Older toddler diapering needs

[Munchkingirl]

I am really not sure what I am looking for or need to do, but I am in new territory for ds3 (3yrs). My first two boys learned to potty at 2.5 and 2.75 yrs respectively and ds3 showed (18mo) early signs of readiness. I was reluctant to pursue it as I would rather wait till it is a sure thing. DH thought it was great though and was always getting him to the potty. Ds3 would use it and even started staying dry for long periods of time. At 25 months we had a new baby and ds3 continued to do well even went for a two week stretch of complete dryness (day, night, trips...). Then bam at around 2.75 yrs he just stopped and not only did he refuse to use the potty he wasn't able to stay dry ever. We are changing more often than at 2. Needless to say after the abruptness of it I had a hard time easing back into using his cloth --the pee smell alone can knock me out, not to mention the fun of an over 3yr old bm. I started using sposies (horror and ugggh), but I can't keep it up (financial and conservation).
Since there doesn't seem to be an end in sight....
I don't know if I need to be more proactive in potty learning (relearning) and how do I do that with a reluctant learner? Or does anyone know of a diaper system that works with older toddlers (35 lbs, 40 in). We have always been a prefold/cover family with a few pockets thrown in.
Thank you for any help you might have or can direct me to. I am not on very often, but always appreciate that I can come back in times of need. Tara

[Katie T]

Have you tried toddler pf? kinda sucks to have to spend the money at this age but you can use them for other things I guess. I have a few and I have a 3 1/2yo who is 40 something tall and there is plenty of growing room left (my guy is trained but every now and then wants to wear a diaper like sis ) I would do that and a cover. It would probably be your cheapest option as well, and he could feel when he was wet.

Good luck, we are going through that with DD granted she is only 21 m lol but she was dry all day and at nap and then boom, can't recognize the urg. I don't get it but am just going with the flow beings she is so young.

[Munchkingirl]

I agree on wanting to flow with their needs, but it can be a bit frustrating as he gets older and doesn't seem to care if he is wet. Thank you for the thoughts on the pfs, we actually have those and there is still room (my large covers are getting too small though-I'll have to get some XL's), but they hold the smell so much. I have stripped and sunned multiple times, no strong detergent, etc...I just have been out of the buying loop for awhile (as pf's have been fine) and didn't know if there was something else fabulous out there.

[JamieCatheryn]

If you have the money for it I like swaddlebees AIO's, they can work as pull ups or snap open. We used PF's and wrap covers right up to potty learning at 2.75 though, and a few pocket AIO's for nighttime.

[painefaria]

We have toddler prefolds and homemade fleece covers. We got our Prefolds from Ebay that I really like. We have bought all of our prefolds from him. Good quality not too expensive.

[rightkindofme]

For pockets the biggest I have dealt with are Knickernappies. They are HUGE compared to everything else.

[chase_mommy]

If the pee smell is the issue I highly doubt buying a diaper that is made out of synthetic or has any synthetic fabric in it is the way to go. All natural fibers are easier to clean (IE residue) and don't hold onto the ammonia like synthetics are known to do. I am sure if you bought some new diapers there would be a window of time where they would smell fine but there is a possibility that in time the stink will creep in. I know there are people who haven't had these issues but I know MANY who have... just look over at the diaperswapper forum.

Have you evaluated your wash routine and such? I wouldn't mark your diapers as useless, I would just try to solve why they are being so stubborn. Perhaps you are using to much/not enough detergent? Maybe you have a detergent build up and need to switch? Maybe you need to do a good wash with baking soda/vinegar or even bacout?

I have used our prefolds for 2 years. DD recently PL but right before then I had just bought some toddler LL prefolds. They have plenty of room in them, I seriously could diaper my 6 year old DS with them. We have always had great success with prefolds and have been lucky enough to dodge stink issues... other than DD just having strong smelling pee. Do you think that could be the case with your DS? DD's urine is super strong and it gags me, even now that she is peeing on the potty. If you DS is like this I don't know if there is a way around that smell.