sooo I'm really tired of leaks at night...

[asoulunbound]

My diapers all seem to suddenly be leaking. All of them. I have found the covers/wraps in the dryer (thanks oh so helpful family- they've been kindly educated now) a few times, but even ones that haven't been in the dryer are leaking now. Is this a washing issue? I know that some of the fitteds are getting to be too small, but not all. I am just worried I'm washing them wrong or something. We use plain powdered tide HE, and have a front loader. Most of the diapers and fitted are made by my mom. We have like one thirsties fitted and one bummis wrap, the rest are prefolds or fitted and home made. TIA.

[Michigan Mama]

Could be your washing routine - tide isn't generally recommended for cd because the color, fragrance, enzymes, etc of some detergents can cause build up on your diapers and decrease absorbancy over time.

A couple things to try: first, try a different detergent, here's a nice list. Make sure no fabric softner is going in your machine. If you're using the dryer, then no dryer sheets either. Don't use thick diaper creams, or if you need to, put a barrier down like a fleece or flushable liner.

And you need to strip your diapers to restore their absorbancy. There are lots of ways to do this, you will find a million threads here, but what I might try first is a squirt of blue Dawn (original formula), with multiple hot washes/rinses. And make them as hot as you can. I turn up the hot water heater if i need to. Rinse until there are no more bubbles.

Some people strip their diapers in the dishwasher and boiling them is also an option. You don't need to strip your covers.

hth some!

[paintingmom]

I agree with the PP change your detergent, strip, and if your covers are PUL the drier is a good thing every once in a while--it seals up holes.

You also may need to add some absorbency we went through this a couple of months ago after over 6 months of perfection at night--babies change. DARN THEM!

Good luck!

[asoulunbound]

TY that chart is amazing. what (if any) of those can you find in stores?
I also would not have ever thought of the dryer helping, and I'm not sure about stripping but now I have something to google, lol. I'm just very new to all this. Fortunately I'm low on tide so it makes sense for me to get a new bottle/box of soap.