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Monapel Washable diapers
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Frequently asked questions

Textile diapers need washing – are they still less harmful for the environment, than disposable ones?

Disposable diapers are twice a burden for our environment. First, during the manufacturing, industrial waste water is produced, and the production of the plastic and chemicals is also highly pollutant. Vast areas of forest are cleared for the production, and soft woods are planted instead, that ruins the ecological balance. Disposable diapers pollute during transportation as well. Actually, this is already more than washing textile diapers. What is more, it can be lessened by using natural detergents. On the other hand, disposable diapers become huge piles of waste, which is not bio degradable. Nowadays some manufacturers have announced degradable diapers. It is true, however, they only degrade partly, and the leftover materials still not degrade completely in the soil and the waters. This is considered even worse, as they are washed into the soil and the water.

How often shall I change the diaper?

The absorbency of the Monapel washable diapers is higher than that of the regular “tetra” textile diapers. One may count on a regular 5-6 a day. Of course, diapers with poo need to be changed as soon as possible. In case of bigger children, at night a Praktika with double insert can be used as well to increase the absorbent capacity. According to dermatologists, changing the diapers often is the best solution to prevent diaper rash. They suggest frequent changing even in case of disposable diapers. Unfortunately, because of its price and absorbent capacity, parents tend to change disposable diapers less frequently. That is why diaper rash appears more frequently ever since disposable diapers have become widespread. Thinking about it, one does not need the extra absorbent capacity of the disposable diapers.

Doesn’t the baby’s skin become too wet?

Textile diapers are definitely better for the baby’s skin. Nothing touches the baby’s skin but natural materials. The absorbent capacity of our washable diapers is a lot better, than that of regular textile diapers. According to a study, ever since disposable diapers have become widespread, diaper rash appears from frequently – its appearance rose from 7.1% to 61 %( Procter & Gamble study). Another article mentions that among one month old babies who use disposable diapers, diaper rash is 54% frequent, and the percentage of serious cases is as high as 16 %.
Before disposable diapers, diaper rash was mainly caused by the residues of detergents that were left in the textile diapers. As they used to use bleach, yet washed by hand, rinsing did not completely get rid of detergent residues. And the diaper films were made of PVC that was not breathing at all. When choosing washable diapers, it is important to find one that is not made of PVC. Vinyl covered ones also contain PVC. These are usually a mixture of polyester and PVC, which is highly not recommended, especially not for babies. For the sake of the baby’s health, we only use PVC-free materials on the cover of our diapers.

What shall I do if the diaper is soaked?

If the diaper soaks and the clothing gets wet, one shall check first if the cover is rightly placed, and if the diaper is properly tucked under at the thigh and the waist? It is worth tucking it in properly after putting it on the baby. Pay attention on the sides at the thigh openings, not to let them turn inside, and always tuck in the textile diaper properly.

Soaking usually means that it is time to change the size of the diaper. Textile diapers shall only be snapped a size bigger, and a bigger outer cover shall be used with it, accordingly. After the size L, the Praktika diaper cannot be further adjusted, and it is not needed at all. If the size L Praktika soaks, using an XL outer cover is recommended.

Wash before first use to prevent soaking. During the manufacturing process, the flannel gets a coating that has to be washed out to achieve maximum proper capacity.

Overusing nappy cream may cause problems as well. When applied heavily, it forms a watertight barrier on the diaper as well.

In case one does not use the outer covers properly, they might lose their water tightness. Read the instructions before use.

What shall I do if spots remain on the diaper after washing?

Diapers are clean apart from the spots that can be a slight discolouration only from the baby poo. It will go away after a few washes. It is worth air drying, even for a couple of hours only, as that can make spots go away. Even when it is cold or cloudy outside. Using the Monapel disposable paper liners can prevent spots.

Which one is handier: one-piece diapers, or separate inner diaper and covers?

The two types have different advantages. Two piece diapers consist of an absorbent inner diaper and a watertight cover. What are the advantages of these? This is cheaper, as one needs less covers than diapers. Combined, one-piece diapers are more expensive. In case of two-piece diapers, the inner (Monapel Praktika) part is adjustable in size, which means that there is no need buying a bigger size. Bigger covers are sufficient. In case of combine diapers, adjusting is limited. Two-piece diapers dry faster. Two-piece diapers are not bulkier, as the amount of layers is the same in between the legs. Combined diapers are popular, because they are easy to put on, as they are sewn together. Many use these as additional diapers. We found them really handy when the grandfather was babysitting for us. These diapers are easy to use for everybody.

Which one is better, the cotton or the polyester sewn-in absorbent liner?

Modern washable diapers are usually made with a skin-friendly polyester absorbent core sewn in between pure cotton flannel layers. Why is this good? Because we can achieve the same absorbent capacity with less material. This makes less bulky “package” between the baby’s legs. Diapers with a polyester absorbent core dry considerably faster, which means that less is enough of them. The layers that actually touch the baby’s skin are pure cotton only in this case, too. On demand, we can make diapers with cotton absorbent core as well. In this case, the diaper is a bit heavier, and more bulky. Pure cotton diapers dry slower, which means that one needs more of them. In case one needs 5-6 diapers a day, and washes every second day, 10-12 diapers are needed. Plus an additional -6 for the next day, and 3-5 more until the washed diapers dry.

What shall I do if the Velcro does not work?

If the Velcro is not folded back while washed, it can get clogged with the lint that it collects in the washing machine. It can happen, too, if it is not folded back properly. If possible, do not wash the diapers with fluffy (e. g. knit) clothes. If the Velcro is already clogged up, removing the lint and fluff helps.

How long do these diapers last?

When handled with care and according to the instructions, the diapers can be used at two children as well. The Monapel breathing cover (e.g. Mona Wrap) can be used by one, sometimes by two children, when handled with care. The lifetime of the cover also depends on the number of spare covers used, meaning the amount of washing.

The diaper looks so bulky compared to the disposable ones. Doesn’t it hinder the baby in the movements?

It definitely does not hinder the baby. Generations have grown up using textile diapers, as disposable ones have only become widespread only a short while ago. And the motor development has not changed. Having more textiles between the babies legs actually help keeping a spreader position and the healthy development of the hip joint. When the child stands up, it can prevent the feet from turning inwards. Every child has its own pace during motor development. Every parent is excited about the baby turning, sitting, crawling, and walking – but there is no use rushing and waiting impatiently for the next step. Let us be glad over the things the child already knows.

Is the outer cover really breathable? How does it work?

Breathable yet watertight materials are the state of the art developments on the market. Breathability can work two ways in their case. In some cases, the cover material can be so porous that air can go through freely, but the larger water molecules cannot penetrate. Other materials work on the principle of diffusion. The materials we use work on the first principle. These materials are used by mountaineers, for whom it is extremely important to have a breathable material on, preventing sweating and overheating, while being watertight even in extreme conditions. Breathable materials are becoming widespread in protective clothing as well, where preventing the wearer from getting in contact with harmful chemicals is just as important as caring for the health of the skin and having a comfortable, breathing clothing on. Our covers are made of polyester and polyurethane. Guaranteed to be PVC (vinyl-cover)-free! We only use PVC-free materials when manufacturing the cover of all Monapel washable diaper for the sake of the babies’ health. It is really important to choose a washable textile diaper that is surely PVC free. Vinyl-covered ones are sure to contain PVC, usually mixed with polyester. Apart from being airtight and not breathable, having anything in contact with the baby’s skin that contains PVC is highly not recommended.

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