Destination: Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers, while usually more expensive than prefolds and hybrid systems, are often a good option for the “rashy” baby. MY Beanie was very rashy. Believe me, it requires a lot of self-control not to make a snide remark to a parent who casually says, “Oh, my baby never gets a rash.” I don't even claim that cloth diapers decrease the chance of rash, unless your baby is allergic to the plastic/ chemicals found in disposable diapers. Some babies are just rashy, and you need to find a system that will work with Baby’s skin. My Beanie has inherited her parents’ sensitive skin—the kid didn’t have a chance!

The main purpose of a pocket diaper is to keep Baby’s skin against a stay-dry fabric, usually microfleece or microsuede, which are both polyester materials. A lining is sewn into a waterproof cover, and an opening is made for the pocketing of inserts. Inserts can range from those that come with the diaper, to doublers (see my entry for Hybrid Diapers), to prefolds. The stay-dry fabric works like a colander; the pee goes through it into the absorbent inserts. Obviously, poo is going to remain on the stay-dry fabric, so rash is still possible if Baby is left to sit in excrement.

If Baby has not had a bowel movement, pocket diapers can often be left on as long as disposables; 2-3 hours with a newborn, and 3-4 hours with an older infant or toddler. You can even use them overnight, as long as you bulk on the inserts.

Pocket diapers are fabulous, and many parents who have not liked prefolds see them as a god-send. However, there are a few disadvantages:

• They are a bit expensive, although you save money in the long run. Pocket diapers range from $18-$24 each, so a two-day stash is going to cost around $400.
• When you do a diaper change, the WHOLE diaper goes into the wash, cover and all. And yes, you must shake or remove the inserts from the pocket before the diaper goes into the washing machine, otherwise the inserts won’t get thoroughly clean.
• You must stuff them. You might just accept it and get into the routine of stuffing them while folding the laundry. It really doesn’t take that long, but some parents don’t care for it.
• Microfleece and microsuede are VERY sensitive to diaper rash cream and certain detergents. You must avoid creams and detergents with enzymes and other ingredients that can cause the fabric to repel moisture, and nothing is more annoying than a $400 stash of diapers that leak. However, you can routinely STRIP your pocket diapers (that will be another post) to make them absorbent again.

The natural fibers of cotton, hemp or bamboo prefolds and contour diapers are not as sensitive to diaper cream and detergents. However, one night of intimacy between Desitin and microfleece or microsuede of a pocket diaper can make a leaky situation. A great website with charts of detergents and diaper creams that should and should not be used with cloth diapers can be found here: http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/diaperrashcreams.htm

Pocket diapers I have used:

FuzziBunz:
A friend of mine switched to these because her baby son had severe exema, and would develop a horrible rash from wearing disposables  Wherever the Fuzzibunz came in contact with his skin, he was smooth and soft. Fuzzibunz can be bought in three sizes, or an adjustable that fits from 3 months (not newborn, as they claim) to potty-training. Although not pictured above, the current Fuzzibunz also have an adjustable elastic band in the leg gussets, which is very nifty to ensure a snug fit. The Microfiber of the Fuzzibunz is sooo soft!

BumGenius:
These come in both snaps and velcro. A flap in the back of the pocket is helpful to keep the inset(s) from poking out. The microsuede lining isn't as soft as microfleece, but is still "stay dry" against Baby's skin. Available in an adjustable size, good for 3 months to potty-training. They also make a newborn size.

BabyKicks:
If you have used Fuzzibunz or Bumgenius, the BabyKicks style will seem a little backwards; the front flap overlaps the snaps on the side. These are a little slimmer in fit than FB or BG, which is nice for skinny babies or when you need to fit slimmer pants over Baby's cloth-diapered bottom. Although the stay-dry liner is still polyester, BabyKicks uses organic cotton and hemp in their inserts, unlike FB and BG who use polyester in their inserts. While the BabyKicks are a slim fit, they probably won't fit Baby until 2 months, and they might not fit a chunky toddler.

Rumparooz

Happy Heinys

Charlie Banana

There are many other brands on the market, including (but not limited to) Rumparooz, Happy Heiny's, and Charlie Banana (available at Target). Developing names for cloth diapers must be a fun committee meeting! J

Unless you are determined to have only natural fibers, I highly recommend having a few pocket diapers in your stash to at least use overnight. Just be careful with any rash cream you use, research your detergent, and be prepared for a few extra minutes of stuffing diapers after taking out the laundry. You might fall in love.