need better cloth diapers - help !

[Amy@STL]

My baby boy is 5 weeks now. I am cloth diapering mainly because I don't want chemicals on him. The biggest challenge is to keep him dry through a nap. I am desperate to make him sleep without waking up due to wet diaper.

I am using Indian unbleached prefolds with covers and 3-4 bumgenuis AIOs. I don't like the Bumgenuis because they always leak urine - they absolutely don't absorb anything! I don't know what I am doing wrong. My DS is quite tall and slender and a heavy wetter.

With the prefolds, they are much better at absorbing stuff, but I need even more absorbent system. He is VERY sensitive to wet diaper and wakes up screaming. I need the best wicking system out there because it's becoming impossible to get him to sleep even a couple of hours.

I don't mind spending money, or if its bulky or if its not easy to put on. Recommendations?

Also,I got the infant size ones in prefold...not sure how often does baby need upgrade to bigger size?

TIA !

[chely7425]

If he is very sensitive to wetness I would try a pocket diaper. We love the Fuzzi Bunz diapers because we can stuff a TON in them for naps and bed time, plus the way the snaps are makes them easy to adjust. They fit both my kids great despite them having totally different body types.

[lizsky]

Originally Posted by Amy@STL

I don't like the Bumgenuis because they always leak urine - they absolutely don't absorb anything!

My limited experience with bumgenius is that the sized ones have a very narrow range that they really fit my DD. The XS says it fits 6-12 pounds, but it really only worked for DD from 8-10 pounds...before and after they leaked because the fit was not right. (We've had better luck with bumgenius's one-size which are pocket diapers.)

My DD is also very sensitive to feeling wet, so we've switched to pretty much all pocket diapers and I've added hemp inserts to increase absorbency. I'm brand new at this though (my DD is 9 weeks) so I'm sure you'll get even better advice from more experienced mamas!

[cristeen]

I've had good luck with stay-dry liners in my PFs. I bought a pack of Bummi's fleece liners, and I just lay it in the wet zone of the PF, fasten as normal. It keeps him from feeling the wet in that area (which is the wettest area, of course). And they wash really clean, since they're only a single layer. It does make poopies a little messier, but that's a small price to pay IMO for a few hours nap.

[LisaS118]

I also suggest pockets. you can increase the absorbency with them by adding hemp. You can also do the same with your BG AIOs. i actually had a lot of leaks with my BGs when DS was younger during naps too, but they seem to work better now. you could start experimenting with adding some hemp (I like Thirsties hemp inserts) to your AIOs to see if that helps;

[kavamamakava]

Sounds like you need fleece lined doublers or liners for night/nap. Lots of websites have them for sale. I like to use greenmountain diapers because she makes most of her doublers and has a toll free number you can call to ask her questions and tell her what you need and why. She has some fleece lined hemp doublers which sound like they would solve your problem. The fleece layer wicks moisture away from baby's bottom and the hemp is thin but super absorbent. The only drawback to hemp is that it can get stinky after a while so needs an extra rinse or a baking soda soak.

[Michigan Mama]

we've done well with fleece liners, too, and that would mean you wouldn't need to buy a whole new stash. Microfleece is the softest, but I have some that I cut from Joann's anti-pill fleece and I've been using them for like 2 years. The look yucky and need to be retired but they still do the trick!

You'd probably do well with pocket diapers, too, but if you want to be able to use what you already have, then I'd go for some hemp or bamboo doublers because they are super absorbant, and get some fleece liners.

[Galatea]

I would try the new FuzziBunz One-Size diapers - you can get a perfect fit on every baby b/c of the way the legs and waist adjust, and the inside is super-soft fleece that feels dry to the baby. I can't say enough good things about them!

I also really like the Rumparooz one-size pocket diaper.

At this age, I think switching to a one-size pocket will be your best bet. They'll last forever and feel dry and be simple to change quickly. Most babies outgrow the infant prefolds at 2-4 months old.

[KristyDi]

Originally Posted by cristeen

I've had good luck with stay-dry liners in my PFs. I bought a pack of Bummi's fleece liners, and I just lay it in the wet zone of the PF, fasten as normal. It keeps him from feeling the wet in that area (which is the wettest area, of course). And they wash really clean, since they're only a single layer. It does make poopies a little messier, but that's a small price to pay IMO for a few hours nap.

I was going to suggest fleece liners too. If you have a fabric store near you you can just buy some fleece and cut it to size, since it dosen't fray you don't have to finish the edges of anything.

I actually think they make poopies a little easier since poop seems to come off the fleece easier the the prefold. But with a 5 week old, it all comes out in the wash anyway so you can just toss the whole mess in the pail,

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by KristyDi

I was going to suggest fleece liners too. If you have a fabric store near you you can just buy some fleece and cut it to size, since it dosen't fray you don't have to finish the edges of anything.

Be careful about this. I tried it and wound up with lots of leaks before realizing that I'd bought the wrong kind of fleece and it was repelling not wicking.

[Amy@STL]

Thank you!!

I am going to the store today armed with a list with all your suggestions!

[Surfacing]

[averlee]

Some babies do tolerate a wet diaper, but mine never did. Even disposable diapers say on the package to change immediately when wet or soiled. Otherwise, my daughter would get a rash. I was into EC, maybe try that, since catching the pee might be easier than 40 diapers a day.

[Amy@STL]

Originally Posted by Galatea

I would try the new FuzziBunz One-Size diapers - you can get a perfect fit on every baby b/c of the way the legs and waist adjust, and the inside is super-soft fleece that feels dry to the baby. I can't say enough good things about them!

I also really like the Rumparooz one-size pocket diaper.

At this age, I think switching to a one-size pocket will be your best bet. They'll last forever and feel dry and be simple to change quickly. Most babies outgrow the infant prefolds at 2-4 months old.

I got FuzziBunz one-size and I agree with you. I already see a great improvement. Thank you!

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by Amy@STL

I got FuzziBunz one-size and I agree with you. I already see a great improvement. Thank you!

Awesome!