How many diapers do I need?

You will need 16-20 diapers per baby and 1 cover for every 4-6 fitted diapers in rotation (Pocket AIO diapers do not need a cover).  We recommend washing your diapers at least every other day.  In addition, you will want to have 2 reusable wipes for each diaper change...so about 30-36 wipes total.

A good stash to start out with:
12 Thirsties Fab Fitteds
3 Thirsties Diaper Covers
5 Thirsties Pocket AIOs
30 Thirsties Fab Wipes
2 packs Thirsties Fab Doublers
1 pack Thirsties Hemp Doublers (for nighttime)
 

How do I wash my diapers?  What type of detergents are safe to use?  How do I 'strip' my diapers?

Click here for our detailed washing instructions.

Click here to link to our favorite resource in choosing a detergent that will work for your cloth diapers and your family. Have an HE washer?  Click here.
 

Why is it against your recommendations to use Oxyclean at every wash?

Oxyclean is OK for an occasional deep clean.  But extended and frequent use will yellow the velcro and elastic of your diapers and more importantly so, will deteriorate the waterproof lamination of your diapers.
 

Can I tuck my prefold diaper under the flap of Thirsties Diaper Covers?

The flap is a facing and is designed to cover the stitching holes of the tummy velcro.  Tucking a diaper beneath the flap may cause wicking through the holes created by the stitches.
 

My diapers are leaking.  Please help?

Your diapers are leaking, have no fear! Leaks are not completely unusual when first starting out. With a little bit of troubleshooting, we are confident you will join thousands of other families around the globe who have found Thirsties® Cloth Diapers as the very best in leak-proof protection.

Below we offer a few of the most common reasons for leaks & their corresponding solutions:

1 - The fit may be too big. It is tempting to purchase diapers a bit larger than what you need in order to get longer use out of them. But our diapers are very generously cut and if you size-up, they will not fit properly and will end up leaking. Solution: Use smaller size

2 - Using the wrong detergent can lead to build-up and will make your diapers repel.  Click Here for a list of safe detergents: http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html  Read our Care and Use info for complete washing instructions. Solution: Strip your diapers by replacing your detergent with 1-2 Tbs Dawn dish soap.

3 - Fabric softeners and diaper rash ointment can coat the fibers of your diapers and make them leak. Solution: Strip your diapers by replacing your detergent with 1-2 Tbs Dawn dish soap.

4 - The diapers may be worn for too long between changes. Solution: Cloth diaper changes need to be more frequent than disposables and on average will need repacement every 2 hours. If you need to go longer than that, you will need to add a good cotton or hemp doubler or insert.

5 - The diaper does not meet the absorbency needs of your baby. Solution: In this case, consider adding a cotton or hemp doubler or insert to every change. Cotton and Hemp are both stable absorbers that pair very nicely with the fast absorbing power of our microfiber terry soakers.

6 - The waterproof lamination on your diaper or cover needs to be resealed. Solution: An occasional full-cycle tumble in the dryer on high is actually beneficial to the waterproofing layer.

7 - And finally, if you have a baby boy, be sure to point his privates downward when changing his diaper. If he is aiming to the side or up, he will leak out of the diaper or cover.
 

I washed my diapers, but they still smell.  Help!

Here is the wash routine we recommend:

1. Put diapers thru a prewash cycle with 1/4 the recommended amount of detergent.  If you do not have a pre-wash cycle on your washer, then consider running your diapers through an initial short cycle followed by a heavy cycle.

2. Collect soiled or wet diapers in a lined DRY plastic pail.  Wet pails hold odor.

3.  You can optionally add a sprinkle of baking soda to your diapers and pail to help neutralize odors.  Once mixed with water in your washer, the baking soda will help to lift stains.

4. For optimum cleanliness, limit the size of your load to no more than 24 diapers.  As a general rule, the fewer diapers per load, the cleaner they will be.

5. Then, use HOT wash on a heavy cycle.   Use a mild detergent with no phosphates, and minimal additives. Add only 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent for top-loaders and 1/3 the recommended dose for high efficiency and front-loaders. 

Avoid all soaps and all "Free & Clear" and/or popular baby detergents. These detergents will leave a residue on your diapers that will affect the absorbency and may cause 'stinky' diapers and/or diaper rash.  To learn more about safe detergents for your cloth diapers please visit The Diaper Jungle's Diaper Detergent Chart.  Have an HE washer?  Click here.  Please take a moment and find one that will work for you.

I like to add 1 Tbs lime juice to the final rinse.  This nuetralizes the diapers and also kills bacteria.  Be sure to use pure lime juice that is in the same shelf as lemon juice in the grocery store...not frozen lime juice concentrate that has sugar in it.  Do not rinse with vinegar!

6. Whenever possible, dry your diapers outside in the sunlight.  Hang drying helps to preserve our enviroment and also preserves the textiles of your diapers and is great at getting rid of stains and odors.  Hang drying will leave your cotton diapers somewhat stiff. So to soften sun-dried dipes, you may choose to use the dryer for the last 15 minutes.

7. Even if you follow all the rules above, you still might end up with occasional stinky diapers and less absorbent diapers due to pre-wash, detergent, diaper rash ointment, and/or mineral residue. Simply replace your regular detergent with 1/4 cup Calgon water softener (found at your local grocers) or 1-2 Tbs Dawn dishsoap. This process is often referred to as diaper stripping. Use Calgon or Dawn as often as needed, but not at every wash.

8.  Finally, if your diapers are in need of a thorough deep cleaning, you can use a bit of Oxyclean Baby in place of your regular detergent. Do this only when needed.
 

I have received a defective diaper...what do I do now?

Our sincerest apologies!  While we aim for perfection, a sewing flaw does get by us every once in a while.  Please Click Here to read our warranty information and to fill out our Return Merchandise Authorization form and we will promptly take care of the problem.

 

I have a stubborn stain on my diaper.  What is a safe way to lift it out?

Cotton and other natural fibers tend to hang onto stains a bit more than polyester. Here are a few tips for lifting stains...

1. Do a prewash with COLD water.  HOT water tends to set staining.  Prewash in COLD and then do a full cycle in HOT.

2. Always hang to dry in the sun.  A stain may still be visible after once wash and dry in the sun, but over time, it will continue to fade.

3. A spritzing of lemon juice on the stain and then sunning will also help.

4. You can try commercial stain lifters, but you will need to wash with 1 Tbs of Dawn after to strip away the residue left behind. 

5. Also, hydrogen peroxide may help...but do a small test spot first to be sure that it doesn't yellow the fabric.

6. Never use a wet pail.  Soaking for too long soaks the stains and stink right in.

We have had less than a handful of very rare cases where the lamination is actually snagged or pulling away from the fabric and causing leaks. Most often the diapers are just leaking.  When this happens, it does seem as thought the liquid is coming straight through, but it is not...it is just wicking along the reverse side of the fabric   In this case, please see these tips for stopping leaks.

But there is an easy way of checking to be sure the lamination is intact.  If it is an Pocket AIO diaper, flip the diaper inside out to reveal the laminated side of the exterior fabric.  If you can a cover, the lamination is exposed already on the inside.  Examine the lamination to see if you see any separations or cracks in the places where you have noticed leaks. 

Next, try pouring a slow stream of water onto the dry cover or diaper to simulate a pee.  Do you see the liquid coming through the fabric?  If yes, then the lamination has been compromise.  But 99.9% of the time, the liquid is properly suspended and the problem is actually wicking due to leaks. 

We offer comprehensive solutions to leaks here.

Usually this is an indication your baby is growing and so is her bladder.  =)  You may need to increase the absorbency by adding an insert such as Thirsties Hemp Insert.

Also read our Care instructions to be sure that you do not have a build-up problem and also read this info.

What type of dyes are used in the "Fab" product line?

We use Low Impact reactive dyes and processes that are eco-friendly.  Our textile dying processed meet or exceed criteria set forth by the European Union.  No heavy metals, toxic substances, or environmentally destructive practices are used in dying our Fab fabric. 
 

Are Thirsties products PVC (vinyl), phthalates, lead and latex free?

Yes!
 

Do you have any plans for making your diapers and covers with snap closures?

No plans for snaps...snap diapers never worked well for my kiddos.  They were too wiggly during diaper changes and I couldn't get a perfect fit like I can with velcro closures.  So I am a bit biased in my preference for velcro as it always worked best for my family.   =)  Our advice to parents of relentless toddlers who love to open velcro closures:...put some pants on that baby!  Hehe.
 

I'd like to resell Thirsties products.  How do I receive information on opening a wholesale account?

We appreciate your interest in carrying Thirsties in your own business.  Your company must be fully established and registered with your state or province before applying for an account.  We will not disclose our policy and pricing information until we can verify your business status with a Resale Tax ID.

Here are two great resources with information on how to start your own business: 
Diaper Decisions
Diaper Jungle
 

Do you sell seconds?  Do you have an email list to notify buyers when seconds are available?

We do occasionally come across a slightly defective diaper or cover.  When we do, we list it in the Outlet Store.  (see link above in navigation:  SHOP OUTLET)  Join our Outlet Newsletter group for notices of restockings in the Outlet Store:  http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/thirstiesoutlet/members
 

Do you offer wholesale sales to co-ops?

No, we sell wholesale only to fully registered businesses with storefront or online stores only.

I would like to use cloth diapers, but I cannot afford the upfront investment.  Do you offer donations or low-income assistance?

It can be tough initially to make the leap to cloth diapers.  But you will save BIG $$ in the long run.  Here are a few tips for making cloth diapering as affordable as possible:

1. We do donate a significant number of diapers to Miracle Diapers.  You may apply for free diapers through this fantastic organization!

2. You may also find some great deals in our Outlet Store.

3. You can save big by purchasing used diapers from the following sites: 

          Baby Cotton Bottoms - Bargain Basement
          Diaper Swappers
          DiaperPin

4. When your baby grows out of one size, resell your own cloth diapers fee-free at one of the great resources listed above.  May times you will be able to resell them for a return of 50% or more of your original investment!  Turn that money around to help purchase the next size up.