Baby Bottoms

My daughter-in-law is expecting sweet Baby A in just a few short weeks.  She has decided to use cloth diapers, so I have been sewing away - making diaper covers.  Technically, I guess they are called pocket diapers.  Several people have asked me about them, so today I will share what I've been up to lately.  All the baby showers are over, so I won't be ruining any surprises. I've made so many that I found myself literally making them in my sleep!

Some people think she is a glutton for punishment for using cloth diapers.  No, shes not planning on using a diaper service, but will be washing them herself.  I say if she can do it, more power to her.  I used cloth diapers with my first, but got a little more lazy with the second.  Diapering has changed a little over the years.  (I certainly would hope so, since it has been over 30 years since I did it!)

There is quite a movement (no pun intended!) towards cloth diapering.  If you "google" cloth diapers, there is an impressive list of resources.  Babyville is perhaps the most used right now for those of us who are actually sewing them, versus premade ones which you can purchase.  The material that is used is called PUL (actually a very long technical word, but everyone knows it as PUL), and is waterproof.  It's available at most stores that sell fabric.  Be prepared if you are planning on using cloth diapers, that it's not necessarily a cheap alternative to disposable ones.  Supplies can be found on-line that are less expensive and provide a little more variety than those that are found in the stores though.  

Here is a sampler of some of them that I have made:

Not only are they more environmentally friendly than disposables, they sure are a lot cuter!! Here is how they work:

See the pocket at the top?  There are a couple of ways to do this.  A cloth diaper can be folded to fit in the pocket, or something called a soaker can be inserted.  I didn't make any soakers.  I know she has gotten some cloth diapers at her baby showers, so she will be using those.
The covers can be made using either snaps or velcro.  This velcro is specially made stuff for this purpose, along with the fold-over elastic.  (Great marketing!)  I thought that velcro seemed like a better way to go when I considered a wiggly little boy.  Trying to fasten snaps just sounded frustrating! There are several different materials that can be used inside too.  They suggest polyester fabric that is soft, but will let the liquid through and keep the top fabric dry and so baby's bottom stays drier.

Close up view

I have read more about baby diapers in the past few months than I thought I ever would.  I've learned a lot.  I have a tendency to not follow patterns very closely and make them my own.  The book and pattern I bought to make these with is certainly a little worn though.  It seemed pretty daunting at first, but I can sew these pretty fast now.  I have some larger sizes cut out, but I'm on diaper hiatus at least for a few weeks.  I made two different sizes, so there should be a little lag time before he's ready for a larger size. 

Her last baby shower was this week, so I decided to make something besides baby bottoms.  I love having an embroidery machine to play with!

Blessings of:

- Little baby boys on the way!

- Sleeping in late while everyone else has to trudge off to work.

- Safety from storms!

- Celebration of the Resurrection of our Saviour!!