Just Started and Discouraged--please help!

[sbgrace]

I'm feeling like I made a mistake going cloth (and I really wanted to so I hate that feeling). Please help me (if possible).
First, I just started and my boys are 7 months. I went with a hemp one size fitted and bumpy wool covers. (I wanted natural fabrics). The diaper is really well made and will not leak (we are heavy wetters I think--we had leaks with pampers overnight often). But, it is so big that my guys can't even sit up anymore (they just fall over and we were doing so well with that). The diaper has two layers of hemp and a trifold soaker that is snap in. I am assuming I need the soaker? Then, when I washed for the first time, I washed 4 times and was still seeing suds--and I used Calgon (I have very, very hard water--on a gpg scale of 0-12, ours is a 11.7 and we can't get a softener). Obviously, I can't wash that many times (I mean, one of the reasons I wanted to do cloth was for the environment). I feel like quitting already and I really don't want to do that. Any advice?
Rach

[Just*Lindsay]

It seems to me that the rise may be to high for your boys. Braedon cant do one size really unless there is an adjusted rise b/c he has a SHORT rise and it just wouldnt work. If you still got suds after 4 washes, than Id try using less detergent. Im not much help so I hope someone else can help better.

[JohnnysGirl]

much less detergent than you think!

I hate one-size diapers for that reason.

[nicholas_mom]

I think lindsay is on the right track with the rise. Try some fitteds like Fireflys or Sugarbum or Sugar Plum Baby.

Check out also Pollywog site.......She has everything including OS fitteds and regular Fitteds and you could ask her for advice. I like her site because she is the diapering site for people on a budget.

Good Luck! I am sure you will get more advice. I know its hard because you have to find something that works and then you will be set.

Oh, regarding the hard water....I have it too. Use less detergent does help. My diapers smell clean with less detergent (1-2 tablespoons) even my hemp. I just started using the calgon and notice if I use it I have to do MANY rinses. SO, I try to use less detergent and calgon.

[momsmyjob]

I agree about the detergent..it only take an itty bitty bit.

You might want to try some muttaqin's, they're one size and you can adjust the rise.

[jennyriver]

i second (or 3rd?) trying non-OS fitteds. there are many trim options out there...and maybe try cruising the TP to find some to just try out...then you'll know what will be a good fit and work for your babe. FF's are available and a trim option - i think you'll find no probs sitting up in those. don't give up! it takes trial and error to get it right but once you do you'll love it!

[binxsmom]

definately less detergent. and i agree with the rise thing. if you are looking to save some money, maybe try some prefolds. i personally love prefolds. and, if you can sew, you can even trim the the end of the pre-fold to make it less bulky at the top and use the excess for a doubler for your super-soakers. and, as far as being economically friendly, prefolds are great cause they take much less time to dry. good luck!

[Oceanone]

I recommend a good cotton prefold with something like a joeybunz in the wet zone. Use a snappi to contain messes. They wash and dry quickly and will give you the trimness that you wanted. Also, like Angelica said, use less detergent. Good luck! People often have to tweak their systems and washing routine, but once you have it working it will be all worthwhile. Hang in there!

[firstlovesnbaby]

I agree with the other mamas here. I think you should also try some different brands as well :-)

[sarahbay]

Keep Try'in Girl!!!

You're doin an awesome thing by cloth diapering your twins!

Way to Go!!!

Don't worry, they will adjust to the new diapers in no time at all. Babies are so flexible in mind, body and spirit! I bet they really appreciate getting out of those itchy disposies and into some real cloth diapers! Yeah!

Yes, it can be totally hard and confusing at first for anything new. Just take it slow, one thing at a time, and ask lots of questions!

If at first you dont' succeed try, try again!

I'd ditch those Bumpy covers for the time being, for a while anyway. They are just adding to the bulk, and are totally unnessesary if you've got a totally great fitted underneath. You can use a super slim, rally thin pull-on cover with fitteds, and have 0 extra bulk. A pull-on cover is great for leak management, and are a great fit for all babies. They are my first choice over fitteds.

I love the Alexis Featherlites! Can't be beat!

Can you just keep them in the fitteds during the day, and only put the cover on when you go out, or for nap time?

You'll feel the wetness right away and know when they need to be changed. Cloth diapers have to be changed more frequently than disposies.

Bumpys can be used over Prefolds, Terry flats or if need be, fitteds. There are other great fabrics for fitteds that give lots more stretch than hemp to be honest. That stretch will help give babies extra moving room in their new fancy didys. Lots of other stretchy cottons even Hemp Knit terry give a lot more stretch to the diaper.

Also have you considered skipping the calgon?

I would not add more than 1/4 c of detergent, maybe even try less.

You need to fill the water level to it's very highest amount, no matter how many dipes you have in there.

If you have any other ques, just ask, the ladies on here LOVE to help!!

[Book Addict Jen]

Definatly go for less detergent!