Plastic table cloths instead of PUL?

[MittensKittens]

Trying to be resourceful and spend less. I have been thinking about using those vinyl, not to thick tablecloths instead of PUL. I would encase a layer of tablecloth into a diaper, so the plastic won't rub against baby's skin. Has anyone tried this? What are your experiences?

[CanBoo]

Yeah I've heard that they don't last long with washing and drying.

[MittensKittens]

Toxic fumes don't sound to nice, I think I will skip that! Can't get Gerber products here either. Any other suggestions?

[dis]

Originally Posted by MittensKittens

Toxic fumes don't sound to nice, I think I will skip that! Can't get Gerber products here either. Any other suggestions?

Honestly, if you want the waterproof material, it's best to bite the bullet and just get some PUL. When I think of the money I spent trying to save money avoiding PUL...well, let's just say I should have gone ahead and gotten the PUL six months sooner, I'd have saved myself a lot of time, money, and aggravation. There really isn't much else like it.

[Carol/GA]

There is only one place in the world that makes PUL that is decent, and that is Fabrite. You can buy Fabrite PUL from a variety of sources. There is also PROCARE that is great for wet bags but too stiff for diapers.

You can't use tablecloths or any other laminated fabric but PUL for dipes. Believe me, I thought of that, too, but they crack in the dryer and aren't very good at all.

[momoftworedheads]

You can get PUL reasonably on Ebay and from co-ops on Yahoo. I've paid anywhere from 6-7.50 a yd. You can ussually get 4-5 diapers or covers from a yd so considering the price of a AIO or a cover compared to the Yd of PUL, the PUl is reasonable.

Good luck!!

Take care

[MittensKittens]

Originally Posted by momoftworedheads

You can get PUL reasonably on Ebay and from co-ops on Yahoo. I've paid anywhere from 6-7.50 a yd. You can ussually get 4-5 diapers or covers from a yd so considering the price of a AIO or a cover compared to the Yd of PUL, the PUl is reasonable.

Good luck!!

Take care

I know, and I have done this before, but I am in Eastern Europe and shipping is expensive. I guess I'll just have to deal with that . I agree that it'll still be cheaper than buying commercial dipes!

[Salihah]

The vinyl tablecloths aren't made to be washed in a machine usually, and if so, not multiple times a week for month after month. It'll just wear out. Also, being encased, wicking can be a big issue. Some shops that sell PUL sell diaper cuts for half the price of a yard. That helps save and conserve.

Keep thinking ideas, though, never know what might be the next great idea in diapering!

[ApeClems]

What about using the plastic curtain but having enough of them to hand wash and then hang to dry? That way there isnt any fumes?
I am hoping to save up to buy enough PUL but would that work for quick covers for atleast a while until I get some made with PUL?


~April

[lalemma]

This is totally not a PUL-replacement, but if you're looking for something to sew diaper covers with, fleece has worked really well for me! I sewed a few just to see what it was like.

I think you're supposed to use high-quality fleece for optimal waterproofness, but when I was just trying out a pattern, I used - gasp - an old fleece lap blanket. It worked fine. I did double it, for a total of two layers (I was hiding the elastic). So it's bulkier than a PUL cover.

But if you're strapped for cash, it might be an option! And I suspect that if you used good fleece, like Windpro, you wouldn't need two layers anyway. You could probably find an old fleece sweater made of good fleece at a thrift store, too!

[workjw]

Originally Posted by lalemma

This is totally not a PUL-replacement, but if you're looking for something to sew diaper covers with, fleece has worked really well for me! I sewed a few just to see what it was like.

I think you're supposed to use high-quality fleece for optimal waterproofness, but when I was just trying out a pattern, I used - gasp - an old fleece lap blanket. It worked fine. I did double it, for a total of two layers (I was hiding the elastic). So it's bulkier than a PUL cover.

But if you're strapped for cash, it might be an option! And I suspect that if you used good fleece, like Windpro, you wouldn't need two layers anyway. You could probably find an old fleece sweater made of good fleece at a thrift store, too!

Thanks for posting this. I had read this somewhere else and was wondering if it was worth trying.

[mamapixie]

and if you have a Joann's fabrics(or even Walmart with a fabric section) check the remnant bins for fleece. It's nicely discounted, and the pieces are frequently big enough for a cover or two.

I just made two fleece soakers out of the bag that my fleece sheets came in. I figured I was never going to put them back in the bag, so I upcycled the fleece. I got one complete medium soaker and one body and wetzone layer for another(and then I had some coordinating fleece sitting in my fabric bin that I used for the waistband and legs)

I wouldn't use a tablecloth or shower curtain, or anything else that wasn't meant to be washed in hot water frequently.

and remember that old wool sweaters make great covers too!

[Ellien C]

Originally Posted by mamapixie

and remember that old wool sweaters make great covers too!

Yes to the sweaters, but if they aren't fully felted, they can't be washed in hot water either. But - with wool, you won't need to wash so much. It really doesn't get stinky - has some natural anti-microbial properties.

Could you post on free-cycle or somewhere that you are looking for old sweaters - moth holes OK?

[sabetts]

2 way stretchy vinyl?

Hi folks,

I got some two way stretchy vinyl fabric at fabricland that I thought I'd use as a waterproof layer for an all-in-one diaper. It's nitted fabric on one side (maybe polyester, i dunno) and coated with stretchy vinyl on the other.

What do you guys think?

-Shawn

[Nicole730]

Originally Posted by sabetts

Hi folks,

I got some two way stretchy vinyl fabric at fabricland that I thought I'd use as a waterproof layer for an all-in-one diaper. It's nitted fabric on one side (maybe polyester, i dunno) and coated with stretchy vinyl on the other.

What do you guys think?

-Shawn

Sounds interesting, I'd give it a try!