Tip: Turn Your Favorite Pocket Into an All-in-Two

Love the fit of your pocket diaper, but want it to go the distance (aka - use it more than once)? Baby outgrowing some of your smaller diapers, and suddenly you find yourself a bit low on diaper changes? The following tutorial is a great way to repurpose your Pocket diaper, turning it in to an All-in-Two Diaper! 

Let's step back - What's an All-in-Two system? 
All-in-Two diapers are made of two pieces - a waterproof outer and an absorbent inner. Some of the most well-known brands include: Flip, GroVia, gDiapers (though g's incorporate a third piece). Shop All-in-Two brands here. And the term 'System?' That just to the fact that many of these brands have multiple options available, so you can build a 'diapering system' that matches your needs best (ie. GroVia offers a one-size shell and three insert choices - stay-dry, organic or disposable).

I know what you're probably thinking - wait, doesn't that definition ('a two-piece diaper') also seem to include my prefold+cover, or fitted+cover - those are both two pieces as well? Correct! I always like to say that All-in-Two systems are just prefolds+covers with better marketing. While some All-in-Two brands do have some more engineering on their side (ie. Bestbottoms or GroVia each offer snap-in inserts that fix exclusively in to their branded shells), other systems (ie. Flip or Swaddlebee's Capri) have inserts which simply set into the shell. A trifolded prefold laid into a cover - yup - same premise just less marketing.


So let's take this idea of a trifolded prefold laid into a cover a step further. 

1. Grab your favorite pocket diaper and pull out the microfiber insert. That pocket's shell has now become your waterproof cover. Wait, how does something that previously absorbed now work as a cover? Well, pocket's inner wicking layers, whether it be suedecloth or microfleece, absorbs moisture when there is a absorbency behind AND there is pressure against the wicking layer. Once you've removed the insert, your wicking layer is now pressed up against the waterproof outer fabric. No longer does moisture travel through the wicking layer, but it instead now is repelled.

2. Grab your favorite natural fiber absorbent inner. This inner (which we'll call an 'insert') can be anything - prefold, flat, folded up flannel receiving blanket, etc. It doesn't matter what that insert is made of, as long as it has been washed in cloth-safe detergent and is not microfiber (microfiber should never be placed against baby's skin!).

3. Fold the insert into an appropriately sized rectangle for your Pocket's width and length.

4. Lay onto the wicking layer of the pocket.

5. Secure diaper around baby.

6. At diaper change time, toss the used insert into your pail and hang the Pocket's shell to air out. Grab a second Pocket shell and new insert. At the next change, air out that alternate shell and reuse the one that was airing. Soiled? Pull from rotation and add in a new one.

Voila. Pocket diaper has now become an All-in-Two diaper. I like to think of this as MacGyver's version of All-in-Two diapering. 

Why Do I Love This? 

• Versatile! It diversifies your stash. 
• Economical! You get more bang for your buck. 
• It's Potty Time! This is a fantastic way to change your pocket diaper from a stay-dry solution to something that feels wet to the touch - ideal for those wee ones who are on their way to using the potty. 
• Cute! I will often hear from folks they avoid pockets because they hate the idea of a single-use cute-print outer. Well now you can show off that same print several times through the day. 
• Great for larger toddlers. Finding yourself with fewer and fewer diapers that still fit your 35lb baby? But there is that one pocket diaper that does work? Rather than having to invest in a full stash of that single brand, you can now buy another two or three and two dozen prefolds. You've just grown your stash from one diaper to 2-3 days' of changes. 
• No stuffing! I really dislike stuffing pockets. I can't tell you why, but it is just a task I avoid like the plague. The ability to lay in the insert is fabulous, in my book. 

Want to Do This Full-Time? 

You'll want to match your quantities to those I recommend for any other All-in-Two system. (Note, these quantities are per day, so you'll want to extrapolate out.)

• For young infants, per day, I recommend planning on 3-4 Pockets and 12-15 inserts
• Older infants - 3 Pockets and 12 inserts
• Toddlers - 2 Pockets  and 8 inserts
• Please note - these are fairly conservative numbers. As always, the more diapers you have in rotation, the less overall wear-and-tear and the better the diapers will fare. If the budget allows, I recommend adding a few more Pockets to what I suggest above. 

Want to Dip Your Toe In? 

• Buy two pockets and a dozen prefolds. Unless your baby still has super-runny stools, this should be enough to last you through a full day. 

Does the Insert Matter? 

Short answer, not really. As long as it isn't microfiber you can use virtually anything. Like some guidance? Here are my recommendations - 

• OsoCozy Better Fit Prefold - Premium size - economical, a great length for almost every one-size pocket out there
• Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold - incredibly absorbent, trim
• AppleCheeks Bamboo Insert - another absorbent but still quite trim option

Does the Pocket Matter? 

Because you'll want to ensure you have great coverage, I do recommend a Pocket that is cut fuller through the legs and bum. I love - 

• Blueberry Deluxe - either PUL and Minky (oh minky, how I love minky diapers!)
• bumGenius 4.0

Any Pockets That Won't Work? 

You'll want to use a pocket that is lined with a stay-dry layer, whether microfleece or suedecloth. A Pocket lined in a natural fiber (like Swaddlebees EcoNappi or Blueberry Bamboo Deluxe) will not work. Why? Their natural fiber pocket layer absorb moisture (unlike the stay-dry pockets that repel) so you'd be reusing a urine-saturated shell all day. Yuck! 

What On Earth Should I Do With All These Leftover Microfiber Inserts? 

Save them. They will make great doublers for overnights (be sure to tuck the microfiber into the pocket, or behind the natural fiber insert). In addition, when you are ready to sell your stash once baby is using the potty, it is nice to be able to sell the diaper as a whole. 

OR, if you are crafty you can also make the microfiber insert work. Grab some cotton, flannel, microfleece, suedecloth, bamboo or any other favorite fabric safe to use against baby's bottom. In other words, avoid the Shamwow, microfiber towels, neoprene (haha - I typed that one as a joke, hmmm, wonder if that would actually work). Preshrink your fabric. Cut it to match the shape of your microfiber insert, then sew to the top. You've now put a 'safe' fabric layer between baby's bottom and the microfiber, so you now can lay that into your pocket's shell. 

Just call me MacGyver Momma. We've been doing it a lot around here a lot lately - my daughter is reaching a point at which several of her Medium/Size 1 diapers no longer fit, and we are often scrambling to find enough diapers to last us between laundry days (yes, despite a store full of thousands of diapers we are still running low, haha!). I've been loving, loving the fit of her Blueberry Pockets lately, but she seems so close to using the potty that I don't want to invest in any more diapers (at least, trying really hard with all the cute stuff that's come out lately!). And we've accumulated so many random inserts over the last few years it has been fun mixing and matching to find the trim fit I love with the absorbency an older toddler requires (I've even taken the soakers out of my B4 fitted and laid them into the Blueberry shell!).

Now go MacGyver up your own combination and report back! 

TDoJ: Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefolds

On the third day of January my true love gave to me - 

Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefolds at 10% off.

Why, you might be asking, is this amazing and life-changing? Well, you see, I've often considered these prefolds one of the best kept secrets in the cloth diapering world. They are: a. super-trim b. made in the USA c. super-soft d. super-absorbent e. super-versatile f. dry quickly g. notice all the 'supers?'

Try them laid in your favorite cover. Tucked inside a pocket in place of the usual microfiber insert (trim, trim!). Or, if you struggle with finding enough nighttime absorbency for your heavy wetter, I highly recommend giving them a try! 

Case in point, check out this feedback -  

Hi Abby,

I just wanted to share with you my experience with the thirsties hemp prefold. I will preface this by saying that we have struggled for over two years to find a night time diaper for our 26 month old daughter who is an extremely heavy night time wetter. We have tried everything under the sun and the only thing that currently works (about 75% of the time) is a fitted stuffed with two or three doublers of different varieties with a PUL cover and our fingers crossed. I wanted to try the thirsties duo hemp prefold because of my love for hemp and the softness of this product. Plus it seemed SO thin so I paired it with a hemp babies insert, stuck it in a PUL cover and figured if it didn't work all night it wouldn't be anything new to change sheets again before sunrise. 

I was shocked when I changed my daughter this morning and saw the diaper not only didn't leak, it wasn't dripping wet like the fitteds usually are. Her bum didn't reek of pee and she slept nearly 10 hours! I will be buying more of these and hope you tell others looking for a trim, absorbent diaper that this is the answer!!!

Thanks!

Kellista

And there you have it, folks! Don't miss the other great Twelve Days of January sales, on now through January 15th.

ps. For every Hemp Prefold purchased today, 1/6/12, you earn a free CJ's BUTTer sample. Buttery-soft prefolds + delishly-scented BUTTer = Yum! No limit per customer. No code necessary. Not valid on previous/pending orders. Good while supplies last. 

No More Microfiber!

I'm always thrilled to host guest bloggers. Their varied perspectives and experiences offer further insight into the world of cloth diapering!

Today I'm thrilled to welcome Rachel. Loyal readers will remember her DIY post from last fall. 
Enjoy! 

No More Microfiber!

Folding a Flat Diaper to Stuff a Pocket Diaper

I purchased high-quality yet inexpensive flat diapers from Itsy Bitsy Bums in the fall. As much as I tried to channel my grandmother by using flat diapers and pins on my daughter, it just didn't work out for us. I hated to waste the diapers, and I loved how easily and quickly the flats could be washed and dried, so I decided to stuff my pocket diapers with flats. I love it! 

The flats and pocket shells can both air-dry in just a few hours. Not to mention hanging your diapers on the line instead of using the dryer saves even more energy (and therefore saves you more money). Cotton is a natural fabric that doesn't hold on to smells and laundry detergent as easily as microfiber, meaning you are less likely to need to strip your diapers. 

Here is a quick tutorial on how to get that big square of fabric in to your pocket diaper. 

Begin with a clean flat diaper (clearly it doesn't need to be ironed). 

Fold it in half. 

Fold it in half the same way (horizontally) again. 

Fold it in half the other way, tugging a bit to make it nice and taut. 

Slide the folded flat inside your pocket diaper. 

That's it, you're done! You can adjust your last fold if you have the rise set higher on your one-size diapers. I recommend putting the thickest part at the front of the diaper for most babies. 

You can also use a prefold to stuff your pockets. I use an infant-sized trifolded prefold inside of mine. Prefolds will take a few more hours to line-dry, but otherwise they work well as a microfiber alternate. 

Enjoy stuffing your diapers with an inexpensive, natural material!

I also find that flats are also excellent to use in the kitchen and around the house. In fact, I purchased a dozen to keep in the kitchen and we reach for them often! They are great for cleaning messy hands and faces, wiping up the pet's water that your daughter splashed on the floor, or drying the dog's paws as he comes in on a rainy day. They are very absorbent and durable, and super easy to clean. 

Editor's note - Also consider using your pocket diaper as a cover over a flat or prefold, essentially creating your own All-in-Two system!

• Fold the flat or prefold into a rectangle as Rachel described above; aim for a size that covers the majority of the inner of the pocket diaper.
• Lay the prefold or flat into the shell, and secure diaper around baby.
• At diaper change time, simply change out the prefold or flat for a new one!
• If the pocket's inner fleece is wet, hang to dry to use at the next diaper change. Rotate two pocket shells through one day, then toss both into the diaper pail that evening. 
• If poop gets on the fleece, then toss the entire diaper 

This is also a great option if you are exclusively a pocket diaper user, but want to start the potty training process. Consider - a pocket diaper's wicking layer keeps baby feeling dry, but provides very little feedback to connect the physical sensation of wetness with the physiology of urination. By putting natural fibers against the bum, it now provides that feedback. Who needs training pants when you can buy a dozen flats for $14.95! Oh, there you are. 

DIY: How to Shorten Prefolds

Thank you to my friend Rachel over at Reluctantly Green for allowing me to pass along this fantastic tutorial!

One note I would like to add - while I tend to harass my friends for content to publish here, don't hesitate to contact me if you have something you've written about cloth diapering and would like to share!

From the Desk of Rachel S.

How to Shorten Prefolds

My daughter is 16-months-old with a skinny waist and short rise, but big thighs! This means she requires the width of a premium-size prefold, but the rise of an infant prefold. How to solve this problem? I trimmed the rise of my premium prefolds! This is super easy and really makes the prefold nice and trim because you don't need to fold down the rise. 

I originally found instructions on Karen's Cloth Diapering Site, but decided to take step-by-step pictures because that's what I like to follow. She sews the cut-off piece onto one edge of the prefold for a built-in doubler - great idea! 

Materials 

• Premium Prefold (any brand)
• Scissors or Rotary cutter
• Marking pen
• Straight edge (I used a large picture book, but if you have a ruler that would be great)
• Sewing machine (you will be using a straight stitch and a zig-zag stitch)

Instructions

Begin with one Premium size prefold. Measure your baby (from the top of her butt in the back to just below her belly button in the front) to determine the rise length that you need. Or, measure a diaper that already fits perfectly.

Use a straight edge to mark where you want to cut your prefold. Mark with a fabric pen or your child's magic marker. 

Cut along your line. 

It should look like this: 

Take your prefold over to the sewing machine. You will begin by using a straight stitch. Sew about 1/4 inch from the edge of the prefold. Use whatever thread you want. I used blue so it would show up in the pictures. On the other prefold that I trimmed, I used white. 

When you're finished, it will look like this: 

Now you're going to use a zig-zag stitch on the edge. Set your machine for a tight zig-zag (short length) that is wide enough to cover the area (long width). 

You'll want your zig-zag to be along the edge of the prefold, so make sure you position it in the machine accordingly. Stitch along the edge of your prefold. 

You'll end up with something like this. Hopefully your sewing skills are a bit better than mine so yours turns out straight! 

If you want, trim a bit on the edge to get as close to the zig-zag stitch as possible. It will look especially wonky in the thickest part of the prefold because you had to cut through so many layers. Remember, the diaper will be under a cover so it doesn't need to be perfect. 

That's it, you're done! Go put the diaper on your adorable baby! :) 

I used the extra pieces to make doublers. One I just stitched along the edge. For the other, I cut off 1/3 of the strip and stitched it over the other thin part of the prefold, making it thick all the way across.