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(female content)Mom cloth or Cloth diaper users...diy question


Mandylubug
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I have been using cloth pads and need to continue to do so. I have found some on Etsy that I love but at $10 a pad, I NEED to make them myself and I have the "know how" and the sewing machine to do it. My girls are also 9 and I plan to be making them custom ones for when their times roll around, since they are twins... I need a good supply on hand. I know I have probably 3 years before required, though.

 

What I have noticed since I have purchased last is there are some new fabrics being used. My current ones are flannel, with a hemp terry core and fleece backing. I was planning to make mine like these.. 

 

New ones I have seen advertised for sale with "minky" fabric and microfiber cores.

 

Can you tell me the "best" fabrics the mom cloth and diaper world is using these days. I have sewn with minky fabric... would never have considered that as a cloth top layer. I am looking for maximum absorbency with minimum thickness.

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I have not used cloth diapers in a while, but I do use mama cloth. I have a few different things, but my favorite are a fleece top. I think the key is in having different options for different flow days. I have some panty liner type things as well as thicker things for a heavier flow day. I also like darker fabrics.

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Ok, I will probably stick with fleece. It is easier to sew and I can surge the edges.. Minky would require me to do more work :p I am glad to hear of peeps trying minky and sticking with flannel. that is what I know. 

 

Erin, when you DIYed yours, what did you use as your core? Regular terry or microfiber?

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I've tried quite a few different brands and styles of cloth pads, and these by MamaBearBabyWear on Etsy are BY FAR my favorite.  They stay in place and they wash up beautifully.  The best part is the fold-out design.  And they're cheap--only $5 a pad including shipping.  If I were making my own, I would go with this type of style and use flannel fabric. 

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I have not used cloth diapers in a while, but I do use mama cloth. I have a few different things, but my favorite are a fleece top. I think the key is in having different options for different flow days. I have some panty liner type things as well as thicker things for a heavier flow day. I also like darker fabrics.

 

my fave right now makes me smile.. black fleece bottom layer with black background top that has bright colored mushrooms... whimsical but not bright white... 

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Erin, when you DIYed yours, what did you use as your core? Regular terry or microfiber?

I actually made mine with just 3 layers of flannel. I love thin pads.  I don't require super absorbency since 1. I tend to change my pad every time I pee, regardless of how full it is, 2. I have a small bladder, and 3. I don't have a very heavy flow to begin with.

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I actually made mine with just 3 layers of flannel. I love thin pads.  I don't require super absorbency since 1. I tend to change my pad every time I pee, regardless of how full it is, 2. I have a small bladder, and 3. I don't have a very heavy flow to begin with.

 

lucky duck... I could probaby get away with just flannel for 80% of my cycle... good idea.

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I have made my own pads and used them for years.
I like a PUL bottom layer; it's waterproof and breathable and means the pad can be thinner because the PUL will stop any leaks.
For the top I like flannel - like nice cozy pajamas. I've used new flannel, and I've used flannel from old shirts.  
For the inner core, I've used a combo of old towels and cotton fleece quilt batting, which has worked fine.

I use this all-in-one pattern -

http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/crafts/pads/pads.html (without PUL)

http://home.comcast.net/~askpauline/crafts/pads/padspul/padspul.html (with PUL)

Mine have held up for a *long* time.

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Micro fleece or bamboo velour are great toppers... The tricky thing about stitching is managing the pul liner. Read some tutorials and be prepared to sew a few with scraps as you work on your technique. A serger or top stitching is key for long-term use. We also found it easier to buy a snap press from kansnaps rather than using hammer-on snaps.

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Slightly OT, but what do you do with the used pads? Put them in a wetbag like diapers? And do you wash by hand or do them as a small load alone in the machine? The "ick" factor of contemplating the washing process has prevented me from trying them. Please enlighten me :)

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Slightly OT, but what do you do with the used pads? Put them in a wetbag like diapers? And do you wash by hand or do them as a small load alone in the machine? The "ick" factor of contemplating the washing process has prevented me from trying them. Please enlighten me :)

I place mine in a small zippered bag till ready to launder. I soak them in a cold water oxyclean bath overnight and then rinse and launder with my normal clothing. Ick rinses out before entering the wash.

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I made some (actually intended as cloth diaper inserts).  I'd looked at my husband and convinced myself I needed to be ready for a Super-Pee'er.  Was not necessary.  It took me an embarrassing amount of time to realize they could be mama pads.  

I noticed that when I hand rinsed them, noticable blood kept coming out.  So, I made some more modeled after a stuffed cloth diaper.  PUL bottom layer, DH_old_T-shirt on top.  Then I left the ends open so that I could stuff microfiber into the middle.  I basically just folded the microfiber to the right thickness, and then sewed down the folds.  

To wash, after a wet soak, I pull out the middle.  

 

Oh, I forgot.  There are PUL wings with snaps.  

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Slightly OT, but what do you do with the used pads? Put them in a wetbag like diapers? And do you wash by hand or do them as a small load alone in the machine? The "ick" factor of contemplating the washing process has prevented me from trying them. Please enlighten me :)

Right now I have diaper laundry, so I wash them with those. Otherwise they get washed with underwear, and I don't do anything special.

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I place mine in a small zippered bag till ready to launder. I soak them in a cold water oxyclean bath overnight and then rinse and launder with my normal clothing. Ick rinses out before entering the wash.

So you don't rinse them until after the soak? And they still don't stain? 

 

This is my biggest worry. If it's unfounded, then. . .better and better! 

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So you don't rinse them until after the soak? And they still don't stain?

 

This is my biggest worry. If it's unfounded, then. . .better and better!

I don't but I wash daily during mt cycle. I know some immediately throw them in a soak but I don't like the idea of standing water for days....idk, maybe if I washed nightly I could do it that way. I choose darker fabrics too but no staining so far. I purchased my favorite from cozy folks store on etsy! They have great color choices.
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Slightly OT, but what do you do with the used pads? Put them in a wetbag like diapers? And do you wash by hand or do them as a small load alone in the machine? The "ick" factor of contemplating the washing process has prevented me from trying them. Please enlighten me :)

Dd and I drop them on the shower floor while we wash, give them a quick rub at the end, wring them out, then throw them directly into the washing machine to await the next load. We used to keep them in a dry bin, then soak on laundry day, and tip directly into the empty washing machine before adding a load, but our current way works better for us, and is lower on the 'ick' factor if you're sensitive to that! Dh has no concern about them in with his washing, and ds is too young to fully understand what they are.

 

ETA: I don't use a PUL layer, and have never had leakage. Light colour flannel outers do stain, but it doesn't really bother me. The bamboo inners are natural colour (unbleached) and they do stain. Also, if making for children / young teens, remember to make them a little smaller. Compare gussets of underwear as a guide.

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Slightly OT, but what do you do with the used pads? Put them in a wetbag like diapers? And do you wash by hand or do them as a small load alone in the machine? The "ick" factor of contemplating the washing process has prevented me from trying them. Please enlighten me :)

It took me five kids to try them out so I totally get it. But disposable pads are ick too and they hurt (chafe, dry me out)!

 

I actually fold mine towards itself and snap it up. When I wash diapers, I toss them in (unsnapped), but I've washed them with whites with no issue either. The nature of minky is such that its resistant to stains.

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I am curious now. You all make mama cloth sound easy. I have just tryed cloth diapers for the first time and am love it. I have a 10 week old EBF baby and am not need them now but will. 

 

I tend to be a heavy bleeder so I would worry about leakage. I overwelm overnight disposibles sometimes (that is all I use day or night). Sorry if TMI, just want ya'll to know understand what I mean by heavy bleeding. I bleed faster than the rate of absorbancy.

 

Can cloth hand that IYO?

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Slightly OT, but what do you do with the used pads? Put them in a wetbag like diapers? And do you wash by hand or do them as a small load alone in the machine? The "ick" factor of contemplating the washing process has prevented me from trying them. Please enlighten me :)

 

After use, I fold them and snap them shut.  When I have a chance, I unsnap them, rinse them quickly in cold water in our laundry room sink, and then put them in a small container of cold water and detergent to soak.  When I'm ready to wash them (usually a day or two later), I pour most of the soaking water into the sink, and then dump the pads and any leftover water into the washing machine.  I wash them by themselves and dry them in the dryer.  It's actually really quick and easy.  As a bonus, my daughter learned about the menstrual cycle early on, in a very natural way.  She's not going to need a huge discussion later.    

 

So you don't rinse them until after the soak? And they still don't stain? 

 

This is my biggest worry. If it's unfounded, then. . .better and better! 

 

When I used undyed organic cotton pads, they did stain.  I admit, it annoyed me.  This stain stick and hydrogen peroxide soaks helped.  I decided it wasn't worth the hassle and switched to dark colored flannel fabric.  I don't scrub them or treat them with stain remover, and they don't stain.  Occasionally I'll resoak and rewash one, but that's rare.

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Slightly OT, but what do you do with the used pads? Put them in a wetbag like diapers? And do you wash by hand or do them as a small load alone in the machine? The "ick" factor of contemplating the washing process has prevented me from trying them. Please enlighten me :)

They're so easy! I put them in my old wet bag from my cloth diaper days (the smaller one that went in my diaper bag).  At the end of my cycle, I throw them in a rinse cycle by themselves, then pile in whatever towels or other stuff I have that needs to be washed long on hot and wash & dry normally.  

 

I am curious now. You all make mama cloth sound easy. I have just tryed cloth diapers for the first time and am love it. I have a 10 week old EBF baby and am not need them now but will. 

 

I tend to be a heavy bleeder so I would worry about leakage. I overwelm overnight disposibles sometimes (that is all I use day or night). Sorry if TMI, just want ya'll to know understand what I mean by heavy bleeding. I bleed faster than the rate of absorbancy.

 

Can cloth hand that IYO?

I have never had one leak in almost a decade of use, but I am also not a heavy bleeder. I also think I bleed less when wearing cloth than I do when I wear paper pads.  (No idea if that's even possible, but I still wear paper occasionally and they always seem more saturated.)  I'd certainly buy (or make!) a couple and give them a chance! 

 

edit to add comment regarding stains: 

I have some stains, but not many, and most of my pads are YEARS old. In fact, I need to send some to the old pad graveyard and buy some new ones.  But I have almost all bright or darker prints, which I think helps. 

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I am curious now. You all make mama cloth sound easy. I have just tryed cloth diapers for the first time and am love it. I have a 10 week old EBF baby and am not need them now but will. 

 

I tend to be a heavy bleeder so I would worry about leakage. I overwelm overnight disposibles sometimes (that is all I use day or night). Sorry if TMI, just want ya'll to know understand what I mean by heavy bleeding. I bleed faster than the rate of absorbancy.

 

Can cloth hand that IYO?

 

I understand.  I have to take iron one week a month, otherwise I bleed myself anemic.  Even the Super Tampons only last about an hour to an hour and half during my heavy time, and then I need a pad anyway.  

 

Yes, it can handle it.  I use several layers of microfiber in the middle with PUL on the outer edge.  With my first batch I wasn't sure what size to do (I was winging it) so I've only had a problem with the skinny ones.  

 

Have you looked into getting a Deva Cup (or one of the other brands)?  It is the next best thing to just not having a period.  (There is a thread here on them)  I think they are even more useful for people like us.  eta: I bought mine at the cloth diaper store.  

 

Cloth diapers are amazing! 

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I understand.  I have to take iron one week a month, otherwise I bleed myself anemic.  Even the Super Tampons only last about an hour to an hour and half during my heavy time, and then I need a pad anyway.  

 

Yes, it can handle it.  I use several layers of microfiber in the middle with PUL on the outer edge.  With my first batch I wasn't sure what size to do (I was winging it) so I've only had a problem with the skinny ones.  

 

 

Oh wow.  That first paragraph describes me exactly (and now I'm wondering if I need to take iron b/c I am so lethargic & I wondered if it was from my super-heavy flow).  I have to wear supers + pad for overflow and I like the idea of cloth pads -- maybe there's hope!

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Alisoncooks, Look into the cup too.  If you are a heavy bleeder, you know that the whole area just can't stay clean for ANY period of time during the heavy days.  It is just so icky!   I only use the cup for the heaviest 36 hours, two nights and one day.  I think there is a maximum number of times that you can comfortably remove and insert it.  Since I bleed so heavy, I empty it every time I use the bathroom.  But, when it is in, that whole area stays completely clean.  No blood!   I've also seen that my periods are shorter since I started to use it.  I suspect that the tampons were backing up the drainage.  

 

On anemia, look at your palms.  If they are pale, then you probably need iron.  Before I figured out the monthly connection, I was sent to specialists, and that was what one recommended.  

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Re: heavy bleeding, the cloth looks/absorbs differently than disposable. My cycle *looks* much lighter with cloth. There are pads made for every need--maybe try a couple of pads marketed for postpartum use and see? You don't have to go all in to start. :)

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I'm a super heavy, carry two outfits with you, don't leave the house heavy flow....I purchased postpartum sized and they have never been maxed out nor leaked. Unfortunately I only purchased one. I've never leaked on a heavy day with smaller ones either, I just don't have enough to accommodate my flow requirements and have had to alternate cloth and disposable. I hate the disposable with a passion now and that is why I need to make more.

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Oh wow.  That first paragraph describes me exactly (and now I'm wondering if I need to take iron b/c I am so lethargic & I wondered if it was from my super-heavy flow).  I have to wear supers + pad for overflow and I like the idea of cloth pads -- maybe there's hope!

 

That's me too...and I do have to take iron because of it.

I've been wanting to try out the cloth pads for a long time. Watching this thread to see if there are any more recommendations.

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Can we talk wings?

 

I typically only buy disposables with wings. to help stay put... but it is probably more of a precaution than a requirement..

 

So, with cloth, I have only purchased with wings. Anyone like wingless cloth?

 

My original ones didn't have wings.  Unless I wore granny panties, the thicker heavier ones would sometimes try to fall out.  I never had one fall on the floor, but it tried and I caught it in my thighs.  

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If y'all sew at all, cloth pads are very simple to make.  It's easy to start with a "light days" pad made from discarded clothing/towels and perhaps a bit of purchased PUL.  It will give you an idea if this is something that will work for you.  

It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing endeavor.  Even if you just use cloth for "light days", you can save a significant amount of money (especially if you make your own from scrap cloth), and it is so nice to use something pretty, of quality, rather than something drab and disposable.  Not to mention that with cloth, it's very easy to forget you're even using it, as it's so comfortable - no bunching/wedgies, no sticking to you, plus soft against your skin and breathable.  

Using pretty things can be such a pleasant boost to your day.  :-)

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Well, Mine with wings still try to fold over, etc... so I may attempt sewing some first without wings. For one thing, I don't have a punch yet haha. I suppose I could sew them ready for snaps and just add snaps when ready.

 

I bought my fleece bottom layer, flannel top layer and terry for the soaker today. Just need to pull down my sewing maching and have at it.

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My daughter primarily uses cloth pads.  She is 12.  She loves the ones from Pink Lemonade Shop with both the minky and the bamboo velour top.  I have made some for her as well that are fleece bottoms with flannel on top.  I bought some fabric from Amazon to use as an inner layer http://www.amazon.com/Zorb-Super-Absorbent-Fabric-Made/dp/B00B4CGTYO/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1404163924&sr=1-1&keywords=cloth+diaper+fabric.  

 

I also got some that I love from a company called Blossom Pads but they are closed indefinitely.  I have a bunch more fabric and need to get some more made but it would be so much easier if I had a serger.  I think I may sew a bunch together and take them to my MIL's house and serge them.  

 

ETA: We dont care for the ones with the PUL Backing.  Much prefer the fleece backing. 

 

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20140630_195006_zpsx6fbx9y8.jpg

 

my first attempt. Had some MAJOR issues with stitches, me not knowing how to sew right and the thickness where I needed to attach the soaker to the fleece bottom.. I am going to attempt a different pattern now. Don't judge my lack of sewing machine skills, now :p

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Can we talk wings?

 

I typically only buy disposables with wings. to help stay put... but it is probably more of a precaution than a requirement..

 

So, with cloth, I have only purchased with wings. Anyone like wingless cloth?

I made mine with wings, which I used to pin, but nowadays I usually don't bother and Rick the wings in between the center of the pad and the underwear. Flannel pads don't slip around with cotton underwear

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20140630_195006_zpsx6fbx9y8.jpg

 

my first attempt. Had some MAJOR issues with stitches, me not knowing how to sew right and the thickness where I needed to attach the soaker to the fleece bottom.. I am going to attempt a different pattern now. Don't judge my lack of sewing machine skills, now :p

They are a great project for a sewing beginner, because nobody but you will ever actually critique the quality of the sewing.

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I understand.  I have to take iron one week a month, otherwise I bleed myself anemic.  Even the Super Tampons only last about an hour to an hour and half during my heavy time, and then I need a pad anyway.  

 

Yes, it can handle it.  I use several layers of microfiber in the middle with PUL on the outer edge.  With my first batch I wasn't sure what size to do (I was winging it) so I've only had a problem with the skinny ones.  

 

Have you looked into getting a Deva Cup (or one of the other brands)?  It is the next best thing to just not having a period.  (There is a thread here on them)  I think they are even more useful for people like us.  eta: I bought mine at the cloth diaper store.  

 

Cloth diapers are amazing! 

 

Thanks for the response. I have thought about the cup but my cervix is tilted and set so far back that I can't reach it :(

 

I may just have to make a small batch of them and try them out. worst that can happen is stained clothes and that already happens. ;)

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This is the pattern I used, for anyone interested: http://www.icemoonstudios.com/Patterns/Cotton%20Pad%20Pattern.pdf

 

Incidentally, I'd forgotten that I used to hide my cash under my stock of pads, and while digging right to the bottom of the pile for an unused one to photgraph I found a little pile of forgotten cash set aside for dd's pocket money before I switched to "paying" her online. Guess who is smiling? (Although I can't figure out how to add an image, anyway.)

 

 

Well, Mine with wings still try to fold over, etc... so I may attempt sewing some first without wings. For one thing, I don't have a punch yet haha. I suppose I could sew them ready for snaps and just add snaps when ready.

 

I bought my fleece bottom layer, flannel top layer and terry for the soaker today. Just need to pull down my sewing maching and have at it.

 

 

 

I bought snaps that came with a little gadget to position them, which is then wacked with a hammer. A few went wrong and had to be immediately removed and replaced, but the rest have held up for a couple of years. A safety pin works fine, too.

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This is the pattern my DIY pads are made from, but my construction was even simpler, since I used fleece for the backing/wings.  I made the tops exactly as she suggested, and then traced the shape of the bottom onto fleece, but cut wide around it (not exactly on the traced lines).  I pinned my tops to the traced shape of the backing/wings, sewed in place, and *then* cut neatly around the outline of the fleece.  That way I could fix any shifting that happened in sewing and cut things to the final shape I needed.

 

https://sites.google.com/site/shewhorunsintheforest/008

 

I have always used the metal hammer-in-place snaps from the fabric store with great success, too. I never could justify buying a snap press for a dozen cloth pads.  Although, it sure would be a fun toy! 

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Thanks for the response. I have thought about the cup but my cervix is tilted and set so far back that I can't reach it :(

 

I may just have to make a small batch of them and try them out. worst that can happen is stained clothes and that already happens. ;)

 

Cervix?   I don't think the instructions said anything about a cervix.  I just stick the cup in but it stays closer to the opening.  Like a tampon, only a different shape and it doesn't stick in as far.  

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Add me to the bleed-to-anemia group. I'm a low carber who takes iron and eats tons of animal products. I STILL have shockingly low ferritin levels. I do wear a cup my whole period except for the spotting days on either side, because I bleed so much. Fortunately I've never had any soreness with my cup. Well, I did with a cup of the wrong shape for me (divacup) but my current one (lunella) is a much better shape for my body and that helps immensely.

 

This post is promising.... I tried a Lunacup *many* moons ago and it did not fit my body at all.  Most uncomfortable.  I didn't even consider that some brands might fit better than others (*duh*)....

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Cervix?   I don't think the instructions said anything about a cervix.  I just stick the cup in but it stays closer to the opening.  Like a tampon, only a different shape and it doesn't stick in as far.  

 Oh. I was told it had to be up by the cervix. I may have to do more research! :) Thanks!

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