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Bamboo ... time for new dipes? (purplemaryjane)
Posted: 7:12:15 pm on 2/28/2011 Modified: Never

So we've been using our bamboo OS for a total of about 3 years now, since DD#2 has just turned 1 (so still lots of diapering to go!) I have had a front loader for the last 1.5 years, and do exclusively drier drying. We've loved them, but lately they're a bit un-soft (and we do have hard water so I'll try a vinegar strip), and we've only had stinky diapers occasionally and I strip with water like I always do. I'm worried they're looking like they're balding, and also DD has had a wicked rash twice in the last month or so. Usually, I can ward off rashes by stripping when the diapers smell, but now they're just not feeling nice, looking nice, and this rash issue. What is the lifespan of these diapers? Should I just get new ones? We have another 1-1.5 years to go, so if I'm going to need new ones, I'd rather do it now and get the full use out of them. I wonder if the bamboo are not as durable as the cotton.

Comments appreciated!!
Thanks!

Re: Bamboo ... time for new dipes? (KarenC)
Posted: 10:20:13 am on 3/1/2011 Modified: 10:23:43 am on 3/1/2011

I do believe that the bamboo is less durable than the cotton. And Erika at ME has said the same thing. They now add some cotton to the bamboo in order to help with longevity. They did have problems with the first generation of bamboo not lasting very long but 3 years and still functional (even if not ideal) isn't bad at all. It's really difficult to say what the 'average' lifespan should be, especially for bamboo since they're still relatively new. I know the diapers are warrantied to last through one child's diapering years. The cotton ones usually last much longer than that, but then that depends on tons of factors like how they're washed, how often etc... I'd say 3 years of full time use for the bamboo isn't too bad, especially that from the sounds of it they're not totally gone yet (although maybe getting close - you'll be able to tell my holding them up to the light and checking for spots where there are no fabric loops, often around the seams and in the crotch area).

The rashes probably don't have much to do with it unless your little one is sensitive to polyester and the diapers are so bald as to expose the polyester weave in the center. They could just be teething or food related rashes (exposure to new foods changes poop, that kind of thing). Or just more sensitive skin... For the softness issue, definetly try the vinegar. Using something like Calgon or even just plain old washing soda (which is also a water softener) in each load may help as daily maintenance as well. As an aside, if you're having more ammonia stink issues, then make sure you're using enough detergent and that your water is hot enough.

As for wether you should try and tough it out with what you have or get new ones that's hard to say. If they're not bald yet they could last that one more year but they might not... Consider also if you're likely to need diapers at night for a while or not? Is another baby likely eventually or completly out of the question? Would you be ok with managing with balding diapers at the end (perhaps using more liners or even sewing another soaker into the middle - as long as the elastic/snaps are in good shape it's really nothing to just sew some fabric into the center panel to add absorbency). Or would doing that bug you?

HTH,
Karen.

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