cloth menstrual pad recommendations?

[sunma]

I am fixin' to make the switch to cloth menstrual pads...
I could make 'em myself, but I'd rather try the pro version first! Any recommendations? I've seen online glad rags and schoon... Are these good? What about a really good WAHM version? Thanks!

[My3guys]

In terms of a TERRIFIC WAHM pad, I would hands down say Fussy Butt. Christy makes some great pads in tons of sizes and gorgeous colors. They really are wonderful. That would be my absolute first choice.

Other pads, that I really like are the Mommy's Touch brocade pads. Beautiful and absorbent.

You didn't mention Lunapads. They are super popular as well.

Welcome to the other side. Glad you made the switch.

[Ola_]

I'm a big fan of Homestead Emporium pads. They are comfy, work well, and look lovely too.

[jenrett]

+1 for Lunapads.

I have only tried a couple of other brands though.

[*bejeweled*]

I Lunapads too. They last forever.

[Purple*Lotus]

I have only ever tried Gladrags. I love them and would suggest them to anyone. I have only ever had one pad not work out, and that was a broken snap. I am sure they would have replaced it but I didn't bother.

[ian'smommaya]

a couple of days ago party in my pants was sending one out free.

oh! still are. i would get one of these to test it out, then order from a member here who makes them. http://partypantspads.com/shop/sale

[pastrygirl]

Another vote for Homestead Emporium! I tried a few different brands from etsy/hyena cart, and loved Homestead Emporium the best. I placed a large custom order with her, and now that I've used them for several months, I'm very happy with my decision!

[Artichokie]

Originally Posted by Ola_

I'm a big fan of Homestead Emporium pads. They are comfy, work well, and look lovely too.

this w.o question.

[KBinSATX]

There are sites specifically dedicated to reviews on diapers, cloth pads, etc. You can read a ton of reviews and ratings there.
For example The Diaperpin

[lilyka]

I like new moon pads. inexpensive, sturdy, no wings, and nothing complicated. good customer service too

[Blueone]

I LOVE Party in my Pants. I wanted an AIO pad that was thin and didn't require layers. These are great! Bit expensive, but so far they are the only ones I like. The Cotton type are better then the flannel in my opinion because the don't pill after lots of use.

[brittney_]

Another vote for Fussy Butt!

[kyndmamaof4]

Imse Vimse. I don't like the idea of all that color down there...so I like that they are unbleached organic cotton. Very nice!

[jeninejessica]

Perfect timing! I'm trying to convince my brain to try out mama cloth. I've found these, and they are my favorite in terms of looks so far. Advice? Good price, do they look like quality? The PIMP looked nice too, however they're a bit more expensive both in cost and shipping.
Actual Pack I'm looking at
General Store

Am I better off going with just the PIMP due to the reviews? If it matters... I'm about 120lbs, have a fairly light flow. I generally use pads only on days I'm sitting at home, or if I'm at the end of my flow, but still a bit too heavy for just a liner. How do cloth liners compare to regular pantyliners? Maybe I'd be better off with them instead? TMI- but I hate the feel of the blood actually coming out, so generally if there's a significant flow at all, I'll switch to tampons. For disposable pads right now I use the lightest, thinnest ones available without them actually being liners.

So much info, but it feels like such a big decision!

[KBinSATX]

Originally Posted by jeninejessica

1. Good price, do they look like quality?
2. How do cloth liners compare to regular pantyliners?
3.TMI- but I hate the feel of the blood actually coming out, so generally if there's a significant flow at all, I'll switch to tampons.
4. For disposable pads right now I use the lightest, thinnest ones available without them actually being liners.
5. So much info, but it feels like such a big decision!

1. They look very nice for flannel/PUL pads. Because of material cost flannel and PUL pads will most likely be your cheapest option (materials other than conventional cotton for the top and core layers and PUL for the barrier layer are often 2-4 times more expensive so the retail price would be higher as well)

2. more comfortable of course. depending on material used they can be as thin as disposable without sacrificing absorbency

3. You may be more comfortable with a top layer that wicks moisture away from you such as bamboo velour (if you want a natural material) or minkee or micro fleece (if you want synthetic). Cotton flannel tends to feel soggy more easily IMO.

4. Depending on what materials you choose you can have something very absorbent and very thin in cloth as well

5. It is! A good pad is a joy to own for years. A bad pad is a pain in the rear. lol Don't invest in a big stash of all the same kind. Just like cloth diapers what you think you might like, might not be what you really love in the end. Just try a few different kinds and go from there.

I used disposables after my first birth and had an allergic reaction to them. It was awful. Messed up my whole baby moon to be in such discomfort. After my second baby I used cloth and what a difference!

You might come to cloth for the environment but I bet you'll stick with it for the comfort.

[Ola_]

Originally Posted by jeninejessica

I've found these, and they are my favorite in terms of looks so far. Advice? Good price, do they look like quality?

As PP mentioned flannel-topped, PUL-backed pads tend to be the least expensive which is a plus. On the flip side many women find that waterproof fleece backing makes them much less sweaty than PUL. Also, I'm not sure how flannel wears over time, it might get pilly after being washed a lot? But if you just want to try a few and see how they are that might be a good strategy. I wouldn't invest in a lot without trying them first because of these concerns.

I generally use pads only on days I'm sitting at home, or if I'm at the end of my flow, but still a bit too heavy for just a liner. How do cloth liners compare to regular pantyliners? Maybe I'd be better off with them instead? TMI- but I hate the feel of the blood actually coming out, so generally if there's a significant flow at all, I'll switch to tampons. For disposable pads right now I use the lightest, thinnest ones available without them actually being liners.

I know what you mean about that yucky feeling - I hate it too. I use a DivaCup (previously used tampons) to prevent it. I use cloth liners (pantywraps from HE as mentioned above) for backup with the cup, and for the beginning/end when my flow is very light I use the "light" cloth pads which have a bit more absorbency. Usually with the cup the liner doesn't actually get anything on it (unless there's a leak emergency) so it doesn't need much absorbency.

Hope that helps!

[jeninejessica]

I found the ones I'm going with!! They're minkee, waterproofed 'with' zorb, super cute colors, and they're actually made by a friend of the family. I just messaged her and then hopefully put an order in. I'm so excited!
Treehugger
They're $9, which is more than I thought I'd spend, but since they're in my city, no shipping, and they're minkee-- which I never realized doesn't stain apparently. Bonus!

[Ambyrkatt]

I got a bunch from this WAHM who sells on etsy and was loving them until I ended up pregnant. LOL http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladybug9753 I've bought her panty liners, pads with PUL in them, and the pads with inserts. I really like all of them and had used them for about 6 months and they are holding up well. She ships really fast, too.

I've also bought some from this store: http://manymoonsalternatives.com/index.php. They have really nice overnight/PP sized ones and are so soft! Also have been using for about 6 months and they hold up well and have not stained, despite being unbleached cotton with no print. They do have some prints, but I went for the organic cotton, which unfortunately, I do not see on their site right now. It's a Canadian store, but they ship to the US and the shipping was pretty inexpensive.

[Freedom~Mama]

Subbing!