Just what in the heck are doublers, soakers, and liners? You may be confused because sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. Here are our definitions.
A doubler is a multi-layered rectangular pad added to a cloth diaper to boost absorbency. Doublers are commonly made out of flannel, terry, or hemp and may contain a polyester fleece top. Polyester fleece on top adds a stay-dry effect to the doubler. The wetness goes through the fleece but not back so baby stays dry. The cotton, terry, or hemp material below the fleece does the absorbing.
A soaker is similar to a doubler, however, we use the term soaker to denote a bigger, more absorbent pad than our regular doubler. Many soakers are hourglass shaped for additional coverage. A soaker can also mean a knit wool pull-on diaper cover which is called a soaker because it will absorb excess wetness.
A liner is placed inside a diaper to catch poop or to add stay-dry properties. It will not add absorbency to your diaper. Reusable liners are made of a thin layer of flannel or polyester fleece. You wash and reuse these. Flushable liners (also known as "rice paper liners") are disposable. They are used to catch the poop and make cleanup easier. After use, they are flushed or disposed of in the trash, depending on brand.
Cloth wipes
Once you have tried cloth diapers, you will want to try cloth wipes. It just makes sense. Cloth wipes are gentle, easy (they wash right with the diapers), and cheap. You can use just about anything for cloth wipes. If you have a sewing machine, find some scraps of flannel material or thin terry and sew around the edges. You can make your wipes, round, square, rectangular...whatever you fancy! If you are not a sewer, get yourself some thin cheap washcloths or buy a few wipes along with your diapers. You'll be glad you did.
Wipes recipes
Now once you have the wipes, you will wonder if you need a special wipes recipe. You don't! Many moms keep a stack of wipes by the bathroom sink and wet wipes with warm water as needed (or keep a thermos filled with warm water on the changing table). When out and about, a few wet cloth wipes in a ziplock bag is convenient. You can also keep a filled peri bottle or spray bottle in your diaper bag or car to wet wipes as needed. If you would like to get a bit fancier, try one of our wipes recipes. Simply mix the wipes recipe in a jar (pour in, cover, and shake gently), pour what you need into your wipes container, and refrigerate the rest. Distilled water keeps the longest. Tea tree oil resists mold. Lavender oil smells lovely! Too much trouble?...Try Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion .
Please use plain water only on a newborn.
Basic Recipe
Tea Tree Oil Recipe
Lavender Oil Recipe
2 tbsp. baby shampoo or wash 2 tbsp. oil* 2 cups distilled water
2 tbsp. baby shampoo or wash 2 tbsp. oil* 2 cups distilled water 2 drops tea tree oil
1-2 tbsp. baby shampoo or wash 2 tbsp. oil* 2 cups distilled water 1-2 drops tea tree oil (optional) 1-2 drops lavender oil
