Are my cloth diapers repelling?

Are my cloth diapers repelling? Probably not. Most of the time, leaking cloth diapers are caused by one of the following issues:

• Diaper Fit (the diaper was put on wrong) - Most often, fit problems are around the legs. Be sure that the elastic is fitted around your baby's legs. If the elastic is not fitted to their leg, the diaper will leak. To solve a gapping problem at the legs, fasten the diaper tighter around the middle and use a lower rise setting. For a newborn, fold the top edge of the diaper down and cross the velcro tabs over in the middle.
  
• Stuffing - Wetting habits vary by child. Wetting habits will also change. If your baby is growing, they may eat more. This increases their urine output. You may need to use more inserts or change more frequently to accommodate the increased urine output. Inserts also vary in their performance when saturated. A completely saturated microfiber insert will leak when compressed. You'll experience this if you put your baby on your hip when he has a wet diaper. If this is an 'all-the-time' problem, consider switching to hemp inserts (like Hemp Babies Bigger Weeds).
  
• It just needs changed. A wet diaper needs to be changed.

If you are sure that your diapers are repelling, please review these guidelines and instructions.

Rule #1 - Most leaky diapers just need to be changed. A full diaper will leak. Period. The end. Amen. Just go change the diaper and all will be well with the world.

Rule #2 - It's probably not repelling. True repelling is really uncommon. Try everything else FIRST. Do not skip straight to stripping your diapers. Personal note: I've been cloth diapering for seven years and have never, ever stripped my diapers.

Rule #3 - (refer back to #2) The symptom of a repelling diaper is a continuously dry insert and a very wet lap. This should happen over and over again regardless of how it is stuffed. This won't be a one-time occurrence.

What exactly is happening? A diaper that is repelling is not allowing liquid to absorb into the inner core of the diaper because the surface of the diaper is coated with something that is hydrophobic. Hydrophobic means tending to repel and not absorb water. Oils and waxes coat fabrics and cause them to repel moisture. The most common sources of oil in your cloth diaper laundry are detergent, fabric softeners and essential oils.

Can I prevent it? Sometimes. Some households have water that leaves deposits on everything - not just their diapers. Everybody will get buildup if you use bad detergent. To best prevent buildup:

• Be sure that you are using a completely additive free detergent.
• Do not add essential oils to your wash.
• Do not use fabric softener.

Can I fix it? Yes, you can fix repelling diapers. Before you do anything, be sure that the problem is repelling. If it is, it will affect all of your diapers and it will happen over and over again. Have you checked to be sure the diaper is on right? Is the insert really dry?

How to strip your diapers:

• Wash your already clean diapers in hot (not boiling) water with a squirt of Dawn.
• Rinse twice.
  
• Put on your baby.

How NOT to strip your diapers:

• Do not put them in the dishwasher. You could set your house on fire.
  
• Do not use boiling water. You could ruin the waterproofing.
  
• Do not wash with weird things you can only find at the hardware store. This is dangerous for you, for your diapers and for your baby.
  
• Just because a product is labeled as "safe for cloth diapers" doesn't mean that it is.
• When in doubt - don't.

Warning!!
Some of the information available online about stripping absolutely will RUIN your cloth diapers. You are solely responsible for taking care of your diapers properly. If you have questions, call Cotton Babies customer service at 888-332-2243.