Microfleece in making diaper and also need insert ideas

[Babina's Mommy]

I've made a few of my own pocket diapers and I ordered the pul, fleece and velcro all from Ebay. They aren't bad. The only thing is, that the fleece I ordered was microfleece and I was looking for that thin fleece I see in other pocket diapers and this seemed to fit the bill. Well it seemed to stay too wet when my two wore them...it didn't seem to wick away the water well like with the other dipes. Also, I don't know if part of the problem I was using Gerber prefolds as insets. Which are just awful. I cut mine open and yup, layer of polyester inside. So could that be part of the problem? I mean, does all fleece have wetness wicking properties? My friend made me a cloth diaper months ago and it looks like the fleece used inside was the fleece like from a fleece blanket. Should I use that instead? If so than I wish I hadn't spent the $25 on the fleece from Ebay. I got a ton leftover. Eeep.

As far as insets, what do you recommend, as for me making my own? Could I make them out of flannel? Shape them like the other inserts and serge the edges? Or should I use terry and/or buy just wash cloth kitchen towel-y things that you see really cheap. My friend mentioned car microfiber towels, which I'm not sure what they are but figure I should check them out in the store too...

[Babina's Mommy]

Also, are fleece really good as covers? All alone? (Sorry I would've just edited my other post and added this but my computer is really acting up and MDC isn't working good on my comp right now)

[andisunshine]

Honestly, I would try a different insert before getting too disappointed in the fleece. I like using CPF and birdseye flats with a hemp doubler as pocket stuffers though I know people who like a layer of flannel serged to a microfiber towl and tri-folded. A cover or pocket isn't absorbent so if the absorbency of the stuffer/diaper isn't great then the whole she-bang doesn't work that great. If you have microfleece then it isn't recommended to make covers from it since it's mainly supposed to be wicking and not repelling. Heavier fleece is good for covers.

You could make stuffers of flannel, flannel/microfiber towels, terry toweling, anything with absorbent natural fibers like cotton, hemp, bamboo/rayon. Cotton sweater fleece or french terry, birdseye, cotton jersey, bamboo and cotton velour, etc. all make good stuffers/soakers for diapers. I'd stay away from any fabric with a high polyester or nylon content. I like to tri-fold a thinner insert for ease of washing and drying but you could certainly serge a contour insert of several layers if that is what you like. I tend to stay away from terry toweling only because it seems so stiff when it gets wet.

[SleeplessMommy]

cpf = cotton prefold.

You could also take a soft old cotton t-shirt, fold it up, and use it as an insert.

[cristeen]

No, not all fleece wicks. Some fleece is completely unsuitable for use inside dipes. The consolation being that that same fleece works beautifully as covers.

[Babina's Mommy]

Thank you guys! Thanks for the info on inserts, I didn't think about that, as per the terry towels, that doesn't sound like it would feel good, if it turned stiff and as for the fleece, I'm stumped. Because the fleece was advertised as good for making baby items, on Ebay...and I know you can't believe everything you read but this person sounded like they knew what they were talking about. And I told my friend and she thinks it's because (I know this is bad) that I didn't wash the fleece before trying it out in the diapers and on the children. They have just come out of the wash and will be used for the second time again soon so I'll be able to tell you whether that's the case but she just thinks I needed to wash them. I've got other fleece I got around the house that I could try I guess....

[Lineymom]

Try pouring a little water on the fleece. If it beads up it is good for covers not inner wicking. If it soaks thru, good for inners. Thats my understanding.

[TheGirls]

For inserts, I've used the microfiber cloths that are used for cleaning (super cheap in the automotive section). They shouldn't be used against the baby's skin (too absorbant, can cause dryness) but work great stuffed in a pocket, and are super cheap and available everywhere.

[Babina's Mommy]

I ended up getting a package, of them! I took most of them and folded them in thirds and serged around two of the edges. I took two and serged them together to they're really thick. I left one alone. So I have options. haha. I also cut up a bunch of T-shirts and made inserts by serging the edges. I found a little flannel fabric in my box that I don't like, so I used that. And I have 2 newborn prefolds from the hospital that I also use...as well as about 4-5 real inserts from diaper companies. So I think I'm all good in the hood BTW, I have made about 15 dipes now...and they're useable...but not beautiful...useable is all that counts, right? But still not bad...I am just not good at sewing straight and I'm all over the place, lol...