Confused by all the new diaper fabrics? They all sound so soft, but how do they work for diapers? There are at least four new fabrics now available for diapers. The four new fabrics are 100% bamboo, Bamboo Velour, Organic Cotton Velour, and Hemp Velour. And the good news for organic cloth users? Three are organic! As a cloth diaper maker, I had to find out how they worked in diapers and what type I preferred. Fortunately, they are all soft, absorbent and beautiful. My preference and conclusion as a Mom and Cloth Diaper maker came with much difficulty.
100% Bamboo (French Terry or Fleece) is just that - all bamboo. But why would a cloth diapering parent choose Bamboo? Bamboo fabric is soft, silky and extremely thin. Because the fiber is filled with “micro-gaps and micro-holes”, bamboo is a fast absorber. This quality makes bamboo a natural alternative to synthetic microfiber terry. Hemp Fleece and Hemp French Terry are antibacterial, but tend to get stiff after multiple uses. Bamboo, however, is antibacterial and only gets softer with each wash. Bamboo fabric is a great choice for a fast wetter and a natural alternative to microfiber terry. This product is a good option for a doubler, prefold, and pocket diaper insert. It is trim, yet absorbent.
Bamboo Velour is another bamboo fabric. It is 70% bamboo/30% organic cotton. Unlike Organic Cotton Velour, Bamboo velour does not pill after washing. It does absorb very quickly and is extremely soft. Because of the bamboo content, the velour has a silky texture, is good for fast wetters and is naturally antibacterial. Bamboo Velour takes dye beautifully and is an excellent choice for dyed items, diapers, mama pads, inner and outer fabrics for fitted diapers, blankets and clothing.
Organic Cotton Velour is 100% organic cotton brushed to make it soft and to obtain a velour texture. Organic cotton velour takes dye well and is very absorbent. It does, however, slightly pill after multiple washes, but it does not stiffen like hemp. Organic cotton velour is a good absorber and makes for an attractive and absorbent inner and outer fabric. If using a cotton velour diaper, and your child is a heavy wetter, I would recommend a soaker and hidden inner made of hemp or bamboo. Organic Cotton Velour is recommended for fitted diapers, mama pads and clothing.
Hemp Velour is the newest velour in the cloth diapering market. It is extremely soft, yet somewhat lacks the silky feeling bamboo fabric supplies. It is very sturdy as one would expect from a hemp. It consists of 48% hemp, 39% certified organic cotton, 13% poly backing. Unlike most hemp, the hemp velour stays soft wash after wash. The poly backing does not inhibit absorption, but adds sturdiness to the product. Hemp fabric is always a good choice for a heavy wetting child and is naturally antibacterial. This fabric is a good choice when purchasing fitted diapers, dyed items, mama pads and clothing.
My decision and preference came with much difficulty. Yet I now realize no matter what fabric I choose I cannot make a bad choice. All of the new fabrics are good choices for Fitted Diapers, Nursing Pads and Mama Pads. They have unique qualities, however they are all soft and absorbent. So, rest assured. You can choose these fabrics without fear of making a mistake. If you have not tried these fabrics, I suggest you do. Once you try them, you will be pleasantly rewarded with a soft, absorbent and adorable diaper, mama pad, article of clothing and much more!
