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WARNING: This post contains words like “poop” and “pee”.

You can’t exactly talk about diaper issues without using those words, so you have been forewarned that this post pushes the G-rating to PG.

Now, over the last 5 years of cloth diapering, I have experimented with quite a few brands, detergents and methods.  What I have settled on is MOSTLY personal preference, but there are those times when you’ll run into some irritating leaking issues that need some problem-solving and possible changes to your diapering methods or system.

Here are some of the most common cloth diaper issues and questions that I have faced, and that people have been asking…

1. LEAKING.  This is enough to point you back to Huggies, but don’t give up!!! If your diaper is leaking, there are several probable reasons:

It needs to be stripped.  Regardless of the diaper brand or style that you use, all diapers will need to be stripped at some point, regardless of the type of detergent you use – even if it says “cloth diaper safe”.  The hardness/softness of your water will change the efficacy of your detergent – which is why some people swear by XYZ Detergent, but it doesn’t work at all for others.  Your diapers will need to be stripped if they are starting to repel liquids or if, after multiple washings, they still smell (more on that in a minute).  All detergents coat diapers eventually, so it’s a good idea to strip your diapers once or twice a year/as needed.

  • To strip your diapers, I recommend 1 tablespoon of Dawn Original Dish Soap in a hot load of clean diapers, set at maximum capacity and the hottest setting.  Run the diapers through a normal cycle, and then once complete, run a rinse cycle.  A few minute after the cycle begins, check the water for bubbles.  If you see even the tiniest amount of foam or bubbles that sit on the surface, finish that rinse cycle and then run another rinse.  Continue doing that until the water is COMPLETELY free of bubbles (FYI – it usually takes me about 5 rinses to get them totally soap free).  Some sites recommend bleach, but I don’t personally use that method or feel comfortable recommending it.  First, bleach is simply used to sanitize the diapers, which obviously kills the bacteria that causes a stench.  It does WORK, but you’re also exposing your baby to a toxic chemical in their most sensitive parts, no matter how thoroughly it’s rinsed. (if it has a “bleach” smell, then there’s still bleach trapped in the fibers).  Second, bleach weakens your diapers.  Yes, you will only be using a very small amount, but if you strip your diapers two or three times per year, it will wear them down faster than if you use a natural alternative.  Try to avoid bleach at all costs if you have an All-In-One (AIO) diaper or waterproof covers, as the bleach will neutralize all water-proofing capabilities and slowly eat away at the plastics, causing more leaking issues. If it’s the smell you’re trying to take care of, wash your diapers using your preferred detergent.  Once they are clean, line dry them in the hot sun, and while they are still damp, spray them with a natural anti-bacterial spray (recipe below).  If you are stripping your diapers due to leakage issues, then forego the bleach and try the Dawn Dish Soap option.
Take a look at the edges.  If your diaper is leaking between your baby’s thighs, or from the tummy or back, then take a look at a few possibilities:
  • Is there any fabric (prefold or inner lining) that might be peeking through the edges?  Even the smallest corner that sticks out of the edge will become a problem.
  • Is there a secure fit?  One Size diapers are notorious for causing leaks, especially in the early months, and almost consistently until your baby is around 14-15 lbs and they start to fill out a little more.  Make sure that there are no gaps. To test this, while your child is laying on their back, slowly and gently move their legs around in a “crawling” motion (even if they aren’t crawlers yet) and watch the inside edges.  If it gaps or opens up at any point, then you have a SIZE issue not an ABSORBENCY issue.
  • Is there enough lining? Some babies really are heavy wetters, but regardless, cloth diapers should be able to hold in your baby’s urine for at least 3-4 hours, even without a doubler/insert/soaker (which, by the way, are all the SAME things – confusing, I know…).  You should not have to change your baby during afternoon/longer naps, and when stuffed adequately, your baby will be able to go 12 hours without leaking at night.  Some people prefer thinner inserts, such as microfiber or fleece, and others prefer a thicker hemp or cotton insert.  Both are great, and it may depend on the style of diaper you are using and what it can comfortably accommodate.
  • If you have a little boy, make sure the he is pointing down.  (You get the idea…)  Older babies pee faster and in greater quantity, so you may not have absorbency issues at all, it’s just that the force and volume come too fast to be wicked away.  If you have a boy, point him in the right direction, and if you have a little girl and are still having issues, try adding an insert, especially when you know you won’t be changing them for 2-3 hours.
  • If you are using pocket diapers, make sure that the inserts are still laying flat, especially after naps.
  • Don’t be afraid to call!  Call the vendor that you purchased your diapers from, and/or the company that made your diapers.  I personally use Thirsties and I adore them, but had a question about some stubborn smells and they were so helpful!
2. SMELLS.  There is nothing worse than pulling a freshly laundered diaper off of the line, where it has been happily blowing in the sunshine, only to smell a fishy, nasty stale stench.  There are several possible reasons:
  • Improper washing.  Make sure that you are using enough water.  I know it’s nice to conserve water, but when it comes to washing your cloth diapers, don’t scrimp.  Diapers ABSORB.  Therefore, they need extra water to become thoroughly saturated and rinsed – they don’t behave like your cotton t-shirts, and they aren’t meant to.  If you are having a problem with smell, this is one of the best places to start.
  • Improper drying.  Make sure that your diapers are BONE dry when you store them.  ANY moisture will cause mildew growth because your diapers are meant to retain liquids- so therefore they hold moisture in and can be difficult to dry thoroughly.  Any trapped moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria.
  • Detergent coating which has trapped in bacteria- which calls for stripping your diapers, as we mentioned above.
  • A less than stellar detergent.  Remember, detergents react differently for all households, depending on your water.  If this is a constant problem, consider switching to another detergent brand.
  • Using the wrong diaper rash cream.  If your little one’s bum has been red, ONLY use cloth diaper approved diaper cream.  Over the counter creams like Desitin, A&D,  etc will coat your diapers with petroleum-based oils.  These do not wash out.  Let me say that again.  THESE DO NOT WASH OUT.  Even natural brands like Burt’s Bees contain oils that are not conducive to cloth diapers, and they will affect the absorbency AND the smell, because the diapers are sealed with oils that trap in bacteria. You can try gently scrubbing them with a nail brush and some Dawn dish soap, and just hope for the best…  Cloth diaper safe creams contain no harsh chemicals and are MADE to easily and clearly wash away.
3. STAINING.  Unsightly? yes.  A problem?  no.  I know staining is annoying, and your grandma taught you how to get a stain out of anything.  Lay your perfectionist tendencies aside when it comes to cloth diaper stains, or you will lose.your.ever.loving.mind.  Stains will not effect the performance of your diapers in the slightest bit.  I’ve had several readers ask about staining, and if you have a lot of time on your hands, you’re welcome to sun your diapers all day and use the anti-bacterial spray (which will help lighten and brighten) but otherwise, don’t lose sleep over this one.  You have children: A) You’ve lost enough sleep, and B.) You should be used to stains by now.

Any other tricks of the diaper-trade that have worked for you?

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Anti Bacterial Diaper Spray:

To a spray bottle, add:

15 drops of tea tree oil

2 Tb. real lemon juice

1/2 c. hydrogen peroxide

1/2 c. water

mix thoroughly and spray your diapers as they are sunning.  Allow them to stay in the sun a minimum of 4-5 hours (all day is preferable).  Once they are totally dry, take them in and rinse them one last time on a hot rinse cycle.  This isn’t always necessary, but it will remove the tea tree oil in case your little one has sensitive skin.  If this doesn’t remove the smell completely, repeat each time you do a load of diapers during your regular diapering routine.  If, after 3 applications, your diapers still smell, contact the vendor or company for additional help.

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