Discussions

My room mate has recently started using the reusable diapers, which I think is great, since it cuts down on land fill waste, and other conveniently disposable products being thrown away. But I'm not sure we have enough in the house, as the hydro bill is soaring, instead of the diaper bill....  
 
So, I'm trying to help the situation out by looking at picking up some materials and making a bunch of new ones, as I know I'm a very capable and competent seamster. I'm looking for recommendations, or links on suggested methods to be making the diapers. I realize the waterproof PUL, or TPU layers seem important to anyone handling the baby. Then there is the consideration of OEKO-TEX organic certified cotton products to minimize any chemicals from contacting the little ones delicate bits. But I'm wondering about: more specifically, whether anyone has used the waterproofing on the stitching, or whether they put a 'stay dry' inner layer on the inside of the diaper?  
 
Any information will be greatly appreciated, as this is a project I'm trying to take on myself. My room mate is so busy with parenting, I want to be able to offer the best means of a solution as I can to alleviate excess spending and maintain a safe, comfortable living environment for her, her little one, and myself. Thank you

I've been cloth diapering for nearly 10 years. What you're looking for, there's lots of tutorials on Pinterest that would walk you though the steps, including selecting fabric, but I have to say you might be better off just buying additional diapers.  
 
Unless you're going to the US to buy the fabric (or possibly ordering online, but you might have to buy *a lot* of fabric to do that IDK), it might actually be cheaper to buy seconds (imperfect) new diapers or used ones. There's tons of Facebook groups that buy/sell/trade diapers.  
 
I don't find laundering diapers to signficantly impact my energy bills, but I also have it down to a fine science. The bulk of energy costs come from heating water and drying. You can save drying costs by line drying, even if it's do 20 min in the dryer then line dry the rest of the way. Make sure she's only doing 1 hot wash - my routine is a cold prewash, 1 hot wash & 2 cold rises, minimal soap.  
 
Good luck, and it's very good of you wanting to help out your roommate.

check out youtube, and if you are on Facebook I am sure there are groups that have info on this too! We use cloth diapers but I have not made them!

I too am in favor of cloth diapers. I have some brand new home made never used ones for sale. And some second hand ones as well.  
 
I have sewn cloth reusable diapers using PUL and bird's eye cotton. It was a challenge, I am an experienced seamstress. TIME CONSUMING as you are not an assembly line.  
 
Before you begin do your homework, compare online pricing with cost of materials. If you are sewing them you may not want to add in your time as it is time consuming if it is not something that you are familiar with.  
 
There are special ways to pin, not pin the PUL, and some would think that the birds' eye cotton can only run one way on the grain....  
 
Google has lots of good information. But read a few different sources.  
 
Good luck

Hi, I have some pocket diapers available for sale. They are used and the cloth and snaps are in excellent condition, but the elastic needs to be replaced, which sounds like you would be more than capable of doing. These diapers have gone through 2 kids, and urine, hot washes, and vinegar rinses are hard on elastic. If you're interested, I can send you more details and pics. Thanks!