DIY replacing back elastic

So, this is a DIY on how to replace your BACK elastic in your SoftBums.

What you'll need:

Seam ripper/Little Scissors

Sewing machine that can do a simple straight stitch

Replacement kit from SoftBums (check your toggles and tell them if you need new toggles too) OR

1/4" BRAIDED elastic 1-6" piece

Replacement snap for the back

Wire cutter or similar tool for snap removal

Step 1:

Using a seam ripper, take out the back seam.  This can be done without turning the diaper. 

Remove elastic

Step 2:
Remove the snap.  I am pretty sure there is an actual tool made for doing this, but I happen to have a wire clipper laying around so I use that. It works fine for me.

The thing is here, take your time.  These can be a bugger to get off.  What I do is just start clipping away at the cap of the snap.  Being sure to stay away from the PUL or MF.

TIP: throw on your sunglasses and/or keep it pointing away from you as you clip.  The snaps can be brittle and shatter.  I got a projectile to the eye doing this and learned the hard way.  Learn from my mistake.  Be careful!

 If that doesn't work, go for the inside.  Clip this like slicing a pizza and it will come out from around the peg.

Just the post showing, now I just cut the end and pull the post out.  

 Step 3:
Turn diaper inside out.  You can do this thru the big hole in the back that you just made, however, I suggest flipping it through the hole in the front.  And yes it can be done.   Carefully.  If you want you can slit a few stitches on the front to make it easier, but I promise it can be done.  See video below!

If you flip it through the hole in the front, it will be easier to flip it back because you don't need to pull the front elastic through.

Step 4:
Sew on new elastic.  Placing it where the previous one was, start off the elastic about 3-5 stitches and back-stitch, then place elastic under presser foot, sew on the elastic about 4 stitches and back-stitch.  Then stretch the elastic, holding the fabric in front and behind the elastic and you'll need to gently help it through the machine since you're pulling the elastic.

TIP: Do not cut your elastic to length.  Leave it long and cut it after its sewn, it will save you a headache and stitched fingers.

Un-stretched: 

Stretched: 

At the end back stitch, clip your elastic while your needle is down, then stitch off the end 3-5 stitches and back-stitch.  Make sure you sew the back up all the way.

Step 5:
Flip.  

Done!

I have a good video how to flip your diaper, but my computer won't upload it.  I'll post it in a different post as soon as it will let me publish it.  :-/

Details on the Bamboo

SoftBums offers several different types of Pods, I will take some time and explain the differences between them, and then compare absorbency. 

Tell me about Bamboo:

These are a blend of 70% Organic Bamboo and 30% Organic Cotton fibers which is then topped with a super soft Organic Bamboo Velour (OBV).  The top is super soft and provides some stay dry effect.  Being an all natural fiber they will shrink.  Do not worry when you pull them out of the package and they seem HUGE, they shrink up to fit perfectly in your SoftBums' shells.  Another pro is all natural fibers do not expand when wet, thus they have a super trim fit and are very resistant to compression leaks!  Natural fibers are also great for babies who are rash prone, they are sensitive skin friendly. 

A couple things to be aware of.  1) because they shrink, the top may become wrinkled.  This can be helped by stretching the inserts after washing (while wet) and letting them air dry.  After dry throwing them in the dryer to "fluff up" will make them super soft again (try adding tennis balls or wool balls to soften them up more).  2) Natural fibers do not expand when wet, however, they do become almost kinda "stiff" which is how it holds moisture.  3) Natural fibers tend to stain easier, but they also tend to sun out better. 

Details: 

Organic Bamboo One Size Pods.   

Logistics: 
After shrinking the pod is 21.5 inches long, 5 inches wide at the narrow end, and 7.25 inches at the widest part of the flare.  
Color: Cream
Dry weight: 106 grams
Wet weight: 389 grams
Since 1mL of water is just about exactly 1 gram, this pod holds 283mL of water (yes urine has a different specific gravity, density and weight, but for our purposes, it gives us a good idea).  That's 3.7 times its weight!

These pods are extra long so when put on baby, you can fold it where you need the absorbency, in front for boys, under for girls.  These pods will fit baby from birth until potty training.  These are the "Cadillac" of pods.  

Staying with the Organic Bamboo, lets look at the Organic Bamboo Minis.

The main difference, other than size, between the One Size OBV pod is that the mini's are not topped with velour.  The Mini pods are 3 layers of the same 70% Organic Bamboo and 30% Organic Cotton blend fabric.  Even though they do not have the OBV on top, they are still super soft (similar to t-shirt fabric) can be placed next to baby's skin without worry, and are super small to be used with newborns, or great for doublers for heavy wetters or for things like long car rides, trips, outings, naps, or bedtime, etc.  

Logistics:
After shrinking the pod is 10.5 inches by 3 and 7/8 inches.  
Color: Cream
Dry Weight: 29.5 grams
Wet Weight: 108 grams
That's 78.5 mL of water!!!  3.7 times its own weight!!!

One thing I personally love about these pods is there is less repelling issues.  At least from my experience.  Look how nicely they absorb fast flowing water!

Curious about how bamboo is turned into fabric?  Read about it in a previous post here.  Rest assured SoftBums always purchases fabric that was produced as eco-friendly as possible.

Interested in microfiber pod details!  Keep checking, it will be posted soon!

Toddlers and Food

I've done posts on the subject before, but it is something that stands near and dear to my heart:

Healthy food for kids

I know, beleive me I KNOW how hard it is to get kids to eat food, let alone food that is good for them!  So, it is always good to have more ammo in your pocket to pull out when you need ideas. 

Pinterest is a great idea to do just that.  My weekly routine of food is getting pretty boring, so I went on pinterest to look for some new ideas.  

Click on each photo to be taken to their website

Wholesometoddlerfood.com

Nurtured baby breaks foods down into ages, which is handy

These sites have tons of ideas!  

I know some days it is hard to be a mom and be creative all at once, these will help throw new things into routines!  

Did you find anything you are going to try?

DIY Replace your Leg Elastic

So, this is a DIY on how to replace your LEG elastic in your SoftBums.

What you'll need:

Seam ripper/Little Scissors

Sewing machine that can do a simple straight stitch

Replacement kit from SoftBums (check your toggles and tell them if you need new toggles too) or
1/4" BRAIDED elastic 2-15" pieces

Small safety pin

Step 1:

Using your seam ripper cut about every other stitch.  

 Again, whenever possible I recommend you seam rip on the microfleece side to be sure you don't poke holes in your PUL.  Clip the stitches going across (on top in below pic) and down the elastic casing about 1".  Do this on each leg.

Step 2:

Cut your old elastic off, and remove toggles. 

Then

Flip your diaper inside out through the toggle access in the front (yes it USUALLY fits).  Be gentle and go slow.  When you get to the HnL tabs fold them and slide them through individually.  If your diaper has an extra small access hole, you may need to use your seam ripper and cut it just a little bit so you can flip it.  If you do this, just edge stitch it back up when your done, back stitching at the ends (See HnL replacement).

This is what it looks like flipped inside out.  Weird I know. 

Step 3-6

Cloth Wipes Info and GIVEAWAY!!

If you are already using cloth or about to jump on board cloth wipes are an easy add on to your routine.  

SoftBums has released their own wipes

Softbums Wipes will make the perfect addition to your SoftBums collection They are made with a bamboo organic cotton blend One grippy side for the big messes One softer side for a gentle clean on baby's delicate skin Come in 6 bright, fun colors Blue Raspberry - Blue & Green Bombpop - Red & Blue Fudgescicle - Brown & Orange Lemon Lime - Yellow & Green Orange Sherbert - Red & Orange Tutti Frutti - Pink & Purple Available for purchase in packs of 5.  Choose from either: Girly Pack Neutral Pack Use these for different things, not just butt wipes.  They are super soft and thin enough to grab for runny noses, they are an organic bamboo cotton blend you can use them as a liner, and countless other uses!   These wipes are super thin so you can fit a bunch in your wipes warmer and they are super strong.  They holdup to the biggest messes with one side being a little "grippier" than the other to really pull the dirty's away from baby.   These are the perfect size to take with you in your diaper bag too.  Pack a few in a ziplock baggie wet or dry, and wrap them with you dirty diapers and throw them in the wet bag when you're done.  You can also use the little portable disposable wipes cases and travel with them that way.   No need to wash you wipes separately, just throw them in the wet bag with your diapers and wash with everything else.   One review I found so far: I've been using these wipes for a few months now and LOVE them. Normally I go for the thicker ones, but was pleasantly surprised at how well these ones work. One side is grippier so it cleans up messes nicely while the other side is smooth. I can fit several more in a thin plastic travel wipe container than I can with my other wipes.  I can lay them in the diaper too as a barrier when I have to use diaper cream and they work great for runny-nosed toddlers since they are thin and soft. Solution: The easiest is just plain water, which is what we use at our house.  In my opinion, nothing else is needed...if something more is needed that's where I would put my kids in the tub and "hose" 'em off.  We have been rash free at this house.   Disclaimer: I have not personally tried any of these options.  Please note a little goes a long way!   Make sure your solution doesn't contain too much oil to prevent repelling issues with your diapers.  If you like a recipe with more oil, you can always separate your wipes and dipes and wash them separately.    Here are some other options to try making on your own: Basic Wipe Solution This basic recipe can be adapted by changing the type of soap or oil. 1/2 cup baby oil 1/2 cup baby wash 2 cups water Castile Solution Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap comes in several yummy scents! 1 tablespoon almond, apricot, or other oil 1 tablespoon Dr Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap 2 drops tea tree oil 1 drop lavender oil 1 cup water Essential Oil Solution With three different EOs contributing their unique properties... 4 cups water warmed in microwave 2-4 drops Tea Tree Oil 2-4 drops Lavender Essential Oi1 1 Tablespoon Grapeseed Oil 1 Tablespoon Calendula Oil 2 Tablespoon Baby Wash Thanks to Lucinda A. for this recipe. Fruit 'n' Veggie Dr Bronner's soaps can often be found in organic markets. 1 teaspoon fruit or vegetable-based oil (apricot, olive, grapeseed, etc) 1 tablespoon vegetable-based soap (like Dr. Bronner's liquid castile) 1 teaspoon 100% aloe vera gel 1 cup water Just One Just one "something" of each ingredient for this recipe. 1 chamomile tea bag 1 teaspoon oil 1 teaspoon baby bath or shampoo 1 drop lavendar oil 1 cup hot water Lavender 'n' Tea Tree Lavender and Tea Tree are popular EO choices for wipe solutions. 1/8 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon baby shampoo 4 drops tea tree oil 8 drops lavender oil 3 cups water Variation: Use lavender baby oil and lavender baby wash for a heavenly Lavender wash. Thanks to Nicole M. for this variation. Lotion Potion Baby lotion adds more softening power to this solution. 1 tablespoon baby oil 1 tablespoon baby soap 1 tablespoon baby lotion 1 cup water Variation: Replace the baby oil and lotion with 2 tablespoons Baby Magic Creamy Baby Oil for a less oily potion. Thanks to Kimberly A. for this variation. Magic Baby Baby Magic products are usually easy to find in local stores. 1/2 cup Baby Magic oil 1/2 cup Baby Magic wash 2 cups water No Measuring Don't measure for this one, just estimate amounts. 2 squirts baby oil 2 squirts baby wash 1 drop EO 1 cup water (about) Shampoo Style Baby shampoo works as well as baby wash. 1 tablespoon baby oil 2 teaspoons baby shampoo 2 1/2 cups water Zany Apricot Solution 1 tablespoon apricot oil 1 tablespoon unscented baby wash 3 cups water Zany Lavender Solution 1 tablespoon baby oil 1 tablespoon lavender scented baby wash 2-3 drops lavender oil 3 cups water SOLUTIONS YOU CAN BUY: SHEEPISH GRINS WASHY WAFER DIAPER WIPE SOLUTION-UNSCENTED  Washy Wafers cloth diaper wipes solution is back, and this time it is even better! We took the original Washy Wafers solution and added vitamin E, healing aloe vera, soothing calendula and real silk protein. Silk protein has gotten a lot of attention recently in the cloth diapering world due to claims that it can heal diaper rash. We've seen no studies to prove this, but we do know silk protein makes your skin feel nice! Soothing aloe vera extract and gently cleansing glycerine soap combine to make an easy to use and very portable diaper wipes solution. Added silk protein makes this silk-rich solution perfect for baby's delicate skin. We add an extra helping of shea butter to make this rich diaper wipes solution an excellent "mess" remover. Simple to use, just add 1 or 2 cubes to 1 cup of very hot water. Allow to cool and pour over cloth wipes. You can also use a spray bottle or squirt bottle to wet wipes as you need them. Be careful not to contaminate the solution. Replace with fresh solution every 1-2 days as it does not contain preservatives. A wonderful concoction that smells like baby and honey - very similar to Burt's Bees "Baby Bee Buttermilk." Contains hints of vanilla, peach, violet and honey. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ New this summer! Lots of natural soap bit goodness, packed into a large phtalate-free jar. I can fit approximately 35 bits in this medium-sized jar. The first picture depicts the approximate coloring of these soap bits (color may vary due to differences in monitors and also in my hand-made batches.) A jar would make a great gift for anyone looking for a multi-purpose soap that's free from harsh detergents. An easy way to be eco friendly! Use your soap bits for: *cloth wipe solution *a gentle pre-wash solution for cloth menstrual pads *one-use guest soap *foaming cleanser *travel wash *kids' bath soap - no more melted, wasted bars! *Avoid smelly chemical-laden public restroom soaps - take one or two cubes in a small pillbox and wash your hands with a refreshing, natural soap instead! I use an all natural high-glycerin soap as a base for these yummy cubes so they'll dissolve easily and moisturize well. Shea butter is added for even more moisturizing. Finally, for this scent, I added a gentle fragrance oil and FDA-approved dye. (If you prefer soap bits that are undyed or scented with all-natural essential oils, check out my other listings!)  All undyed Essential Oil soap bits are 100% natural. All other fragrances are made with high quality phtalate-free fragrance oils, but since they are synthetic, the final product is only 99% natural. Adding dyes to the product reduces this percentage one additional percent. All my soaps are made without harmful chemicals like Sodium Laureth Sulfate - so you know you're putting the best on your family's skin!  Features: ~100% all natural ingredients ~Safe to use with cloth diapers ~Helps prevent and soothe diaper rash ~Great for sensitive skin ~Multiple uses: wipe messy faces, great for travelling and camping! ~Made in the USA by WAHM    Details: A lightly scented baby wipes solution can be made by dissolving Booty Cubes in water. Booty Cubes contain 100% all natural ingredients which help prevent and soothe diaper rash. I use these by dropping 1-2 cubes in a squirt bottle and mix them with about 8 oz. of hot water until they are dissolved, please remember to let solution cool before using. Then I just put some of the mixture on my reusable wipes and Voila! The job is done! These are safe to use with cloth diapers! Booty Cubes do NOT contain: chemicals, detergents, dyes, sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, phthalates, Cocomide DEA, surfactants, alcohol, propylene glycol, and has not been tested on animals. All of our products are made from vegetable oils, are completely vegan (except milk in goat's milk cubes or soap), and are biodegradable. Essential oils OR Fragrance oils in Booty Cubes are used in small amounts; only enough to "get the job done"! THIRSTIES BOOTY LUSTER WIPE SOLUTION SPRAY, 4 OZ Product Description Features: A completely non-toxic, non-irritating solution 100% biodegradable Custom formulated especially for use in cleaning your baby's diaper area Loosen waste, thoroughly cleanses, and gently moisturizes your baby's skin Restores skin's natural barrier against bacteria Soothes skin and helps prevent diaper rash Dries completely clean; will not leave residue Made in the USA Details: Thirsties Booty Luster is blended by hand in small batches, using flowers, plants, resins, and high quality organic ingredients. Each component of our wipes solution has been carefully selected to not only clean your baby's diaper area, but to soothe and moisturize, as well. And perhaps most importantly, the properties of Thirsties Booty Luster actually help to restore the natural barrier your baby needs to protect him/herself from harmful, rash-inducing bacteria. Use Thirsties Booty Luster at every diaper change to clean thoroughly-yet gently, to moisturize, and to help protect your baby from diaper rash. Enter to win a pack of wipes and one winner will also win a SoftBums' shell of their choice!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SoftBums' Organic Bamboo Wipes

Introducing SoftBums Organic Bamboo Wipes!

Softbums Wipes will make the perfect addition to your SoftBums collection. They are made with a bamboo organic cotton blend, one grippy side for the big messes and one softer side for a gentle clean on baby's delicate skin. They come in 6 bright, fun colors and are available for purchase in packs of 5. Choose from either a girly pack or a gender neutral pack.

SoftBums Organic Bamboo Wipes are available now from www.SoftBums.com or soon from your favoriteSoftBums Retailer!

Tips for cloth diapering a new baby blog repost

7 Tips For the Cloth Diapering Newbie

1. Speak the language – the first few days you may be a little overwhelmed with all of the new terms and phrases but with a little practice and guidance you’ll grasp this new language quite quickly.  To help you learn the language here are some of my favorite cloth diaper dictionaries:  Cloth Diaper Terminology, Cloth Diaper Terms and Definitions, and Cloth Diaper Slang.  If in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask what an acronym or word means.

2. Start simple, start small – many parents start our their cloth diapering journey by trying to pick one brand and style that they feel will be perfect from birth to potty training.  While there is no wrong or right way to start, it is less stressful to start with a sampling of different styles and types to find out which diaper is right for your baby and your lifestyle.  What works for the mom who stays at home with their baby might not work for the mom who has to leave their baby with a caregiver.

Try pockets, all-in-ones, flats, and even prefolds.  Don’t be scared to try something that looks difficult, it might just become your favorite system.  You can always continue to build your stash as you find out what you like.

3. Start at any age – that’s right, with cloth diapering you can start at any age.  Most newborn parents are completely overwhelmed with all of the choices to be made that diapering choices might not even be considered until you experience your first diaper rash or until you meet your first cloth diapering parent.  Newborns go through a ton of diapers in the first few weeks and while it would be nice to save all of those disposables from the landfill new parents may just be too tired to manage one more load of laundry.

Don’t be afraid to give cloth diapering a try as you become more accustomed to your routine as a parent.  I have friends who have openly accepted cloth diapering (and loved it) once their child turned one, two, and even three once they’ve entered potty training..

4. Embrace the poop – because all babies do it!  Regardless of if your baby is in cloth diapers or disposable diapers your baby is going to poop.  You’re going to have to grab a baby wipe and clean that babies bottom.  How you handle the poop from there is what matters most.

Poop can take the form of a solid, liquid, and even a gas!  Be thankful for those solid poops which will easily dump into the toilet and flush way.  Liquid poops (especially those exclusively breast fed poops) aren’t as difficult to deal with as you think.  Most breastfed poops will rinse right out in the wash and don’t even need a pre-rinse (although a pre-rinse is a good idea since stains can happen as your babies are introduced to solids).  Parents find that investing in a diaper sprayer that attaches to your toilet helps handle any type of poop – especially the peanut butter sticky poop!

5. Going out isn’t challenging – don’t be afraid to take cloth diapers on day trips or even on vacation.  The only difference is that instead of leaving that diaper behind (no pun intended) in the changing room you now dump the poop and store the dirty diaper safely within a sealed wet bag.  Wet bags will keep your diaper bag dry and keep the smells (yes – even those poop-plosions) hidden safely inside and no one will know what’s inside.

And be honest…how many of us try NOT to change our babies until we’re ready to leave the mall (or destination of choice) so you’ll only be carrying the dirty diaper for a few minutes until you get back to your car.  You may enjoy theseTips for Traveling with Cloth Diapers for longer trips and vacations.

6. Try cloth wipes – because traditional wipes are full of chemicals that can dry and irritate your babies skin.  I know disposable wipes are nice to have for those extremely nasty messes and I admit that I keep a pack on hand for my husband when dealing with the poopy messes.  Don’t rule out cloth wipes though because that rash that popped up on your babies bum might be caused from the alcohol and added ingredients in the package of wipes you just opened.

Cloth wipes are easy to use and can be thrown in with the load of cloth diaper laundry you already do.  Grab a spray bottle of wipes solution (you can even make your own) and spray your babies bum before gently wiping away with a velour, cotton, hemp, or fleece wipe.  With 8-12 diaper changes a day your baby will thank you for giving their bum some extra gentle love.  Toss the wipe in your wet bag and wash just like you do your diapers.

7. If at first you don’t succeed – try, try again!  Accidents happen whether you choose disposable or cloth diapers.  In your struggle to wrestle your wriggly little baby (usually while you are half asleep) you might not have put the diaper on incorrectly and the pee has found a place to escape.  While that place is normally on your babies bed, car seat or your favorite outfit, don’t let it get you down.

Leaks can happen but you will quickly learn the tricks of the trade!  Before long you will become a pro and you’ll know all the secrets.  Don’t forget though that cloth diapers aren’t filled with those little gel crystals that absorb 10 times their weight in liquid – once cloth is full it will leak!  To be safe remember to change your baby every 2-3 hours (or more frequent as needed) and remember that what goes in your baby eventually has to come out!

Bonus tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for help!  There are forums, blogs, Facebook pages, manufacturers and retailers out there ready to help you with your cloth diaper questions and problems.

From: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2012/04/25/7-tips-for-the-cloth-diapering-newbie-guest-post/

Replacing your Hook and Loop in SoftBums

I thought I would post a quick DIY on replacing H&L for those of you who want to try it on your own.

It isn't hard.  

All you need for tools is a seam ripper, a little pair of scissors, cornstarch and of course a machine.  Nothing fancy, it just needs to do a simple straight stitch and not be too angry about sewing H&L (some have tempers-mine HATES tulle).  

Use 100% polyester thread (most are except quilting, but check your spool first)

Use a simple straight stitch throughout the DIY

Use a ballpoint needle

Don't forget your replacement parts

Step 1:
Carefully remove all H&L with your seam ripper.  A little scissors will work but it is about 10 times harder, pick up a seam ripper at your local craft store for a few bucks, it will save your frustration and your diapers.

When possible remove the H&L from the microfleece side, this will help prevent any accidental holes in the PUL.  

Step 2:

This is probably the hardest part, only because it is SUPER easy to put a hole in your PUL.  You need to open the front of the diaper.  Just along the top edge because you will need to get in there to put the H&L back on with your machine.  

Read the rest of the article on the authors blog

Questions about washing?

You've ordered your SoftBums, anxiously stalked your postman, and now they are here. 

You rip open the box, anxiously sorting, feeling the softness, playing, adjusting and showing everybody you know your new diapers.  

Now what?!

Prepping!  

I got the official answer on how to prep pods from our wonderful (other) Megan at customer service.  

Prepping Diapers

I've included prepping and washing instructions for your reference below. You may also refer to our online cloth diaper booklet for more information about SoftBums. You may view it here: http://www.softbums.com/assets/Reusable-Diaper-Information-Booklet.pdf

Prepping Diapers

Only the inserts need to be washed 3-5 times before using them (they will not reach maximum absorbency until about 10 washes). Please note that it's best to wash synthetic and natural fibers separately for the initial prepping (microfiber and bamboo). They can be washed together after being prepped because the natural oils will be removed at that point.

For the first wash, use 1/2 of the recommended amount of detergent and wash on hot. Then wash again on hot with no detergent a few more times to prep them. Finally, dry like normal. You do not need to dry them in between each wash. Simply wash over and over again and then put them in the dryer when you're done prepping them. It's important to wash your diapers on hot. If your washer has a hot/cold setting that will work just fine too. The shells only need to be washed once. After you wash the shells for the first time, you will want to seal the sewing holes by drying them once on hot for 10 minutes.

When washing/drying the diapers once you're using them, you can lengthen the shell's lifespan by hanging them to dry most or part of the time. If you decide to dry the shells in the diaper, you'll want to dry on low to medium (not high).

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WASHING & HE TIPS

SoftBums Recomended Washing Instructions:

-Make sure the water level is high when you wash diapers
-Also make sure water temp is on hot (you may even want to turn up your water heater)
-Use 1/4 of the recommended amt.
-wash once on cold with detergent,
-once on HOT w/ no detergent, and dry.
*Optional (and I suggest this for smell/build up issues) Try using more laundry detergent than suggested (about 1/2 recommended amount instead of 1/4) and do an extra rinse

Please note that we do not recommend products such as bleach, oxy clean, bac out, and vinegar because they are harsh on the materials in SoftBums diapers. Also, many natural detergents have natural softeners & oils that can cause build up (which leads to smells and leaks).

If you have an HE Front Loader:

It's very important to make sure there is enough water in the washing machine. That's usually the problem with HE washers. They don't add as much water as top loaders and therefore don't rinse the diapers as well, and don't get them as clean as top loaders. So you have to trick the washer into adding as much water as possible.

These settings are for the "LG Front Loader" :

Wash twice.

First Cycle: Cold Speedwash no detergent - no spin - heavy soil.

Second Cycle: - BULKY - stain cycle - EXTRA rinse - WITH 1/2-3/4 Tablespoons of Rockin Green, or Purex Free and Clear.

If your washer doesn't have these settings, or options to add more water, you can add water by hand in through the detergent drawer, or put the diapers in wet so the sensor thinks there are more clothes and adds more water to the cycle. You can also add some towels to the load to add more weight (so the washer will add more water).

Confused...don't worry, it will be okay!  Just remember these few things when you're starting...

NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVER use fabric softener

Limit additives like oxiclean, brightners, etc

More water less soap is the rule to live by when washing diapers

The question of:
What kind of soap should I use?

Is common and is personal.  There are many choices and depending on your water and what you like, the choice is yours.  We recommend several to our users including: 

We recommend Purex Free & Clear. Anything with oxygenating additives or whiteners will slowly ruin your diapers. Borax, vineger, and softeners should NEVER be used.  Bleach needs to only be used once in a while (maybe 2x a year) if you're having serious issues and NEVER on your shells.  Baking soda in the first wash will help to de-odorize them, but you shouldn’t need it often.  Every once in a while, or if your diapers are stinky after washing, you may need to strip them. Also you might try soaking in the washer for a few hours or overnight if your diapers are getting stinky.

Other soaps like:

Rockin' Green
Tide
Charlies Powder
andSoap Nuts

Are popular among our users.

Use what works for you, but remember you only need a very little amount.  Too much soap results in buildup, stink, leaks and frustration!  More water!

At my house I will use about 1/2" in the purex free cap, first wash on cold and large (biggest load setting=most water), then 2 cycles of hot without detergent.  If my diapers are super dirty (tummy aches, or too many blueberries) I will wash 2x on cold and use about half the detergent the second cold wash as the first then 2x on hot.  I may even stop the washer 15 minutes into the 1st hot cycle to let them soak in the hot water for a while, the restart and finish my routine.

Everybody has a different routine, and I promise you will find your own that works for you!  We are here to help you until you have your routine down pat and then you will have advise for us!

Then there is something I keep hearing about STRIPPING?

I wrote a post about stripping diapers here

Basically, stripping your diapers means washing them a bunch of times to remove any build up on your diapers, it is something to consider if you're having repelling issues, smelly issues, or leaks.  Remember you only need to strip your pods, not shells.  

More questions, please ask!  Also, we have a new FAQ page here