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September 2015 Moms
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Cloth Diaper Question (Pocket Diapers)

realsquirrelrealsquirrel member
in September 2015 Moms
This is probably a dumb question, but I'd love some guidance here. I just decided to try cloth diapers. I went with pocket diapers and I thought I understood what I was getting in to, but they've arrived and I'm stumped. I guess I thought that I'd use perhaps one diaper cover per day and change the inserts as they get dirty. Despite the name 'insert', I really pictured the insert sitting on top of the gusset area of the diaper cover, but it turns out that they sit INSIDE the diaper cover (hence the name 'pocket'). My confusion is this: doesn't the gusset area get dirty and therefor require changing every time you change the diaper? Meaning I'd have to change the diaper cover every time I change the diaper? Or, if it's just a wet diaper, do I only need to change the insert and continue using the diaper cover until there's a poop? For other moms who use this method, how many of the various components do you recommend I purchase? Are there any other hints and tips you can pass on? 

For reference, I'm using Alvababy Brand and they look like this: 


Thanks so much Mamas!
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Re: Cloth Diaper Question (Pocket Diapers)

  • momofsweetpsmomofsweetps member
    Pocket diapers have to be changed every pee or poop. If you want to wear the same cover, you need covers. The liners go inside the pocket diaper.we use pockets and do have some covers but those I use a pre fold or flour sack towel. The covers can be wiped clean.
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  • momofsweetpsmomofsweetps member
    Here is one of our covers.  With the inserts from the pocket diaper, you don't want the inserts to touch baby's skin if it's a microfiber. It will irritate baby's skin.
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  • realsquirrelrealsquirrel member
    Thanks @momofsweetps
    Quick follow-up question if you don't mind. Since you have both diaper covers and pocket diapers, is there a method that you prefer? It seems like the pocket diapers might be a lot more hassle than the diaper covers. Is there a pro to offset that con? 
    Again, thank you!! :smiley: 
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  • momofsweetpsmomofsweetps member
    edited May 2016
    It's just a preference. I don't mind the pockets but I have friends that hate them. The covers are more versatile probably. I only have 4 covers and a whole lot more pockets because at the time I preferred it. Maybe buy some covers and try them both and then buy more of what you like. I really prefer all in ones (aio) because it doesn't involve stuffing or putting on a pre fold but they are more expensive. 
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  • xJKxORxJKxOR member
    I have pocket diapers, all in ones, and all in twos. Some of my pockets I use as an actual pocket and place the insert inside but the majority of the time I place the insert on top and just change the insert (reusing the cover) until the cover is wet or if there is a messy poop. Most microfiber inserts have a cotton top on one side so they are ok to be used against babies skin. If it is straight microfiber though (I have some China cheapies like this) then I agree that you should place it inside the pocket so LOs skin doesn't get too dry. 
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  • wilcoxevwilcoxev member
    No need to place it inside the pocket. Place it outside against babies skin and just change the liner. Mine are microfiber and I have been using them for 8 months, no diaper rash or irritation ever.
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  • realsquirrelrealsquirrel member
    Thanks guys! I feel much better about my decision now. Phew!
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  • tlc11934tlc11934 member
    I CD'd DD1 and preferred pockets.  I started with about 20 and washed them every other day.  It was great and DD was potty trained around 21 months.  If you want to try a certain kind of CD but don't want to commit big bucks there's a swap on Facebook called Cloth Diaper Swap II.  I sold a lot of mine on there and people sometimes sell new ones too.  Good luck!  Wish I could CD this LO!
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  • booksandcleverness81booksandcleverness81 member
    I prefer all in ones or all in twos, but the pockets are definitely cheaper and they work great too. I have about 20 overall and it has been fine for us. I had some Alva too and I hated the microfiber inserts they came with, so I ordered 6 bamboo charcoal inserts on Amazon for like $20 and use those instead. If you want to put them on top instead of inside and are worried about baby's booty, you could try a natural insert like the bamboo. 
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  • ForeverEverAfterForeverEverAfter member
    I use a mix of flats (folded and snappied) in covers, and pockets. Pockets go on just like a sposie, so I use them for hubby, the sitter, and diaper bag. I had a big stash for DD1's daycare (36, so I didn't have to stuff on work days). I mostly use flats at home, and rotate my covers (allowing them to dry between use) until wash day. I have 6 covers, 18 flats. They are cotton, bamboo or hemp, so they can go against skin. Avoid microfiber next to the skin, it really is drying. Some inserts have a natural fiber outer (like charcoal bamboo) or a micro fleece side (applecheeks) that are safe against skin. If yours are MF both sides, you can add a microfleece or flannel liner. 
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