How should I wash my Pocket Diapers?
Store wet and dirty diapers in a dry pail. Solid waste can be removed by gently shaking the diaper over a toilet during changes. The fleece will release solids easily – there is no need to rinse them before washing.
Remove the inserts.
Cold Soak or prewash for 10-20 minutes.
Wash on hot with 1/4 cup of detergent.
Rinse well to remove all detergent from the diapers.
Dry on medium or high heat.
Do not add dryer sheets. You can add a Downy ball of vinegar or water and a few drops of tea tree oil to the wash if the diapers have a heavy urine scent.
I recommend a downy ball because it releases at the right time - no need to wait by the machine.
What detergents should I wash my diapers in?
Although there is no one perfect detergent, there are some that have been shown to be safe and effective, and some which should be avoided.
Detergents to avoid: Natural soaps will leave a residue on fleece, causing it to lose absorbency, Dr. Bronner’s Soap, 7th Generation, Bio-Kleen, Ivory Snow ,Dreft, ALL Free detergents. The following detergents have the potential for chemical burn on skin, Sport-Wash, Sensi-Clean, Charlie's Soap and Arm and Hammer.
We recommend: Tide, and Country Save.
How do I care for my Hemp Diaper Products?
Your hemp diaper product has been professionally washed and dried once. It will 8 more cycles through the washer and dryer before it is fully absorbent. The first few times you wash hemp products you should not wash them with fleece products. Hemp has natural oils in it and the oils can coat your fleece. You may wash them with your regular laundry; they will benifit from the natural oils. After your hemp has been fully primed you may wash it with all of your diapering products.
Wool Care
Hand wash your wool cover in cold water with like colors. Hang to dry. You may re-lanolize as needed. We recommend using Eucalan wool wash to care for your covers. It has natural lanolin right in the bottle. You never have to worry about when to lanolize. It is done for you each time you wash.
You may have a bit of shrinkage after the first washing. Dark colored wool will bleed if not 'fixed'. To fix wool, wet it in lukewarm water then put in a mix of 3 cups white vinegar with 3 Tbsp salt. Microwave for two, 3-minute sessions. · Allow wool to COMPLETELY cool or you may unintentionally felt your garment. Rinse in lukewarm water, wash then re-lanolize.
Fleece Care
In a world full of diaper washing no no's....here is some relief. There is almost no wrong way to wash fleece. Machine wash in hot, cold, or warm water. Tumble dry. Tip: If you suddenly find that your fleece is leaking, simply switch laundry soaps (use Dr.Bronner's for a change or even mild dish soap). This should solve the problem. If it doesn't, Nikwax products should do the trick.
Diaper Striping
Occasionally even the most dedicated cloth diapering family might have a little build-up (oh thanks mom, I'm sure that rash cream will come right out). Build up refers to residue left by detergents, fabric softeners, and other substances used to clean diapers. In rare instances, baking soda will react with certain minerals in water and also cause build up. If you notice a decrease in the absorbency of your diapers, build up may be the culprit. Stripping is the process of removing residue from your diapers.
To strip diapers, hand wash your diaper with regular dish soap to remove any oils. Put a small amount of dish soap on the fleece layer. Rub vigorously or use a medium bristle scrubbing brush to scrub the fleece. Turn the diaper inside out and repeat. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear. You may use this method at any time you noticethe fleece repelling water or as a preventative measure once a week. If you are still having problems, try 2 scoops of Oxyclean in a very hot wash.
Which Baby Carrier is Right for Me?
Baby carrier preferences are very personal and depend on your needs and your body. Here are some points to consider as you decide.
Slings
Pros- Cooler in hot weather as there is less material around you and the baby. Great for short outings because they are quick on and off. Easy to learn and adjust. Easy to nurse in. Fits multiple caregivers.
Cons- Weight rests on one shoulder which can aggravate people with sensitive backs and can be less comfortable with older children. Although they are secure, slings also do not give the same hands free feeling that a two-shoulder carrier does.
Wraps
Pros- Distributes the weight evenly across both shoulders providing great support and comfort. Great for long periods of time, and for parents with sensitive backs. Works for both newborns and older children. A very snug ‘hands free’ feeling. Fits multiple caregivers.
Cons- Can be uncomfortable in hot weather because of the amount of fabric around you and the baby. Takes practice to get the perfect fit and to nurse in.
What can you tell me about your products made overseas?
We strive to provide as many quality USA made products as possible. However, some of our great finds are made overseas. We work hard to insure that all of our products manufactured overseas are produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Additionally, we request ASTM information on our products to insure they are safe for your child. If we can’t verify that, we won’t carry it.
We are quite proud of the fine work our overseas manufactures have taken on. Many are known for their charitable contributions both in the United States and abroad, and have won awards and recognition for their dedication to economic and environmental responsibility. In short, whether they are made in Chico or Thailand, you can be assured that all of the people involved in the products we carry enjoy a fair wage and fair working conditions, producing safe items for your family.
If you have specific questions about a particular item, please feel free to contact us so that we can provide you with more information.
