Cloth Diapers Part Deux

Pocket diapers are diapers that you stuff with inserts for absorbency. They are great for traveling and for babysitters that aren't familiar with cloth diapers because you just snap/velcro it on and then take it off. Some have to be unstuffed before washing. Pocket diapers are nice because if you have a heavy wetter or are going to be out for a while you can add more stuffing. The downside is that once it's soiled it needs to be washed. Unlike the Flip diapers where you just swap for a clean insert.

Pictured above are the kids in their SmartiPants pocket diapers. These are one-size diapers that don't have to be unstuffed before you wash them. They also come in fun colors! Michael has the flaps overlap because he's so small. You can see Malia's do not overlap. These used to leak when the kids had less chunky legs. They work fine now.

Our neighbors got the kids these shirts. I love when they hold hands.

Malia is sporting the Tiny Tush brand pocket diaper. I love that the snaps match the diaper. Michael is wearing a Kawaii pocket diaper. This is my only velcro diaper. I don't care for velcro; I prefer snaps because they last longer and don't get stuck on anything in the wash.

Recently I experimented with how long I could between washing diapers. I can go 3 days, but probably could go longer using the old school prefolds I have. Here's how I wash them:

Dirty cloth diapers are unstuffed (if applicable) and then put through a cold rinse to get any poo off the diapers. Then washed with a hot wash and cold rinse. And followed up with another cold rinse. Our washer has the option of 2nd rinse, so I only have to tend to the washing machine twice. The inserts can go in the dryer on low, but the outer parts have to be line dried.

Fabric softner is an absolute no-no with cloth diapers. It messes with the absorbency on the fabrics. Most detergents are not good for cloth diapers. I use Rockin Green which was created by a cloth diapering momma. It has awesome scents like Smashing Watermelons, Rage Against the Raspberries, Motley Clean, Lavender Mint Revival, Mighty Mighty Marshmellow, The Plain Green Teas's. They have unscented for sensitive babies too. The soap smells good, but the diapers come out smelling like nothing. If I have a stain that won't wash out, I just set the diaper out in the sun and it disappears!