A friend gave me some cloth diapers to try out with my 7 month old (prefolds and thirsties covers) because I was having problems with blow-outs in disposables. My son is leaking out of the side leg holes when he poops in the cloth and though it is better than blowing up the back in disposables, I'd prefer no leakage at all. Is this something that just happens with cloth? Are other brands/types better? I'm still undecided about the use of cloth diapers and don't want to invest a lot of money in something that isn't going to fix my problem. Since we're beginning to introduce solid food, hopefully the problem will solve itself but I'm still considering switching to cloth. Life and laundry was overwhelming by itself with my first two kids but I finally feel like I could maybe make cloth work if I found the right type.
Also, if you use cloth, how often do you also use disposables? It seems like most people I know that cloth diaper still use disposables when they are out, traveling or just feeling lazy :)
Thanks for the help!
I only used disposables at night. So 1 a day, starting around 12 months, and then ending at 21 months (when both kids night trained).
I never had side leaks, and I clothed with two kids. I used BumGenius.
Sounds like you have a problem with the type of diaper you or using or hte way you are putting it on.
Already lots of good answers on here. I'll just reiterate and give my 2 cents. :)
We used prefolds, Bum Genius, GroBaby, Fuzzibuns, and Thirsties. We had occasional leaks out of the sides, but it would only be like a tiny smudge. I think some of it depends on your baby's shape. Ours had super chunky thighs, so I was always worried about covers and such being too tight around her legs.
With the prefolds, are you just laying it in the cover or are you actually folding it? Make sure you're doing that "extra" pocket type fold around the legs and at the front/back.
Also, good suggestions on checking your detergent and stripping the diaper if needed.
There are also a lot of "try and buy" packs out there if you're worried about "wasting" money. They send you new diapers to try (variety of brands) to see what works best for you and your kiddo.
HTH!
We've never really had a blowout with our cloth. I don't really like prefold to be honest. Just a personal preference, but I don't find them to be all that absorbent. They are the most economical way to cloth diaper, you just have to change more. Usually leakage is from fit issues, or from repelling. What kind of detergent do you use for the diapers? Detergent can cause a buildup, which can cause them to repel liquid. We don't use disposables ever now. We used them the first month, until my son was chunky enough to fit in cloth. Since then, it's been only cloth. We take a wet bag with us when we are out, and put his diapers in there. It keeps all the stink and moisture inside the bag. I take care of the diapers when I get home.
You might try "Flip" diapers. You can purchase just one and see if you like it for your son. http://www.kellyscloset.com/Flip_bymfg_84-0-1.html
I really like Flip, and have never had a leakage issue. I also use Bum Genius pocket diapers, but those are more expensive. They are great for nighttime, as you can add more inserts for absorbancy.
I personally hate prefolds. They are not that absorbent and if you fold them wrong, they leak. Plus, they just take so much time! I prefer FuzziBunz or BumGenius cloth diapers. We rarely had blow-outs with those. A lot of it depends on the fit - not all cloth fit all babies the same way. If you want to use the prefolds, I recommend getting some hemp inserts to add in there to help increase absorbency.
I use disposables at night, and when traveling.
Good luck!
ETA: You cannot use regular tide with cloth diapers. I guess I kind of assume you know that, but since you may not, I had better add it. Petroleum-based detergents like Tide create build-up on the diapers that prevents absorbency. Recommended detergents are Charlie's Soap (you can buy it on Amazon for a good price) and Rockin Green. You can also use Method, Seventh Generation, or Ecos on cloth.
I used cloth on our dd and NEVER had blow outs and she was BF, I have a friend who's son had blow outs no matter what he had on. He did not start having solid poops until he was close to 1yo. gl
as for how often I used disposable maybe couple of 2x a month or if we traveled.
I have only ever had problems with pee leaking through, not poo. And that was a) either because I needed to change their diapers sooner, a CD can only absorb so much, you know? or because b) I hadn't rinsed my diapers well enough in the wash.
I use FuzziBunz Bum Genius, some other off brands that I think are better than name brand, and some others I can't remember. I don't necessarily think the brand matters as long as they fit right and are comfy for your baby. Most all of my diapers are pocket diapers with the inserts. Which I love. They wash easier, and I can double the pads if need be. But I do use throw away diapers at night, because if my little one drinks milk before bed, he pees a ton.
I use Sun & Earth detergent, and rinse rinse rinse. Don't really have any problems. It took me a little while to get it down, but now that I have, we love it!
Best of Luck,
KATIE
If your little one is prone to blowouts, I'd try out some different covers, especially ones with gussets. Those are a huge help.
I don't use sposies at all anymore. I'm currently on my second child who has never worn one, and I plan to keep my streak going.
I just wrote a blog post about this. http://www.cathybenton.com/blog
Luis always worked best me me and my son who had similar challenges.
