The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Why do my diapers leak ALL the time?

Recently I was speaking to a cloth diapering mama who was stressed because ALL her pocket diapers were leaking, regardless of the brand. She just couldn't figure out why. She'd tried stripping them, washing, switching detergents, etc. and still couldn't figure out the root of the problem.

After hearing everything she had tried I felt there was only one question left to ask.
What type of inserts are you using and how old are they?

Turns out she's using micro inserts that were previously used when she bought them online. It's my belief that is where her problem lies. Microfiber wears down over time and becomes less and less absorbent. I am sure that you all have inserts, some are older than others, and you can tell the difference. The newer microfiber inserts are fluffy and soft while the older ones seem thin and almost as if the fluffy terry part has worn off, in most cases it has.

While saving money by buying gently used diapers is a great idea, buying used micro inserts does not always work.

Microfiber inserts are actually made of micro-terry. If you're inserts no longer look fluffy then chances are they need to be replaced. It's not a bad idea to try and test their absorbency. Try soaking up some liquid with them and see how much they really can still hold.

So if you've been feeling bad about cloth diapering because of leaky diapers then give yourself a boost! Try purchasing a new stash of inserts and see if this doesn't cure your cloth diaper blues!

Earth Angels Diaper Co carries a wide variety of inserts that can be purchased individually or in bulk. If you really want to treat yourself, we recommend the LooyDo and SuperDo!

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! The 411 on Disposable Liners

Question: I see moms talk about using disposable liners and I wonder what they are? How do they work and why should I give them a try?

The Geek's Answer: Thanks for asking! The term "liner" can be confusing, especially since so many diapers have "lining" which is usually a stay dry fabric like microfleece or suedecloth. But a Disposable Liner is something different all together.

Disposable and/or Biodegradable Flushable Liners consist are dry-weave for comfort, they are soft and much resemble a piece of tissue paper only stronger like a fabric. They allow moisture to pass through into the diaper's absorbent core and they "catch" the solid waste keeping the diaper and it's built in lining from getting really soiled. They make diaper laundry much easier and shaking the poo into the toilet is as easy as grabbing the liner and pulling it off, the poo and all, and throwing into the toilet. Flush...and tada! That's all there is to it.

Since they are 100% Biodegradable you don't have to worry about throwing them in the garbage, they can be safely flushed away with the waste, just like toilet paper.

How do you use it? Each sheet is approximately 9" x 14" and comes in a roll. You simply tear off a sheet and lay it in the diaper before fastening the diaper on the baby. There are 100 sheets per roll and for smaller babies you can even cut each sheet in half and get twice the amount of sheets per roll!

Want to try some? The first 20 people to request a sample, by posting their request in a comment to this post, will receive 5 FREE sheets/liners to try. Please make sure to leave a method of contacting you for your shipping details.

**Thanks to all who responded. The FREE Samples are now all spoken for.**

Thanks for reading! Do you have a question for The Cloth Diaper Geek? Use our Blog Contribution Form and submit yours today!

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Cotton Laminate vs. PUL

Question: I've heard people say that print diapers leak or don't work as well as solid color PUL diapers? I don't really understand why this could be. Is this true, why or why not?

The Geek's Answer: Awesome question! I am so glad you asked. This can be a really confusing issue, especially for those who aren't really familiar with the different types of diaper making fabrics, their content, uses, etc. So I will do my best to explain. :)

Most diapers, solid colored, are made from what is known as PUL. PUL is is a polyester/polyurethane knit fabric that is 100% polyester. It is then laminated to make it waterproof/leak-proof and is considered a non-breathable fabric. PUL usually comes in two thicknesses 1mil & 2 mil. While both are waterproof, the 2 mil is sometimes considered more durable, however it is also known to be harder to work with, as far as sewing diapers is concerned, and therefore not all diapers are made from 2mil.

But what about print diapers? Some print diapers are a polyester print that is then sent off, usually to the same manufacturers of the solid color PUL, so that they may laminate it, rendering it waterproof, the same as the regular PUL they produce.

Other print diapers are a cotton print. 100% Cotton prints that are laminated, known as cotton laminate, are not as effective as polyester prints that are laminated. They are known to wick and/or leak more frequently than their polyester friends. However, there are 50% poly 50% cotton knits that are laminated and in most cases to perform just as well as the 100% poly, so it seems that laminated prints should contain at a minimum 50% poly or more in order to be effective at preventing leaks/wicking.

Then why do some companies still make diapers with the cotton print laminate? Because there are soooo many cute prints of course! The cuteness factor often reigns supreme in the grand scheme of things. Maybe it's not important to everyone to have all the cutest diapers, but try and convince someone they don't want that uber cute "ooga booga' pocket diaper they saw and you'll be fighting a losing battle.

Ultimately, just because a diaper is made from a cotton knit and not poly simply means that you're sacrificing extended wear and some reliability for the joy of being able to put a cute diaper on your babies bum for friends, for photos, or for comfort. You take the good with the bad, you put the diaper on knowing to check it more frequently, or maybe after a thoroughly soaked diaper change because you know she or he will be able to wear it a little longer.

The verdict: Check the fabric content for the diapers you buy and keep the above information in mind. Also, just because you heard that XYZ Company's print diapers leaked, doesn't mean that they might not have now switched to poly print PUL. Some companies sell a little of both due to the fact that not all those adorable prints are available in polyester.

So keep on cloth diapering and enjoy!

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! All about Tea Tree Oil

Welcome to another edition of The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Each week we focus on frequently asked questions and issues concerning all things cloth diaper related. If you've got a question for the Geek, simply use our Blog Contribution form and we'll be happy to troubleshoot for you and answer your questions.

This week the Geek will focus on your questions regarding the use of Tea Tree oil.

Question: What is Tea Tree oil?

The Geeks Answer: Tea Tree oil, aka Melaleuca oil, is an essential oil taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australia. This oil has naturally occurring antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is most commonly used diluted. It can cause skin irritation even after dilution. Testing for allergies or skin sensitivities is recommended before use.

Tea Tree is also commonly used to treat acne, skin infection, athlete's foot and head lice among many other things.

Question: Does Tea Tree work for washing diapers and killing bacteria? If so, how?

The Geeks Answer: Honestly, in my research I've found that the recommended amount needed to definitevley kill bacteria in laundry would be more than I would recommend using on cloth diapers. Unlike regular laundry, it is important that the oil does not build up on your diapers and cause them to repel. For this reason it is not recommended that you use more than 1-2 drops of Tea Tree oil in your wash or in your wet pail.

Also, due to the fact that Tea Tree oil is naturally a very potent oil, even when diluted, adding more than 1-2 drops to you diaper laundry could very well cause skin sensitivies and rash issues with your baby.

Even though you may not be able to rely on 1-2 drops of the oil to rid you of your bacterial problems, you can count on it to help mask and neutralize odors and keep them smelling fresh and soft.

My best advice is to experiement with the use of Tea Tree for your diapers. Start with 1-2 drops and increase if needed making sure that your diapers aren't getting oil build up and that your babe's bum is still rash free.

*Another important note...In researching this topic I did come across those who beleive that the use of Tea Tree, due to it's antibacterial properties, could contribute to the evolution of "superbugs," antibacterial resistant microorganisms. They belive that the use of low-dose Tea Tree that is not stong enough to kill bad microbes acutally toughen their defenses making them stronger and more resistant.

Likewise, I found information disputing the above claims.

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Does sunning really kill bacteria?

I know this topic was covered briefly in another recent Cloth Diaper Geek post, but just last week another question was asked and it really brought to light some interesting info on sunning that you might not have known.

Question: I live in the Catskills of NY state and now that the weather is getting chilly, it takes hours & hours or days for my diapers to dry outside. The sun just isn't hot enough to do it in a short time like in the summer months. So, my question is, if I still want to use the sun for killing bacteria and icky stuff, how long should I leave them outside?

The Geek's Answer: Thanks for such a great question. The truth is, the Geek had to do a little digging this time, to be sure to provide as accurate an answer as possible. The information found on this topic was quite interesting and really eye opening.

According to numerous sources on Google, direct exposure to UV (ultra violet) light is necessary for the destruction of bacteria and microorganisms in the air or on exposed surfaces. The rays must directly strike the organism, either at a high intensity for a short amount of time or a low intensity for an extended amount of time.

If bacteria or mold spores are hidden beneath the surface of a material and not in the direct path of the rays then they will not be destroyed, UV light does not penetrate most substances, including fabrics. According to the National Weather Service, different types of clouds can either enhance or block UV rays. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see areas of blue sky, then you are being exposed to either direct or reflected UV rays.

So how does this information affect the practice of sunning cloth diapers in order to rid them of unwanted bacteria? Well, the answer so far as I can tell, is that you cannot rely 100% on the UV rays to kill ALL of the bacteria and/or mold spores that may be lurking in your diapers. But...you can increase the amount of bacteria affected by making sure your diapers are exposed to direct UV rays, turning them over to expose both sides, turning them inside out (if possible) and exposing the inside surfaces to direct rays as well.

As for how much bacteria is being killed and/or how to measure how much UV rays you're exposing your diapers to? I am going to have to leave those answers up to the real scientists. In my opinion, it seems that any amount of bacteria killed by either a lot or a little exposure to UV rays is better than no bacteria killed by not sunning your diapers at all.

*Do you have a question for the Cloth Diaper Geek? Use our Blog Contribution form and submit your questions today!

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all!

Have you got a question? Don't forget you can either post your question as a comment or submit your question using our Reader Contribution Form.

Question: How often do you need to change cloth diapers? With disposables, you could go hours between changes...just curious what the "standard" answer is.

The Geek's Answer: Great Question! This question actually has multiple answers. You can expect to get different lengths of wear out of different methods/styles of cloth diapers and everyone's babies are different, some are heavy wetters and some are not.

In general I would say that cotton prefolds need to be changed more frequently than microfiber/hemp containing diapers. Not necessarily because they are inferior but because without a stay dry liner the moisture is up against the baby's skin making more frequent changing necessary. Changing every 1-2 hours, sometimes less, sometimes more.

Pocket Diapers such as BumGenius, KnickerNappies, GAD, etc. can be customized to suit your needs. One micro or hemp insert might be sufficient for a few hours during the day, doubling them up extends your wear, and really stuffing them good can get your baby through the night without needing a change.

My best advice is trial and error. You can read about some of my experiments with nighttime diapering in an old post HERE. There are a lot of factors that go into finding the right system for you. Experimenting with different inserts, different covers, pockets vs. all-in-ones, fitteds, fleece, hemp...The possibilities are endless and there is no reason why everyone can't find a combination that works for them.

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all!

Have you got a question? Don't forget you can either post your question as a comment or submit your question using our Reader Contribution Form.

Question: What are flushable liners and what are the benefits of using them?

The Geek's Answer: Biodegradable Flushable Liners are special dry-weave liners that are intended to catch the solid waste and help prevent the diaper from getting too soiled. When changing the diaper simply go into the bathroom and carefully place the soiled liner in the toilet and flush. The benefits are that your diapers will be easier to launder because you'll have less solid waste on the diaper.

Theses Flushable Liners come in 100 sheets per roll and often sheets can be cut in half before use allowing you to get twice as many uses out of a roll. They are very thin and soft, similar to tissue paper, and are comfortable for baby.

Question: Do I have to use cloth wipes if I use cloth diapers or can I still use disposable wipes?

The Geek's Answer: You do not have to use cloth wipes. However, using cloth wipes is more convenient, here's why...

Generally when you're changing a disposable you place the dirty wipes inside the dirty diaper, fold it up in a little package and toss in the garbage. When using cloth diapers you place the diapers into your laundry pail or wetbag and then are left with a handful of dirty disposable wipes to get rid of. If you're out, you'd need a special baggie to carry them home in until you can dispose of them.

If you were using cloth wipes you could simply put the dirty wipes in with your cloth diapers and wash all together. Simply dump the contents of your diaper pail, wet bag, or pail liner into the wash and tada! It's that simple. It's not recommended that you wash disposable wipes, they have a tendancy to break apart in the washer and can attach themselves in tiny pieces to your aplix and cause quite a hassle.

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Laundry Edition

This week's edition will focus on frequently asked questions regarding laundering your diapers! Have you got a question? Don't forget you can either post your question as a comment or submit your question using our Reader Contribution Form.

Question: What exactly is a surfactant? And is it on the detergent no-no list?

The Geek's Answer: Surfactant is short for "surface-active-agent." They help reduce the surface tension of a liquid (like water) allowing items in the laundry to more easily become "wet" and they also makes organic matter more soluble in water which makes them essential to detergents.

From what I've found in my research, surfactants are vital to most detergents, making them more effective and actually classifying them as a detergent. It's the other additives you have to watch out for, the one's specifically intended to coat your laundry with fragrance, fabric softener, starch, stain guards, etc.

For this question I even consulted with Taylor, the owner of Charlies Soap, and he assured me that surfactants ARE detergents.

So, FINAL ANSWER, surfactants are ok for your diapers, they're what get your diapers clean, and naturally produced surfactants are better than synthetic man made ones.

Question: I am in need of some help. I have cloth diapered for 5 years and am totally addicted to it, plus I believe cloth is the BEST. However, my 3rd little boy is getting some serious diaper rash. It has become so bad that to get rid of a rash, twice now I have had to use disposables for a week each time. I mainly do a prefold with a cover, and I have a few old fuzzibunz. But I don't know what to do. I need some help knowing how to wick the moisture away from his bottom to prevent the rash/thrush. Are my diapers not clean enough? What am I doing wrong? I've done this for 5 years--what is my problem. Thanks!

The Geek's Answer: There are many ways to troubleshoot this problem. First I would suggest changing detergents, preferably to Charlies Soap, a gentle yet effective detergent that you can use on both your diapers and the rest of your laundry. If you don't want to change detergents yet, I would suggest changing him more frequently until the rash goes away and also use powder or cornstarch at diaper changes and then on a regular basis to keep him dry. You may also want to try some fleece liners. They serve as a stay dry barrier between your babes skin and the cotton prefold. They can help, and would definitely be worth a try.

Also, not sure on your washing routine but sometimes you need an extra rinse before your wash cycle to ensure that you're rinsing them enough. Ammonia can build up and essentially reactivate when the baby pees in the diaper causing a rash. It's also important to make sure you aren't washing too many diapers at once.

Do you have a laundry related or cloth diaper related question? Post your question as a comment and we'll try our best to find you the answers you need!

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Thirsties Edition

This week, in honor of our fabulous Pimp Your Stash sponsor, Thirsties, the Cloth Diaper Geek will focus on some frequently asked questions regarding your favorite Thirsties products. Here, every Tuesday, at Diaper Discussions you'll find answers to reader submitted questions. No question is too big or small for The Cloth Diaper Geek! Post your questions as comments or feel free to use our Reader Contribution Form to submit your question.

Question: I've heard you aren't supposed to tuck your prefolds under the flap in the front of the Thirsties Covers, is this true? If so, why not?

The Geek's Answer: Although at first it might appear that the flap is there to hold your prefold in place, it is actually there to serve as a barrier. One of the most common areas on a diaper for leaks/wicking is through the stitching on the tummy that secures the aplix/velcro to the diaper. Thirsties "flap" is there to provide the extra protection you need to keep baby comfortable and dry longer. Placing your prefold in the flap would cancel out the benefit of having a barrier and would cause premature wicking.

Question: I've heard that fluffing my Thirsties covers/diapers on high heat is recommended to seal the PUL. What does this mean?

The Geek's Answer: It's not unusual for new diapers to need to be washed, or at the very least dried before there first use. Since needles are used in the sewing/manufacturing process tiny holes are made in the waterproof fabric known as PUL. A full cycle in the dryer helps reseal the PUL, essentially shrinking it around the thread sewn into the product, reducing the impact these tiny holes can create

Question: My baby has a latex allergy, is it safe for me to use Thirsties products on him?

The Geek's Answer: Absolutely! All Thirsties products are PVC (vinyl), phthalate, lead and latex free!

For more FAQ questions and answers regarding Thirsites products please click HERE.

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! #2

Welcome to this week's edition of The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Here, every Tuesday, at Diaper Discussions you'll find answers to reader submitted questions. No question is too big or small for The Cloth Diaper Geek! Post your questions as comments or feel free to use our Reader Contribution Form to submit your question.

Below you'll find some frequently asked questions answered by The Cloth Diaper Geek!

Question: I've heard of stripping your diapers but I've never heard of stripping your washing machine? What does that entail and how do I know if I need to do it or not?

The Geek's Answer: Stripping your washing machine is pretty much just a deep cleaning to remove any dirt, debris, or laundry detergent buildup that may have occurred inside the washing machine. Prior to using/washing cloth diapers you may have used a detergent with additives not suitable for cloth. When washing your diapers there is a chance that the buildup inside your washer can affect your wash load and cause your diapers to repel even though you are currently washing with a diaper safe detergent.

Here's how:
Add 2 cups of white vinegar or 1 cup of bleach to an empty washer. Fill with cold water for the bleach method, hot/warm water for the vinegar method, and run a full wash cycle. This can be done monthly.

Question: I've read that hemp diapers shouldn't get washed with other non-hemp diapers? Is this true? Why?

The Geek's Answer: Good Question. Even the Geek hadn't known the answer to this one until recently. New Hemp diapers will need to be washed at least 2-3 times prior to washing with your regular diaper laundry. Hemp oil (a natural plant based oil) is naturally found in the fabric and washes out after a few washes. If washed with your other diapers the oil could coat your diapers, causing them to repel. This only applies to new diapers which haven't been washed/prepped. Wash them separately at least 2-3 times before use.


Have a question for the Geek? Post your comments below.

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! 1st Edition

Welcome to the first edition of The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all! Here, every Tuesday, at Diaper Discussions you'll find answers to reader submitted questions. No question is too big or small for The Cloth Diaper Geek! Post your questions as comments or feel free to use our Reader Contribution Form to submit your question.

To kick it off, below you'll find some frequently asked questions answered by The Cloth Diaper Geek!

Question: I've heard that you aren't supposed to place microfiber directly against the babies skin, is this true? If so, why?

The Geek's Answer: Great question! Microfiber is a super absorbent synthetic fiber and while it does feel soft to the touch (especially when new), some theories are that it can dehydrate babies sensitive skin when placed directly against it and cause dryness, rashes, allergies, etc. While microfiber is miraculous at soaking up liquids, it is not known for feeling dry to the touch. A quick dry liner of fleece or suedecloth is recommended or use the microfiber inside pocket diaper where there will be a barrier between it and your babe's precious bum.

Question: What is sunning and why is it recommended for cloth diapers?

The Geek's Answer: Sunning is the practice of either putting your diapers out to dry in the sun or sunning them in order to remove stains. Not only is it going reduce the wear and tear on your diapers compared to drying in a machine, it will also save you money off your electric bill! Plus, the sun's natural UV rays kill germs and bacteria naturally, help prevent undesired odor buildup, and it's a sure fire way to remove stains without the use of harsh chemicals.

On top of all those benefits, there's nothing quite as pleasing as seeing all your colorful diapers and accessories hanging out on the line on a nice sunny day.

Have a question for the Geek? Post your comments below.