New Here, Looking for Insights and Advice

[Ender]

And if you're looking into cloth: I highly recommend lining the diaper with a micro fleece insert (I've used Polartec 100; this is high quality, not all fleeces are made equal). A good micro fleece acts as a moisture barrier. I find a wet cotton diaper against the skin very unpleasant.

You might also check out the pocket diapers at Snap-Ez, which use the fleece mentioned above: http://www.snap-ez.com

[Ender]

And another thought: when trying out the samples, be mindful of the leg bands. Too loose and they leak, but too tight and they can hurt, leaving red marks that can become raw. Fit is almost everything, and all brands do not fit alike. Since I started rotating among a few different well-fitting brands (different brands = slightly different pressure points), I've had much fewer issues.

[WetDad]

Hi Cheryl,
I have found Snappi's work very well.

REALLY? Because I saw the Snappis and asked my friend about them and she didn't think they would stretch enough for David. But you are actually using them? Anything special about how you apply them, or do you do it just the way they show in the video? This could be perfect.

Thanks so much,
Cheryl

Snappis work very well for me. Just like in the video. It was one of the few things about cloth diapers that does work right for me, but that is just because of my lifestyle. I'm a very active parent to two teenagers, and I travel 3-4 weeks a month for work.

The thing to watch out for is that your diapers have to be wide enough to almost meet at the front. Having them just barely overlap on each side isn't enough. That usually means that you have to buy larger size diapers, and then you have excess material front to back. (too long) Just fold down the excess in the front for David, as guys need more absorbency in front anyhow.

[JDinVirginia]

Tom,

I was looking at the Snappis. Am I correct that they are not made in an adult size?

--John

[msshendo]

Tom,

I was looking at the Snappis. Am I correct that they are not made in an adult size?

--John

No they do make them in adult size.

[Steve M.]

I have not seen them in the adult size.....yet. I have been using the #2 toddler size for a couple of years and notice they stretch over time to nearly twice their initial length. I have never had one break. Right now a ones that I'm using range in length from 7 to 10 1/2 inches. They start at 5 1/2 inches. These things are much quicker and easier to use than pins and tend to stretch and keep the waist snug. Sorry for the long snappi ad. I've been very happy with them. Good luck as you try to sort out the best solution for the situation. Cloth diapers have been a good option for me.

[Cheryl]

The thing to watch out for is that your diapers have to be wide enough to almost meet at the front. Having them just barely overlap on each side isn't enough. That usually means that you have to buy larger size diapers, and then you have excess material front to back. (too long) Just fold down the excess in the front for David, as guys need more absorbency in front anyhow.

I'm definitely going to try them out then because I just hate pinning. It's like a phobia or something with me. It sounds like they should work for David then because the fold I'm doing for him nearly meets in the middle just an inch or two on either side of his navel. We were out and about over the weekend and they didn't have them at Walmart or Target so I just ordered a 3-pack of the size 2 online. I can't wait to try them out!

Thanks,
Cheryl

[Brandie]

Hi Cheryl. Kudos to You taking care of Your disabled son. I'm a disabled mother of 3 healthy young women. Anyway My condition has progressed much over the last 20 years. I have been completely incontinent for at least 17 years now. In and out of diapers plus Catheters. Bowel programs. Pills etc. And yes more diapers. Anyway for various reasons the last few Years I have been using diapers. I have not had much luck with cloth diapers. Just My 2 cents. We use the tranquilitys ATN. Mostly. Secure xplus makes a great brief as well.

[Patrick]

Cheryl,

Please accept my tardy welcome to the site. If you are concerned about the safety of using diaper pins on your son, you might consider lubricating the pins by inserting them into a bar of soap before using them on the diaper. I find that using a wide variety of styles and types of protection enables me to match protection with circumstance. Despite their steep initial cost, cloth diapers are the cheapest in the long run, offer the best protection because they can be layered, and, I find them to be the most comfortable. However, they do require care, and waterproof pants are not cheap. I use disposables frequently when I'm out and about with no place secure or convenient to wash and change. Which brand(s) I choose will depend on my expected access to handicapped toilet facilities. Depend work well for me when I have ready access to a toilet; however, Molicare and Abena are far more reliable and secure when I will not have ready access to handicapped facilities. Adult Cloth Diaper and Angel Fluff Diaper Company are my primary suppliers. I'm sure you have similar cloth suppliers in the UK. Also, the UK health service has continence nurses who should offer advice and support more suited to your situation there than we can here. Good luck.

[JDinVirginia]

Patrick,

I am new to cloth diapers and your lubricating with soap idea is great! Will try it tonight.

--John