Cloth Diapers - anyone?

[mshanson3121]

How many here cloth diaper? We are looking at switching our 6 year old (medical issues causing incontinence) over to cloth training pants, mainly because they look more like mainstream underwear, since she's very embarrassed by the of the disposable Pull Ups. We're looking at a few difference ones: Blueberry Trainers, Bummis Potty Pant and Apple Cheeks. We plan on buying the flushable liners, so that any streaking is easily dealt with.

My question is: we only have cold water hooked up to our washer. Will this be a problem? Also, what is a good washing routine for cloth training pants that aren't going to be getting heavily soaked in pee (she rarely full pees herself, she just dribbles enough that she needs to change her panties). We tried doing panty liners in her panties but she wasn't crazy on the feel of them, and if it wasn't situated just right sometimes the stool streaks still went on her panties anyways.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

How many here cloth diaper? We are looking at switching our 6 year old (medical issues causing incontinence) over to cloth training pants, mainly because they look more like mainstream underwear, since she's very embarrassed by the of the disposable Pull Ups. We're looking at a few difference ones: Blueberry Trainers, Bummis Potty Pant and Apple Cheeks. We plan on buying the flushable liners, so that any streaking is easily dealt with.

My question is: we only have cold water hooked up to our washer. Will this be a problem? Also, what is a good washing routine for cloth training pants that aren't going to be getting heavily soaked in pee (she rarely full pees herself, she just dribbles enough that she needs to change her panties). We tried doing panty liners in her panties but she wasn't crazy on the feel of them, and if it wasn't situated just right sometimes the stool streaks still went on her panties anyways.

Well, for me, personally, I'd want to be washing the pants with hot water (or at least warm). Just my feeling that cold won't get all the germs out.

 

[star72232]

You can wash in cold, I often did.

How much absorbancy do you need? Would a cloth pad (often called "mama cloth") be enough? You can get long ones, but they would still fit easily in her underwear.

 

[Shanti]

How many here cloth diaper? We are looking at switching our 6 year old (medical issues causing incontinence) over to cloth training pants, mainly because they look more like mainstream underwear, since she's very embarrassed by the of the disposable Pull Ups. We're looking at a few difference ones: Blueberry Trainers, Bummis Potty Pant and Apple Cheeks. We plan on buying the flushable liners, so that any streaking is easily dealt with.

My question is: we only have cold water hooked up to our washer. Will this be a problem? Also, what is a good washing routine for cloth training pants that aren't going to be getting heavily soaked in pee (she rarely full pees herself, she just dribbles enough that she needs to change her panties). We tried doing panty liners in her panties but she wasn't crazy on the feel of them, and if it wasn't situated just right sometimes the stool streaks still went on her panties anyways.

We used a cloth diaper service when our son was a baby. They dropped off clean diapers to our doorstep once a week, and likewise picked up the dirty ones. Could a diaper service solve your dilemma, possibly?

 

[MommyinHonduras]

I have four in cloth diapers and only have cold water running to my washing machine and line dry everything. Most important find a detergent that dies not build up. Flushable liners might not be very comfortable but are convenient. I prefer organic cotton flats so they can be folded to what fits best. One of mine is 7 years old but he is does not talk or walk.

 

[jahber]

We cloth diaper and although I don't use any of the brands you listed, I have used disposable liners before. I love them. But please don't flush them, even though they say "flushable." They mess with the plumbing--especially if you have an older house. I have a regular office trash can with a grocery bag as a trash can that I used for the liners and wipes (although I use cloth wipes most of the time). Just toss the liners. They won't end up smelling like regular diapers, but even if they do, it's easy to change the bag every couple of days. That's what I do.
Cold water is fine, but you'll have some trial and error to figure out which combination of rinsing, washing, and rinsing works for you. And vinegar in the final rinse will help, too.

 

[mshanson3121]

We used a cloth diaper service when our son was a baby. They dropped off clean diapers to our doorstep once a week, and likewise picked up the dirty ones. Could a diaper service solve your dilemma, possibly?

I dont think we have one around.

 

[toystory1130]

I know you said she didn't like regular pads but what about cloth pads? On Etsy they have a ton to choose from, in all sizes and colors. I know I've seen plenty of Disney ones. They definatly have more comfort than store bought. Just a thought....

 

[mshanson3121]

I've thought about the pads, too. That would probably be cheaper.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I cloth diapered my first but only washed on HOT.

 

[MariMama]

Cloth diapers should be washed in hot water and bleached to be sanitized.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Cloth diapers should be washed in hot water and bleached to be sanitized.

I used hot water and bleach, and DS still got an infection -- pediatrician said to use only disposables at night.

 

[lanejudy]

mainly because they look more like mainstream underwear, since she's very embarrassed by the of the disposable Pull Ups.

Have you/she tried the cloth ones? I recommend trying one, or two, and see how she likes it. Honestly, we found that cloth "diapers" for that size child were bulky and unable to hide the fact it was a diaper pant. The brands you mention appear much bulkier than disposable pull-ups. The GoodNites Tru-Fit underwear is the most "real underwear" looking and least bulky that I've seen; but I will admit we didn't use them.

If she's not needing full absorbancy, rather than a panty liner would a full-size incontinence pad fit better? It might not shift as much since it extends further -- especially on a smaller person.

Good luck! I understand the challenge of a school-age child needing incontinence products but not wanting it to be obvious.

 

[star72232]

Cloth diapers should be washed in hot water and bleached to be sanitized.

Bleach destroys the elastic that is in most cloth diapers now (unless you are using flats or prefolds). Sunning works just as well to kill bacteria and isn't toxic.

ETA - unless you are dealing with yeast. If that's the case, you do need to bleach.

 

[tzolkin]

Since this is incontinence and not full wetting, I would probably try the cloth pads rather than the full diapers/underwear. This would also give her the option of just replacing the pad rather than changing her clothing.

Another option I would look into would be period panties. I have not tried them, but they are supposed to hold a day's worth of menstrual blood so I would think mild incontinence would be no problem. This would of course not work if your DD is too small to wear the smallest size the underwear comes in (I would assume women's XS)

 

[CaoilinnsMom]

I was thinking about the goodnight's cloth underwear as well. Maybe put a cloth insert into one? Have you looked on etsy? There are lots of removable cloth pads and some incontinence underwear there. You might even try the period panties if she is large enough.

 

[low-key]

yes, cloth feels much better on my bottom

 

[jevs]

I used cloth on my twins because disposables cost a fortune. Cold wash then on the line in the sun to dry - don't own a clothes dryer.

 

[jahber]

I second cloth pads and/or period panties if the diapers end up not being the best option. I use Luna Pads, which makes both pads and panties. There are plenty of other companies out there, too.