Pins or Snappi? Extra layers or doublers?

[DocsNemesis]

Hi mama's! So I'm working on opening my own business here soonish and I'm still working on the design of my prefold...things...I'm not sure what exactly to call them since I'm avoiding extra layers in the middle. That and I'm making the first batch for my own kiddos to see how it goes and I can't make up my mind...anyway...

I'm trying to decide if I should focus on totally bamboo velour diapers or bamboo/terry (or maybe bamboo/fleece? How well does fleece usually snappi and is it preferred?). I know velour doesn't snappi well and it seems like a LOT of moms prefer to snappi. Am I just imagining that? I know I could make a combo of both and I may just do that, but I'm still wondering how many moms actually pin anymore. Or don't snappi OR pin and just lay the prefold in a cover.

I'm also debating the way to make the prefolds. I remember reading that bamboo can take awhile to dry if there are too many layers. Seeing as I'm making these for myself as well and dry time is very important to me (I use a laundromat!), this is something I'm worried about. I've already nixed the idea of traditional prefold styling due to this, but what I can't decide is-should I just make an extra layer or two all over or keep the prefold thinner and add in a nice doubler or two? And if I add in a doubler, would snaps be welcome or an annoyance? Or maybe attached on one side to allow for easier drying?

I'm not new to CDing, so some of this is coming from personal experience-ie, having the doublers shift during wear-but that doesn't mean I have any clue what other moms like! lol

Anywho, any opinions are very very welcome! I want to know what to start off with at least, even if I end up changing it in the end. TIA!

[Funny Face]

I don't know about the material questions but as for the doubler I'd sew end to the pf so that it is a flap that dries well but is still attached.

I'd love to be able to buy a pf that has a stay dry liner on one side, that would be cool!

[DocsNemesis]

I'll give that a try. I'm not sure how many layers of fabric my serger can handle, but I'll give it a go!

I'm weird though and don't like stay dry liners, except at night. In my experience, my kids that potty learned at an earlier age were in cloth where they could feel the pee; my latest learner was in BG's only and took FOREVER! That and I think I'm going to try some EC this time again.

Hmm...maybe I could add a stay dry topper to the doubler thing, whether its attached or not. Interesting thought....

[octobermom]

Totally not what you are decribing but I'd love to see a regular cotton prefolds just like the new econobum with it a tradtional indian cotton twill but in two sizes a NB/small and medium/large. For the materials your suggesting which I' consider for night I still prefer all natural fibers.

Deanna

[katelove]

I do not like snappis *at all*. I always groan to myself when I am changing a nappy in hospital and the parents have used a snappi.

I feel totally comfortable with pins and plan to use them for our babe but I think I'm in the minority.

[DocsNemesis]

Lol, I don't think I'm going to like snappi's either, I pinned before and never had an issue with it and I dunno...it just doesn't look comfortable.

I'm not into traditional cotton twill unfortunately. However, I am looking at making something sort of like the Flip organic inserts-thickish jersey, in organic cotton and maybe some blends to try out. They won't be the same though, obviously.

I may venture into fitteds eventually (big maybe) and if I do, a jersey combo is on the top of my list.

ETA-these also won't be nighttime thickness btw. I'm designing them to be super trim and quick drying, though using 2 or using doublers would probably make them night worthy. I have issues with a big baby butt and as such, my big goal is to make everything very trim. I just love the bamboo velour though-its sooooo soft and absorbant.

[fawnanddoe]

I really like snappi's! I am really terrible at pinning diapers, so the snappi makes it easier for me.

As for bamboo, it does take forever to dry. I have bamboo breast pads, 6 layers of bamboo in each pad, I have to dry them twice, it's a pain in the butt.

[DocsNemesis]

I'm going to see how much they hold with just 2 layers and then doublers on top (one or two, probably 2-3 layers). I was thinking of trying something more quick drying for the middle-possibly a layer of zorb? I haven't used zorb yet so I'm unsure how much I'll like it but it sounds really nice.

[Ifluffedthree]

not a huge snappi fan.

I think they are a great alternative for those that do not prefer or have a uncertainty of pins.

personally, I love pins over a snappi, if in a position to fasten a diaper I would reach for either to get the job done.

I would suggest doing some controlled testing with your fabrics to get the layers to a level of performance that your comfortable with, as well as sending out a couple testers for others to give you an experienced feedback on.

good luck

[octobermom]

However, I am looking at making something sort of like the Flip organic inserts-thickish jersey, in organic cotton and maybe some blends to try out. They won't be the same though, obviously.

I think this would be great I love my flip prefold and find it super dupper trim snappied on.. I will say though I also prefer pins but and fine with a snappi but with my flip I HAVE to use a snappi to fasten it the pins absoultly will not go through the fabric I have tried and tried and tried its jsut oo dense. No idea if less layers would help.

Deanna

[DocsNemesis]

Yeah, I haven't gotten any to try yet but just from looking at it, that jersey seems really thick compared to what you usually see. I'm going to have to look around for the same or similar-or have it custom milled.

I keep seeing organic cotton/hemp blends. Would that be welcome?

[octobermom]

Originally Posted by DocsNemesis

Yeah, I haven't gotten any to try yet but just from looking at it, that jersey seems really thick compared to what you usually see. I'm going to have to look around for the same or similar-or have it custom milled.

I keep seeing organic cotton/hemp blends. Would that be welcome?

I'd personally prefer just cotton hemp gives us stink problems but I do think there be a big market for it.

Deanna

[DocsNemesis]

Well, my bamboo velour arrived. Its soooo soft! Its also a lot thinner than I had imagined, but its the standard weight (around 14oz/yard) so I'm not sure if its normal or not. It always looks so much plusher in pics.

Anyway, I can't imagine making a 2 layer prefold from this. Its just too thin by itself I think...I dunno. I'll be experimenting with different thicknesses, but it just seems like it wouldn't absorb enough. Of course, it'll be six layers in the middle when on and then a doubler on top of it...maybe that would be enough.

I'm so excited to get started!

[Juliacat]

One of my favorite things about prefolds is that you can pin or Snappi or trifold depending on what your needs are at that particular diaper change. I wouldn't be interested in a prefold that couldn't handle any of the three.

I am a BIG FAN of doublers that are sewn on one edge. I don't know anything about sewing so I don't know if that's harder to do or what, but I want the easy washing and quick drying without having to match stuff up.

[DocsNemesis]

Yeah, I could only afford one fabric this time around so I'm making pure velour prefold things this time but I think I'll be offering both. I can't decide on velour/terry or velour/fleece though.

I totally didn't think about the fact that I need to prewash this though so I won't be getting started yet. Hopefully tomorrow!