FAQ

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FAQ

How many times do I need to wash my new diapers before using them?
Diapers containing synthetic fabrics (PUL, microfiber, etc) only need to be washed once!
Any diapers with natural fibers such as hemp, bamboo, or cotton will need to be washed and dried 5-6 times before use to strip the natural oils and reach full absorbency.

How often do you restock products?
It depends on the product! If we are out of stock, please feel free to contact us at info@nickisdiapers.com and we can tell you when a product is expected! Also, if you �like� or follow us on Facebook and Twitter we do post when we restock inventory!

What is your return policy?
You may return or receive credit for any unwashed, unused, and in original packaging (if applicable) items within 30 days of original purchase date for a full refund (less shipping). For used and washed items, we have the convenient 15 Day Wash program! Try cloth diapers for 15 days on us. Try, wash, love, or return them for store credit.
For more specific information on our return policy, click HERE.
For more specific information on our 15 Day Wash program, click HERE.

Why does my baby have a diaper rash only when I am using cloth diapers?
There are several possible causes for a rash. Often it�s a buildup issue, either urine or detergent. The first thing to try would be adding MORE detergent to your wash and see if you can get your diapers cleaner and remove urine buildup. If that doesn�t work, try stripping your diapers (according to manufacturer suggestions) and then adding less detergent or trying a more clean-rinsing brand/formula .
If you have a consistent rash problem, this may be a specific detergent irritation issue and you can try switching your diaper laundry detergent. Sometimes (however rarely) babies develop an irritation to a specific fabric against their skin, so trying a different fabric type might help too! Remember, wet diapers can contribute to rashes, so make sure to change your baby when they are wet.
If you find that you need to use any sort of diaper cream we recommend to ALWAYS use a liner . Otherwise creams can coat your diapers, making your cloth diapers repel liquid. Place the liner between the cream on your baby's behind and the inner of the cloth diaper. There are tons of liners on our website including flushable and disposable types. Even if a cream is "Cloth Diaper Safe" - it is still advised to use a liner.
Every manufacturer is different with care recommendations for diapers, so please feel free to contact us so we can help you figure out the best methods.
**If there is any question to whether a rash might be due to yeast or other medical issue, please contact your family physician!**

What type of detergent should I use on my cloth diapers?
Every manufacturer has different washing directions and warranties for their diapers, including which detergents are allowed and recommended. The general rule of thumb is to use a detergent that is free of any additives, scents, bleach, and fabric softener. �Free and Clear� detergents are not recommended, as they often have additional cleaning agents in them that can cause buildup. We have had great success using Country Save , Rockin Green, Tiny Bubbles , and bumGenius detergent. Others that can be found at various local stores are Arm and Hammer for Sensitive Skin Free of Dyes and Perfumes, Tide Original liquid (not Ultra) and Planet detergent.

How often should I wash the diapers?
It works best to wash every 1-3 days. Any longer and you will have a big pile of stinky diapers! Washing frequently can help prevent smell issues and staining.

How do I remove the poop stains from my cloth diapers?
With proper care, your diapers should not have too many poop stains. You can help prevent them by using a liner as well! The sun is your best friend when it comes to stain fighting! Simply lay or hang your (still wet) diapers in the sun for a great whitening effect - a 100% natural bleach. :) We DO NOT recommend using bleach, stain removers, borax, Bac-Out, Biokleen, or Oxy-Clean.

I�m new to cloth diapering. What do I need to start?
Great! Welcome to the world of cloth diapers! The number of diapers you need ultimately depends on the age of the baby and how long you want to go between washings. Newborns can go through as many as 12-15 per day, so having 24-36 diapers on hand is usually a good number, to allow you to go 2-3 days between washing. As babies get older and start sleeping longer periods at night, toddlers often only require between 5 and 8 diapers per day. We have several diaper packages that might help you get your stash started! You also need something to put those dirty dipes in -- there are many great options including wet bags and diaper pails (with colorful liners to match your baby�s room)! Many people also invest in a diaper sprayer for when baby starts solids or for formula-fed babies. These work great to reduce staining and stink issues! Also, many people who cloth diaper use cloth wipes as well so everything can be tossed into the dirty pail and washed together. If you�re local to Madison, WI you might want to check out our free Cloth Diapering 101 class !

What are the benefits of natural fibers over synthetic?
Natural fibers can be great, as they are all natural and many people prefer to have a natural material against their baby�s skin. Also many natural fibers are very trim and absorbent as well as being anti-microbial. Wool, for instance, is naturally moisture resistant and reduces odors! Some of the disadvantages of natural fibers are that they will not have the wicking qualities that many synthetic materials offer. They can also be heavier and more pricey.
Synthetic fabrics also have a lot of advantages! They are often a lighter material and much less expensive. They can also wick moisture away from the skin, making baby feel dry and more comfortable, and in turn reduce diaper rash.

What cloth diapering methods work for newborns?
While many � One Size � diapers boast that they fit from newborn to potty training, a sized diaper often works the best for those little tiny infants. Many people opt to use prefolds and a cover for the first few months, especially since newborns go through so many diapers! Other options (if you are not so keen about folding prefolds) are sized pocket diapers , sized fitteds , sized AIOs , or an option with sized inserts. Some of the most popular newborn cloth diapers are the FuzziBunz Perfect Size XS , Kissaluvs Fitted diapers size 0 , Best Bottom system with small inserts , and the Imagine prefolds with a Thirsties or Prorap cover. Using a one size diaper on a newborn under 10-12lbs can occasionally cause excess bulk, leaking, and size issues. That being said, every baby fits differently into every cloth diaper!

What do I do about nighttime cloth diapering? My baby is an extremely heavy wetter!
Adding extra absorbency is a must when baby starts wetting heavily through the night! This can come with some trial and error. For pocket diapers, adding an extra layer (or three) can be all the difference! Hemp and bamboo are very trim and are super absorbent, so these inserts are a great thing to have on hand for those wet nights. Fitted diapers are also great. They have so much absorbency and when paired with a waterproof cover , work awesome! Mother-ease Sandy�s Fitteds, Kissaluvs Organic Cotton/Hemp , and the Kiwi Pie fitteds are some of the top sellers! If you are using the Best Bottom diapers , the overnight insert paired with a stay dry or hemp/cotton insert is another great option!

I have defective product- do I contact you or the manufacturer?
Most manufacturers require us to refer any defects to them directly, so that they are made aware of any production errors. If you would rather get the problem resolved through us, please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help! You can also email us at info@nickisdiapers.com for any manufacturer's contact information and your proof of purchase from us if needed.

I have a HE washer, what do I need to do differently?
With an HE washer the amount of water is limited to the weight of the laundry load. This often means that cloth diapers don�t get the amount of water necessary to get clean, since they are so absorbent and soak up water that is meant to wash them! You can trick your machine into adding more water by adding a wet towel to your load. Make sure your washer is always set on the highest water setting as well and that you only use HE specific detergent.

Help! My diaper leaks every time!
Make sure your diaper has been prepped correctly, then check the fit -- is it gapping in the legs or waist? Is the inside fully tucked in? Is there any smell (indicating buildup)? Is there repelling? You can test for repelling by pouring some water on your diaper, then pressing gently with your fingers. If the water isn�t absorbed immediately, you may have buildup on your diapers causing them to repel and leak. With many of these issues, stripping your diapers will be the best solution. For instructions on how to strip your diapers, click HERE . Feel free to email us for troubleshooting help at info@nickisdiapers.com. Pictures help!

Why is my baby getting red marks from the diapers? Are they on too tightly?
Probably not! Your baby would let you know if he/she was uncomfortable! ;) Red marks most often aren�t a big deal, I promise -- you probably get red marks from your socks or undergarments that don�t cause any issues, right? A too-loose diaper can leak!

What do you do with the poop?
If your baby is fed only breastmilk, their poop is completely water soluble and will wash out just like yogurt! No removal required before washing! Once baby starts solids/formula, we suggest using a diaper sprayer , liner or other method to remove the poop from the diapers before washing to avoid stains or buildup.

Frugal Diapering Tip: The initial investment of a diaper sprayer may seem like a lot, but it saves money in the long run over disposable liners.

What do you do with the diapers when you are out and about?
Many people will bring along a wet bag . You can roll up the diaper and put it right in. The Planet Wise Wet/Dry bag is great because you can keep the clean diapers and wipes in the dry pocket then once they are used transfer them to the wet pocket.

What is the deal with wool diaper covers?
Wool is an amazing fiber. It is absorbent, insulating, and breathable. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for a diaper cover over prefolds , fitteds , contours , or even other covered diapers as an emergency back-up. It is worth noting that wool covers will 'compression wick' -- if the cover is saturated and baby sits/lies on it you may feel dampness. The thickness of the wool and the absorbency of the diaper, along with changing frequently will all help to avoid compression wicking. Wool cannot contain a true leak (such as over underwear) if there is too much volume. Wool is only as effective as the diaper underneath it -- but the combination of waterproofness, absorbency, and breathability make it an excellent choice for a cloth diaper cover. Washing wool is different than washing the rest of your cloth diapers. Wool covers need to be handwashed in a wool wash containing lanolin. They should not be put through a dryer as they will felt and possibly shrink or lose stretch. The bonus of wool, however, is that it is antimicrobial and can go for up to two weeks of use (as long as no poo gets on it) between washing.

When is the best time to be fitted for a nursing bra?
The best time to be fitted is around three to four weeks after you have given birth. Right after you have the baby your milk will come in and it is usually within those couple weeks that everything stabilizes. Some women won�t change in size at all, and some can fluctuate between several cup sizes.

What do most people wear post-partum/ the few weeks after the child's birth as far as nursing gear?
Many individuals will choose nursing tanks and sleep bras although we do have a large selection of bras that will have enough variation to wear just after birth.

How do swim diapers work?
Swim diapers are meant to fit snugly and hold in poop ONLY. They are not meant to be absorbent because if they absorbed water from a pool or lake they would become a weight and pull your baby down!

Can I make my own cloth wipe solution?
Absolutely! This recipe can be used on even the most sensitive skin!

2 cups distilled water
3 TBS Weleda Calendula Baby Oil
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Chamomile Extract

Shake to mix and keep refrigerated between uses.

Frugal Diapering Tip: Plain water can be used to wet your cloth wipes!