11 – Leaking Diapers

Apr 18,2011 / By Maria / 4 Comments

If you have a cloth diaper question, on Mondays, I answer reader submitted questions, and ask my other readers to help too.

Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or Fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.

This submission is a little different than usual. I figured Jodie wouldn’t want to wait until today to get an answer, plus I needed some more info to really figure out what was up. So, this includes a little email back & forth!

Jodie says:

Hi Maria,
I have been cloth diapering my son from basically day 1. He is now 9 months old and I am officially stumped and I need your help. My favorite diapers are Smartipants and most of my stash is made up of them. However, all of a sudden they are leaking on me. It has been going on for about 2 weeks. Sometimes they are fine; other times, not so much. Every since he really started moving, I started to have issues.

If it is a repelling issue, what is the best way to strip them? Do I need to do more than just soak them?

If it is a sizing issue, how do I get the right fit for his size and shape?

If it is a clothing issue, are there onesies out there that are cut higher in the legs so that they don’t gather at the thighs?

What is going on?

Please help. I am getting pretty desperate.

Thanks,
Jodie

I said:

Hi Jodie,
I’m sure you don’t want to wait for an answer until this is published in a Mailbox Mondays post, so I am emailing you, then will also post this to get ideas from other readers!

How big is your son? What size setting are you using? Are the diapers snug around his legs? How often are you changing him? When you change him, is the insert soaked, or does it seem to be actually leaking from somewhere? Is it happening with all of your diapers, or just the Smartipants?

If the insert is soaked, you may need to change more often and/or add a doubler. If there’s any leg gap, it could be coming out there. Sometimes slight repelling + slight leg gap=major leaking. I especially wonder if this is happening since you said this started when he became more mobile. If they’re not really snug around his legs, the urine can come right out before it’s absorbed. I had this problem big time when I was super-stuffing diapers for night time. After you diaper him, do some bicycling with his legs and things and see if there’s any gap. If so, you may need to tighten up the legs a bit.

If it seems snug on his legs, and the insert isn’t completely soaked, you may have part of his onesie getting tucked into the leg opening. With cloth you often have to size onesies up to fit.

So if it seems like the moisture is just coming straight out and the diaper isn’t wet at all, plus there isn’t a major leg gap, you are probably having repelling. In my opinion, the best place to start with fixing that is to wash the diapers and inserts in hot water with no detergent, and repeat until you’re seeing no detergent bubbles or residue in the water. Then, take a look at your detergent and wash routine to see what caused it. If you’ve been using any diapers creams, that could be the culprit.

I hope this helps a little bit to figure out what’s going on. If you answer a few of the 10,000 questions I asked I can help some more. 😉

Maria

Jodie said:

Thank you for getting back to me. I am beginning to think that it is an absorbency issue. (Though there are times he is barely in the diaper and he leaks.) Yesterday, I double stuffed his Smartipants and we didn’t have any leaks. So whether that tighten his legs or just added more absorbency, I am not sure, but it might have solved the situation. I am going to test it out a little more before I order more inserts.

To answer some of your questions:

My son is 9 months about 20 lbs. and 29 in. He is a tall little guy. We use the medium setting on the diapers with the snaps either completely shut or one snap out. The diapers do seem tight on his legs. I have not seen any gaps and there are impression marks when I change his diapers. If he is in his Smartipants, I have been changing him every 2 hours. Before I was having issues, I was changing him probably every 3 hours. When I change him, sometimes the diaper seems soaked; other times, it isn’t but I still had a leak. It does seem like the leaks are come from his legs. And it is only happening with the Smartipants. We use Flips (w/ stay-dry), Grobabys, and a few odds and ends diapers. They all seem fine.

Thanks for the answers.

Jodie

I said:

Hmm…the other thing I was thinking is that maybe the insert isn’t completely flat, or maybe he just needs an insert that goes all the way from leg opening to leg opening if you know what I mean? The Smartipants doesn’t quite because of the sleeve design.

Glad it seems to be resolved for now though!

Maria

——-

When I have had leak issues personally, they have been because the absorbency wasn’t enough, the fit wasn’t right (especially if there was any leg gap!) or the insert wasn’t flat inside the pocket/the diaper just wasn’t on quite right.

Cloth diapering can geta little confusing because there’s no quick answer when you’re having a problem, it could be any number of things. A baby’s shape can change as they get older and what fit well before, might not anymore. Their wetting habits can change greatly too. I recommend aiming to check diapers every two hours, but some babies are just super soakers. You could have changed a barely wet diaper 5 minutes ago, then they let loose and completely soak the new one.

For babies who do this, changing more often may not be the answer. You may need additional absorbency (I think knickernappies Loopydo inserts are great!)

Have any of you had sudden leaking issues? Did you determine what the problem was? How did you resolve it?

Cloth Diaper Giveaways – Roundup for 4/15/11 (Plus Linky For All Giveaways)

Apr 15,2011 / By Maria / 1 Comment

Want cloth diaper giveaways? Here they are! It’s Friday, so I’m posting the cloth diaper/accessory/baby wearing giveaways I’ve come across this week, so you can enter some!

If you’d like me to publish your cloth diaper, accessory, baby wearing (etc.) giveaway next week, send a link and description to maria at change-diapers.com, or Fill out my contact form for readers.

My Green Acre Designs cloth diaper giveaway ends 4/19 (open to the U.S. and Canada)

*$25 AppleCheeks GC from Happenings of the Harper Household Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/15)

*Tiny Tush Diaper from Oh So Savvy Mom Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/15)

*Sprout Change Diaper from Lindsay’s Family Reviews & Giveaways Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/15) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Best Bottom Diaper from Naturalmente Mama (ends 4/15)

Econobum Trial Pack from Life with Levi Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/15)

Tiny Tush Packages from Kelly Wels (ends 4/15)

ChubbieBums Diaper (Gift Certificate) from T-Rex Mom and Dad (ends 4/15)

*Happy Heiny’s Diaper from SweetPeas Cloth and It Keeps Getting Better Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/16)

Smart Bottoms Diaper from Mama B Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/16) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Itti Bitti Diapers from Mom Always Finds Out Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/16) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Rumparooz Diaper from The Cloth Diaper Fairy & Fluff Envy Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/16)

Smart Bottoms Daper from Mama B Mandatory Facebook “like” (ends 4/16) Open to the U.S. and Canada

*Ergo Baby Carrier from Luv My Two Girls (ends 4/17)

Blueberry Trainers from My Precious Kid and Life With My Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/19)

Two Sweet Potatoes Wipes from So Easy Being Green Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/19) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Tiny Heiny Diaper from Instinctual Mamas Mandatory GFC follow and Facebook “like” (ends 4/19) Open to the U.S. and Canada

$25 Suburban Tree Hugger GC from Mama B (ends 4/19)

*Zookies Cover from Mommy and Me Giveaways Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/20) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Bumgenius 4.0s and Thirsties Fab Wipes from The Budget Mommy (ends 4/20)

Itti Bitti Diapers from This Mama Loves Her Bargains (ends 4/20)

Blissful Booty Diaper from Nicki’s Cloth Diaper Reviews Mandatory blog follow and Facebook “like” (ends 4/20)

Kissaluvs Marvels AIO from Real Mom Reviews (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Itti Bitti Diapers from Mama on a Green Mission Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/21)

Bella Bottoms Diaper from Diary of a Devil Dog Wife (ends 4/21)

Green Sprout Baby Diaper from Knocked up and Nursing (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Fuzzibunz Diaper from Baby Belle Bottoms and Mama B (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold & Wrap from Cloth Diaper Contests & Giveaways (ends 4/21) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Kushies Flushable Liners from Just Add Cloth (ends 4/21)

Blissful Booty Diaper from My This N That Life Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/22)

ComfyRumps Cloth Diapers from Mama Days Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/22) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Mother-Ease Cloth Diaper Package from Mari’s Organized Mess Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/22)

Envibum Diaper from Crazy 4 Fluff Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/22)

$25 AppleCheeks GC from My Wee View (ends 4/22) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Happy Heinys Diaper from SweetPeas Cloth and Life with my Littles Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/23)

Smart Bottoms Diaper from Happenings of the Harper Household Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/25)

Green Line Diaper form Padded Tush Stats Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/25)

Cow Patties Diaper from Lindsay’s Family Reviews & Giveaways Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/25)

Evolution Ion Diaper from Madison Organics and Dirty Diaper Laundry (ends 4/25)

Applecheeks and Softbums Diapers from Pure Modern Baby and Mama B (ends 4/25) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Beco Baby Carrier from Sugar Pop Ribbons Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/26)

Happy Heinys, Rumparooz and Fuzzibunz Diapers from Bitty Bums and Double Duty Mommy (ends 4/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Happy Heinys, Rumparooz and Fuzzibunz Diapers from Bitty Bums and Mama B (ends 4/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Sweet Pea Diaper from Sugar Pop Ribbons Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/26)

Oh Katy Diaper from Mama B (ends 4/26) Open to the U.S. and Canada

GoGreen Pocket Diaper from Luxury Living Frugal Style (ends 4/26)

Tiny Tush Diaper from Simply Stacie (ends 4/27)

*Knickernappies O/S Diaper from Wee Little Changes (ends 4/28)

Rumparooz and Bumgenius Diapers from Lullaby Kisses and Mama B (ends 4/28)

Thirsties Duo Wrap from Wee Little Changes and Lindsay’s Family Reviews and Giveaways Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/28)

Dinkledooz Diaper from Go Go Natural and The Mommy Goods (ends 4/28)

Sweet Pea Diaper from What Mama Wants Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/28)

$15 Cozy Kids GC from Mommy and Me Giveaways Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/28)

Sustainablebabyish Wool Longies from Knocked Up & Nursing (ends 4/30)

Tot Bots Easy Fit or Tiny Fit from Modern Cloth and Dirty Diaper Laundry (ends 4/30)

Itti Bitti Diapers from The Momccupation Mandatory GFC follow (ends 4/30)

Bummas Wipes from Mom Always Finds Out Mandatory GFC follow (ends 5/1)

Sprout Change Diaper from Mom Always Finds Out Mandatory GFC follow (ends 5/1)

LocoGnome Woolie from Sapsmama Mandatory GFC follow (ends 5/3) Open to the U.S. and Canada

Mother-Ease Cloth Diaper from Love You Always and Forever Mandatory GFC follow (ends 5/3)

Swaddlebees Diaper from Marn’s Organized Mess Mandatory GFC follow (ends 5/4)

*giveaways that have been listed in a prior week’s roundup

You may enter any “family friendly” giveaway in the linky below. The form Blog name – Giveaway Item – Ending date works well. Please at least include the item and end date, and link directly to the giveaway.

View my where I list my giveaways post, to find more places to link up your giveaways!

BPA Free Eco-Friendly/Green

Bumkins Superbibs and BPA Free Playtex Toddler Utensils Review

Apr 14,2011 / By Maria / No Comment

My daughter turned 6 in February. When I was choosing baby stuff during my pregnancy with her, things sure were different. I feel like an old lady telling “back in my day” stories, but it’s true! Gender neutral stroller/pack & play/high chair choices were navy blue plaid or navy blue plaid. The number of gadgets and baby doo-dads have grown exponentially.

We also had no idea about BPA. We ended up pitching a lot of the stuff we had saved from her toddler years. Plates, bowls, cups, utensils… I didn’t know what the BPA status of the stuff was, and some of it looked odd after being stored in basements and attics so long.

I never did find a bib I liked for her either. I liked the pocket style bibs, and ones that were a bit larger, but nothing was quite right. Most just had a small square of velcro to close them, so they left a big gap at her teeny neck. The “wipeable” ones I had were some sort of vinyl, so most certainly chemical filled, and while they were not machine washable, they also had an edging of a cottony material, so they got filthy and were nearly impossible to clean!

I found these Bumkins Superbibs at ToysRUs. They seemed kind of pricey at $6.49 each, but they were on sale for $5.49. Bumkins also has smaller bibs, junior bibs, sleeved bibs, and super sized bibs. They are Lead Safe, PVC, BPA, Phthalate & Vinyl Free.

They come in lots of adorable patterns!

There is a lot of play in the closure, to fit your baby no matter what his/her size. I had picked up these two thinking that I’d get a few more if I liked them, but I didn’t need to! These are truly wipeable, machine machable, and hang dry in a snap. I can easily use the same bib all day and wipe it as needed.

The texture of the material is perfect, it’s not so slick that something like yogurt will slide right off, and the pocket does a great job of catching food that misses the old mouth! We have been using these bibs for well over a year now and they still look brand new!

I bought the Playtex Toddler Utensils at Target for $4.19 for each set of fork/spoon. They are BPA and Phthlate free and are ergonomically shaped so they are easy to hold.

The spoon is shallow, almost flattened, so it makes it really easy for the baby to get the food off of the spoon. The forks have a little bit of a scoop to them, so they are easy for babies to use, since the poke food with your fork skill takes some time!

They are also dishwasher safe (WOO HOO) and have held up wonderfully!

FTC compliance: I paid normal retail prices for the above items. I was not compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

OsoCozy AIO Cloth Diaper(s) Winner

Apr 12,2011 / By Maria / No Comment

171 people entered this giveaway, with 393 entries in all. Entrant #254 gets three OsoCozy AIO diapers in her choice of size, color and inners. Congrats to Amy V.! I’m sending you an email now.

Cloth Diapers Giveaway Large/Special Needs Diapers Made in the USA One Size Diapers Pocket Diapers Review Side Snapping Sized Diapers Snap Closure WAHM made

Green Acre Designs Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway U.S./Canada (CLOSED 4/19)

Apr 12,2011 / By Maria / 11 Comments

Since I started cloth diapering in 2009, I’ve heard Green Acre Designs (GAD) mentioned a lot. GAD makes sized pocket diapers and AIOs with PUL, fleece, or fuzzy “GADimals” outers. They also have one-size semi-fitted pockets, covers and inserts. Definitely worth noting are their husky medium and extra-large sizes. Weights are difficult to estimate since it really depends on the child’s build, but GAD estimates the extra-large will fit 29-55 pounds (Rise: 15-22, Waist: 14-28, Thigh: 11-19, Stride: 6), so check these out if you’re looking for a large or special needs child!

I received a gorgeous embroidered medium pocket diaper and a one-size microfiber terry insert.

The embroidered diaper retails for $23.95 and the inserts are $4.50 each. The insert is sewn in a loop for more thorough washing and faster drying, and the flaps give you the ability to put the absorbency where you need it (4 layers in the insert and 4 in the flaps.) Green Acre Designs also has sized microfiber and French terry inserts, one-size hemp French terry inserts and hemp French terry doublers.

The pocket diaper has elastic on both the front and back of the diaper to contain messes, and side snaps for a trim fit.

The diaper I received has an additional flap of PUL covering the embroidery to prevent any wicking through. This embroidery backing is an option available for an additional $1.00.

The diaper has 1 mil PUL outside and microfleece inside. All GAD diapers come with a one-year warranty on snaps, elastic and PUL!

I received the “green baby” embroidery on kiwi PUL with butter microfleece, but there are tons of color and embroidery options available!

I’m loving all the little details like the finished pocket opening edges.

The diaper I received is a medium. My son is about 22 months and 22 pounds, and it fits him wonderfully with plenty of room to grow. Here is the size chart (ranges of course vary greatly based on your baby’s size & shape!):

Pocket Sizing	Waist (Inches)	Thigh (Inches)	Rise (Inches)	Stride (Inches)	Weight (Pounds)	Approximate Age
Small	8-16	6-9	10.5-14	4.5	7-15	0-6 Months
Medium	11-23	8-13	12-16	5.5	12-25	2-18 Months
Medium Long	11-23	8-14	12.5-17	5.5	15-35	3 Months-2.5 Years
Husky Medium	12-24	8-14	12-16	5.5	15-35	3 Months-2.5 Years
Large	12-24	9-15	14-19	5.5	22-40	8 Months-4 Years
Extra Large	Coming Soon	Coming Soon	Coming Soon	6	28-55	1.5 Years-7 Year

Here I’ve measured the medium folded and stretched:

I thought the diaper looked just as adorable on.

It fit really well, and the one-size microfiber insert was very absorbent. It did take me a little bit to figure out exactly how to fold it, so he has quite the booty in this picture!!

Giveaway: Green Acre Designs is offering one reader a PUL pocket diaper with microfleece inner, in their choice of color and size, along with a microfiber insert (ARV $19.45.) The winner is able to upgrade to a hemp insert for $2.00, or pay to add embroidery if they choose!

Here’s how to enter: All entries go in the form below. I love comments (great way to remind yourself you entered) but comments do not count as entries.

Mandatory entries include your name, email address and your Green Acre Designs feedback. Tell me what you like best/least. This could be products, colors, something about the website etc. You may receive Bonus entries if you follow Green Acre Designs on Twitter and/or Tweet about this giveaway (one time entry for tweeting please.) You may use this tweet if you like: #win a #clothdiaper #giveaway from @chgdiapers and @GADclothdiapers #GreenAcreDesigns #clothdiapers rock! Ends 4/19 http://bit.ly/gIqtKu

I will accept entries until Tuesday, April 19th, 2011 at 9:00 P.M. Eastern. I will select a winner using random.org’s true random number generator and notify him/her by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond before the prize is forfeited and a new winner is chosen. View my giveaway rules page for complete details. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada

# of entries received as of giveaway close: 217

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FTC compliance: I received the above item at no charge in order to review them. I was not otherwise compensated for this post, and all opinions are my own.

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Cloth Diaper Advice – Mailbox Mondays 4/18/11 – Leaking Diapers

Cloth Diaper Giveaways – Roundup for 4/15/11 (Plus Linky For All Giveaways)

Bumkins Superbibs and BPA Free Playtex Toddler Utensils Review

OsoCozy AIO Cloth Diaper(s) Winner

Green Acre Designs Cloth Diaper Review & Giveaway U.S./Canada (CLOSED 4/19)

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