First of all...SoftBums are so easy to use. Like any new item, there is a small learning curve with them, but don't worry, in about two diaper changes, you will have it under your belt.
There are a few important steps to prevent leaks.
1. Tuck in the insert. After putting the diaper on baby, check the edges around the legs to make sure the insert is tucked inside the cover.
Here you can see the insert peeking out behind the leg. This will cause wicking from the insert to baby's clothes. 
The insert is easily tucked back into the cover and wicking is no more!
2. Tighten legs...but not too much. I'd say that this is the hardest part to get right the first couple times. My rule of thumb is if I can see into the cover its too loose. I have found the easiest way to get the legs perfect is to put the diaper on baby, pull the elastic out of the opening, and while the toggle is in the cover, grab it and either squeeze and pull on the leg to loosen, or pull on the elastic to tighten. Doing it this way allows you to adjust it while on baby and not having to pull the toggles out of the diaper each time to adjust.
3. Velcro/Snap diaper tight enough. You can pull on the tabs on cloth diapers and they won't rip off...I find that folding the insert so the fold is half way up the velcro works best, then I tighten around that. This is easy to judge and you will learn after a few times of diapering. This keeps the insert in place and helps prevent it from slipping down and bulging up while keeping wetness in.
Personal Tricks:
For the best fit: I have found, that if I pull the majority of the gathers to the front of the diaper it fits him a little better and even a little trimmer!
Gathers Pulled to Back--the diaper doesn't lay flat:
Gathers Pulled To the front--The diaper lays flat...
If you watch the video below--First I place the diaper under baby...and then fold the insert. When I am ready to pull the cover over the insert I stretch it out and wiggle it back and forth to get the insert inside the legs (I actually had to pull the insert out of the leg in the above pics). After it is stretched out, I roll it up over baby and velcro in place. ...Again, this is what works for me, you will develop your own method.
How I rotate covers:
If my covers only get wet, I place them, fleece side out, on the end of the changing table to dry. By my next diaper change the cover is usually dry so I place a new insert in it and away we go. I usualy try to keep a mental note on diapers that have been through this rotation a few times and then try to diaper with those when I expect a BM. I highly reccomend a cloth diaper pail liner. Sarah sells some awesome ones on her website. I just throw mine in with the diapers, and when they are out of the dryer I open the bag, throw them in and carry them up to Mason's room. It's like a built in laundry basket!
**New Blog Features**
The SoftBums Cloth Diapering Booklet is available in the left hand column.
Below, there is a place to enter comments, ask questions, etc.
And, there are links to some wonderful reviews of SoftBums in the left hand column as well!
Video of SoftBums diapering
Enjoy
Megan Schultz
Great first post! The details are very helpful, especially for first time CDers. It's interesting to see how other moms fold the insert. I've experimented a few times with folding the middle of the insert, but it doesn't seem to stay in place as well as if I just fold it in the front.
ReplyDeleteGreat part about the insert showing. This is a key point I stress with my customers. I don't know why, but I never adjusted the legs after the diaper was on. I'll have to try this!
ReplyDeleteStacy--that is a good point! It depends if you're diapering a lil boy or girl where you fold the insert...I have heard if you double it in the bottom its better for girls and folding in front better for boys. I can try to experiment and see what works best that way and post a pic of diapering for a girl...If any of you have a baby girls and have input on this...please let us know!
ReplyDeleteYes, with little boys, it is so nice to have that extra material for folding up front! And for little girls, the insert is wider in the back for extra absorbency.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the advice
ReplyDelete