[quote=mrscompgeek;11671418]Ok mommas- I need some help!! Im not pregnant yet but am thinking about using cloth diapers when I do have a baby. I have never used cloth diapers before for anyone or seen anyone use them so I have no clue what I am doing. So these maybe dumb questions but I am clueless....
1) What type of material do you use to make diapers if I make all in ones?
all in ones have a waterproof or resistant outer layer (generally PUL for waterproof, heavy fleece for resistant), absorbent inner layers (generally some kind of 100% cotton or a microfibre or a combination), and then an optional stay-dry lining to go next to the baby (microfleece, wicking fabrics, other things that are escaping me at the moment - you can just use an absorbent material next to baby, but my DD was sooooooooo prone to diaper rash that the stay-dry inners were a necessity). THe major issue with AIOs is the dry time - with all the layers, they can take a looooong time to dry. Good options are All in Twos, which generally have a lay-in, snap in, or sewn in at only one end soaker layer, so that the absorbent material can be removed to dry separately or at least get more air exposure. Or there are pocket diapers, which have the water proof outer, the wicking inner, and then an opening is left so that you can stuff the inside with whatever absorbent material you want, and it can be removed to speed drying.
2) How many layers do you make, do you sew them together?, If its all in ones that means you dont have to put a liner in every time right?? What material do you use for the layers?
Number of layers depends on the fabrics you choose, the amount of absorbency you want, and various other factors! Unfortunately it's not the type of thing you can really give one answer to.
3) I have seen diapers that close with Velcro and with snaps, which one works better? Do the velcro hold out for a while??
If you choose to use velcro, you need to buy a high quality one (either aplix or touchtape are the recommended brands, and are easy to find for sale on line). Regular fabric store velcro will NOT hold up very long, but the aplix and touchtape do. Snaps/velcro each have advantages and drawbacks, and I think it's generally a personal preference thing, although most people I know who have used both prefer snaps. With some exceptions! The issue for making your own diapers and using snaps is that the snap press you need to apply plastic snaps is expensive.
4) I dont have a sewing machine, my mom does but its old...probably 25 years old. Can I make the dipes on that?
If it works, you can use it! I'd say you need to be able to a straight stitch and a zigzag stitch at a minimum, and a 3-step zig-zag gets used a lot as well. I'd bet your mom's machine will do all of those. Depending on how much or how little she uses it, it might need a tune up!
I hope that helps!
