.  Being 1/2 Lakota and 1/2 Cajun I can bring both sides together.   my Cajun ancestors would have been busy sewing quillts for their babies and quilting is a skill my Lakota ancestors became well known for after colonization with our star quilts.  And the moss bag (in various forms) was used throughout the America's by all our Indigenous Nations.   


The Quilt:
When I started contemplating the baby's quilt I didn't know if I was having a boy or a girl. But I designed two quilts, one a Cree floral design (my partner is Cree), and one a Lakota inspired thunder horse design (turns out I'm having a boy). I say inspired as it has a bit of a modern look. The night sky and clouds are more suggested in the geometric background. Where the horses are very organic, coloured and designed in a simplified version of your typical thunder yourself but the shape is more natural and less stylized then the traditional shapes. The quilt is larger then a typically baby quilt cuz I like then to be big enough to cuddle up in with baby. The colours are very "American", but lets remember lots of Nations like and use red, white and blue, and my people do also. Plus using those colours with shared cultural designs (stars, stripes, dots, horses), helped our people convince the Indian agents back in the day that we really were celebrating Independance day ... in our own way....it just resembled a powwow (wink, wink). The blanket binding I made out if a complementary quilting cotton. I prefer doing this so that it matches or accents my quilts (will do a short tutorial on how to make your own blanket binding / bias tape).

(thunder horses, similar to a Thunderbird and yet very different, like a lesser thunder being to make it simple) A wooded Thunder Horse (marketed for eBay but I couldn't find a more traditional image to show yous)
The Moss Bag:
Traditionally our people used moss bags to diaper our babies. Some went inside the cradleboard, while others (like this one) have straps on the bag so no board is needed but it functions the same. These items diapered, swaddled and kept babies safe, with a clear view of the world and a warm snug place to sleep. There is much to the teachings of their use but that is not for the internet. The bags were decorated amf filled with absorbent moss, which was changed when used. I've made the moss bag with the same materials as the quilt. The design is also the same although the horses (like those on the blanket) are a little different. Picture of Plains Cree Women with moss bags circa 1914.

Thursday 17 April 2014

In The Last Days Of Pregnancy

I will be 40 weeks on Sunday.  I have been focusing on being ready for baby.  My mama moss diapers are all sewn and ready for sale but my own baby's sewing was not done. 

I was getting anxious to have baby as im tired of pregnancy lol.   However like my diapering preferences my birthing preferences are also natural so im waiting for nature to decide It's time for labour.   And term is 37-42 weeks so really it could be tommorow or in two weeks, but any day. 

I rested a few days.  Spent a few days walking.  Then I decided I needed to finish all the last minute stuff that wasn't finished. It was quite the list:
• laundry
• household chores
•minor organizing
• few baby items to be purchased
•postpartum mom items
•labour and post birth food
•easter stuff for kids this weekend
•my baby's moss bag needed straps and trim

All of this is now complete. However my baby's quilt is not finished. I've done some in between all the chores etc. Now its just the quilt. I have this feeling labour won't happen till the quilt is done. No fear there, I'm a fast seamstress. Fabric is my canvas and it just comes out. I should be done Saturday at the latest. I have a pic of where I'm at. (got a bit more done since this pic, not much). I am almost done the applique on the horses and lighting. Next I will be highlighting the grey strips with silver. Then I need to pin the layers and quilt them. The final step will be the blanket binding which I will be making from a cotton I picked to complement the horse fabrics. I will post the quilt when done. So if you dont see many posts I. the next few days; well im sewing and hopefully birthing and thhere will be the occasionally update. Soon we will be using these diapers I've designed for the little guy and it will all be shared here :)

Thursday 10 April 2014

Why Some Cloth Diaper Companies Recommend Bleach

Nope, I am not recommending bleach but I will explain why some companies do.  Some of these same companies say don't use vinegar or baking soda.  There is no good reason for this.  I will explain all three things in this post. 

Also this post isn't putting down these companies or their products. They provide a good CD option. but like all diapers they have their pros amf their cons. Understanding the cons allows you to better care for these diapers so you can enjoy all the pros they offer. Also I would say these are quality companies. The instructions they give are to simply make sure the products they make will work for you and they have conveyed that advice in as simple and basic a format as possible by creating their own basic care instructions.

Why some companies recommend bleach:  What is known as the modern cloth diaper are diapers with synthetic materials such as microfiber, suede cloth,  minky, binky (bamboo minky), fleece etc.  The construction and shape of the fiber is different then natural fibers.  In fact when microfiber was designed (by the cleaning industry)  it was designed this way on purpose to pick up and trap dirt, bacteria etc.  At the end of this post are some pics from a microfiber industry site - check it out. Since its designed to trap these things, they are harder to wash out.  The result is that these fabrics are more prone to ammonia (which some people refer to as stink), which makes your diapers smell bad and will cause a rash on babies bum, in bad cases it will cause ammonia burn.  If your using a "modern diaper" which also has thick layers then your increasing the difficulty in washing the diaper because there are more layers to wash through.   This is also why its important to remove inserts from pocket diapers.  Washing inserts that have been seperated from the diaper allows you to wash through less layers resulting in a cleaner diaper.  The solution is that some of these companies will suggest a monthly bleaching, to combat the problem.   Am I saying people shouldn't use thick "modern" diapers?  No.  These diapers have qualities Moms like.   And if for you their pros outweigh the cons then use them.  Just be mindful of the drawbacks.  Change the diaper even though the fabric leaves it feeling dry.  Remove all poop before placing in your diaper pail or wet bag (should be done with all diapers).  Rinse out overnight diapers (should be done with all overnight diapers). Wash often (again as with all diapers).  And make sure you have a very thorough wash and rinse routine.  It will need to be more intense then with flats, prefolds and basic fitted's made of natural materials.  Keep a sharp eye on the diaper for signs of ammonia or build up.  Extra detergent or water will not clean better. An extra washing, boosters (some if which are hard on fabrics), vinegar presoak or rinse should help.  In the end you might need to follow the company advice of monthly bleachings.  If this is the case absolutely do a vinegar rinse at the end of multiple post bleach rinses.  And do not expect all these diapers to last forever.   In the end the bleach and washings will cause wear, it just happens.  If the only way to keep ammonia at bay is a monthly bleaching then that's because they could not be completely rid of ammonia.  I would suggested not reselling or donating a diaper with this issue because it's just not right to be passing an ammonia problem on. In addition I recommend looking a cloth diaper blogs.  Find one by an experienced CD mom.  Experienced as in over a year, at least, multiple children is even better and doesn't have repeated ammonia or leak issues (which build up creates).  And lastly one that uses the same or a similar diaper.  A mom using the same or similar diaper and successfully keeps the diaper free of its potential issues will be a good resource.   I can only advise so far.  I understand fabric and sewing very well.  I've always been good at science and research.  And I've been cloth diapering longer then most but my hands on experience is keeping basic fitted's and prefolds made of cotton clean. 

* If you are using a diaper made of natural fabrics but 8+ layers thick, you also will need a more thorough wash and rinse routine in order to wash through all the layers.   This means you might need to follow much of the same advice. 

Why white vinegar is safe:
White vinegar is also called distilled.   Technically speaking,  its not.  What it is, is 5% to 8% acetic acid (that's vinegar) in water.  With a pH of 2.2-3.  This makes it too weak to breakdown fabric fibers.  It will however breakdown detergent and uric acid.  So what's their problem with it?  Well it is possible that striping with vinegar might not be strong enough on synthetic fabrics to strip them.  So what you could do instead is use white vinegar in a presoak before washing or add to the rinse cycle after washing.    Do that with each wash to help hard to clean synthetics. 

Why baking soda is safe: Baking soda (and washing soda) have been used in laundry and cleaning for over 100 years.  They are safe and they are gentle.  They do not have the ability to harm fabric (they are not strong enough to do so).   They also clean nicely.  Washing soda cleans better then baking soda however.  And if all you have is baking soda you can bake it and it will turn into washing soda.   So why do some companies say not to use them?  Same issue as vinegar, these are safe gentle cleaning products which may not be strong enough to clean synthetic materials in a diaper. 


The pics below come from a microfiber industry site. The top diagram shows why and how they do their job of picking up and trapping dirt and bacteria. The second picture is a photo of a cross section of the fiber under a microscope. It is also why they work as stay dry fabrics instead if absorbing fabrics. The fiber design does not allow the fiber to swell up with retained water.