These Alvababy diapers are great! I've used them on my first baby for 8 months, and they definitely hold up after all that use and washing. I have researched a lot about cloth diapering, as I'm sure you have if you're looking at this product. I'll try to answer everything I wanted to know before buying these.
Sizing: They were a bit too big for the newborn stage, so I ended up not using them for that stage (she was 6 1/2 lbs.); but when she reached about 8 lbs. they would work on the smallest snaps. I love that you can gradually work up and out as needed on the snap size. I've used the microfiber inserts the whole time, and as long as I make sure it's not scrunched up inside the pocket, it works great to keep everything inside and dry. Since she began sleeping through the night (up to 12 hours!), I've used two inserts in the pocket, and the diaper doesn't leak. I have found that one insert will over-saturate and leak after about 5 hours. The diapers are bulkier than disposable, which means that sometimes you need to size up on pants; but that's not a problem, just an observation.
Rashes and creams: We've experienced all the different kinds of rashes, but she's also gotten them while using disposables, so I don't think that has any particular link to cloth diapers; I think it just comes with the territory of wearing a diaper. :) I've used various rash creams and ointments with these diapers (beeswax, petroleum, zinc...), and at first I noticed that the absorption was not as good and there was sometimes a smell after washing and drying. So I changed my washing procedure, and it took care of those problems and they absorb well and don't smell.
Cleaning care: When I take off a used diaper, I drop it into a wet bag that I keep hanging off the changing table. Wet ones go right in; when I was just breastfeeding her, soiled diapers went right in, too, because it is water soluble and washes right out, no stains or residue. Now that we've started solid foods and have been using formula, I shake solids off into the toilet, but I don't scrape or rinse anything that doesn't fall out. Then I put that diaper into the wet bag. As long as I keep on top of washing them every other day, they don't stink up the room; but left too long, you know they do! :) To wash, I dump them into the washing machine as is, and drop in the emptied wet bag. I add Tide's liquid Free and Gentle, just up to the 1-- too much soap causes a residue buildup and ruins absorption. I wash it with the hottest water and the fullest water setting (even though it's a small-sized load) on the "super dirty" setting for the most agitation. Then I wash them again with a few changes: I do not add more soap, I turn the water level down, and the temperature to medium; this is more of a rinse cycle to make sure all the soap, creams, and any extra residue is removed. Finally, they go into the dryer on low heat, and they come out fresh and clean!
Discoloration: After 8 months, the diapers still have no stains, even from a bright orange petroleum-based rash medication she was using for a few days. The inserts are beginning to get a darkened grey stain look, but so far their performance is still good. They are not as soft as they were at first, so I think in a few months I will have to retire them from service, but we're not there yet. Of course, the diapers' color is not as bright as at first, but you would expect that after washing them 50+ times. I've not had any stitches come apart, except a few spots on the microfiber inserts; but it doesn't compromise their efficiency at all.
Conclusion: As I said, this is an excellent diaper, simple to use even for someone who has never experienced cloth diapering before! I give them a hearty thumbs-up. May the beautiful flowers and patterns bring a smile to your face as you care for your sweet little one, even on the hardest days. Happy diapering! :)
| Product Dimensions | 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.79 inches |
|---|---|
| Item model number | 6BM100-US |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Safety warning | Please browse all product information in English. Translation in other languages is incorrect |
| Target gender | Unisex |
| Material Type | ployester |
| Care instructions | Machine Wash |
| Number Of Items | 18 |
| Style | Modern |
| Batteries required | No |
| Item Weight | 7 ounces |
| Country/Region of origin | China |
