Microfleece vs. microfiber?

[Mama2MyMonkeys]

More newbie questions about these two fabrics! What is the difference between them? Does microfleece act as a material to keep baby's skin feeling dry and microfiber absorbs the moisture?

It is worth buying the microfiber towels instead of buying it by the yard at the fabric store?

Is there another natural material that would be a good or better filler instead of microfiber?

TIA!

[leigh2006]

I love microfleece for the inner diaper layers. It does a beautiful job of wicking the moisture away, so my baby's bottom always seems dry. Some people are concerned because it's a synthetic. Both of my kiddos have super sensitive skin, but have never had a problem with the material next to their skin. I've never used microfiber in diapers, but would think it would work as a good filler for soaker pads. If you buy the towels, I would make sure they're not treated with anything that would be a potential irritant. Good luck in your diaper making!

[artzy_fartzy68]

Microfleece goes next to the baby's skin. It does help keep the skin "drier" by letting the moisture wick to the absorbent part of the diaper. I use suedecloth (Alova, from JoAnn fabrics) to do this b/c it's thinner and I like it better.

Microfiber is for absorbency. If you want one-piece inserts you can sew them from microfiber yardage. I use the $5/12 microfiber towels I got at Family Dollar. I fold them in thirds. These dry much faster than do the one-piece inserts, but do require folding before putting in the diaper. Some babies are sensitive to this next to their skin, but I've never had an issue and sometimes use them as lay-in soakers.

[Penny4Them]

Originally Posted by artzy_fartzy68

Microfiber is for absorbency. If you want one-piece inserts you can sew them from microfiber yardage. I use the $5/12 microfiber towels I got at Family Dollar. I fold them in thirds. These dry much faster than do the one-piece inserts, but do require folding before putting in the diaper. Some babies are sensitive to this next to their skin, but I've never had an issue and sometimes use them as lay-in soakers.

Do you find microfiber is as absorbant as hemp? Also, are you using these as the double that actually goes inside the pocket? (I'm new to CD, so this will help me understand a better ofption than the cotton liners I've got now. They stink ... literally!!!! and they don't absorb very well.) Thanks!

[artzy_fartzy68]

Originally Posted by Penny4Them

Do you find microfiber is as absorbent as hemp? Also, are you using these as the double that actually goes inside the pocket? (I'm new to CD, so this will help me understand a better ofption than the cotton liners I've got now. They stink ... literally!!!! and they don't absorb very well.) Thanks!

I think per volume of fabric, microfiber is a bit more absorbent (yes, I use them as pocket diaper inserts). However, they do get stinky, just as hemp will over time. Cotton, IME is the LEAST stinky! If the cotton soakers/inserts have a layer of something *not cotton* sandwiched between the cotton, that can add to their stink capacity.

The GOOD thing about microfiber is that you can separate them from the diapers themselves for a good soaking in vinegar (if the stink is from water deposits) or in a bit of bleach (if the stink is from bacteria) because the material is indestructible. The indestructibility is also the BAD thing about it. b/c I'm sure it would sit a good while in a landfill before breaking down (like pul and other synthetic fabrics).

so..hemp...harder to get rid of stink, better for the environment, pretty absorbent

microfiber..easier to get rid of stink, altho more prone to stink, not as great as hemp for the environment, but better than a disposable (think reusable
plastic plate vs. paper toss-away)

So, there's my two-cents (if it's worth that!)