[Christeacher]

Still researching making my own diapers and came across the fleece could work like pul...making the diaper waterproof. Is this true, are there any other kinds of fabric, besides wool that would make the diapers waterproof?

Thanks in advance...you guys are awesome!

[shen7]

Fleece and wool work by water resistance, they work great if the absorbent part is not saturated, but if there is too much wetness and there is compression, they will seep the wetness through. The thicker and denser the fleece, the better is works. Windpro or blizzard fleece is the best kind.

There are other waterproof fabrics but PUL is the state of the art. Plasticized vinyl used to be used but involves release of toxic vinyl chloride during production and possibly use. Nylon is still used sometimes, it is more "breathable" than PUL according to some, but is a delicate fabric that should not be washed or dried at high temperatures, unlike PUL which(if it's any good) can withstand high heat for both washing and drying and is more durable.

[*~~Shannon~~*]

Originally Posted by shen7

Fleece and wool work by water resistance, they work great if the absorbent part is not saturated, but if there is too much wetness and there is compression, they will seep the wetness through. The thicker and denser the fleece, the better is works. Windpro or blizzard fleece is the best kind.

There are other waterproof fabrics but PUL is the state of the art. Plasticized vinyl used to be used but involves release of toxic vinyl chloride during production and possibly use. Nylon is still used sometimes, it is more "breathable" than PUL according to some, but is a delicate fabric that should not be washed or dried at high temperatures, unlike PUL which(if it's any good) can withstand high heat for both washing and drying and is more durable.

Yes to all of this. I love fleece for overnight since it breathes so well. I don't tend to use it outside the house too much (although I have), because it is prone to compression wicking.

[rancherandcitygal]

Fleece does wick if the diaper is super soaked so I don't like it out of the house either. I use it when we are home and she needs a more breathable cover. Wool I have heard is awesome but I never wanted to invest the money. PUL is amazing and there are tons of cute prints out there.

[bettyearl]

Not a fan of wool or fleece because it really is only practical around the house and seems to leak really quick. PUL is great!

[*~~Shannon~~*]

Originally Posted by bettyearl

Not a fan of wool or fleece because it really is only practical around the house and seems to leak really quick. PUL is great!

The key with fleece and wool is to keep the absorbancy up. They won't "stop" liquid from going through, just slow it down. Also, compression wicking can be an issue, so keep fleece or wool a little loose and any clothing over them loose as well. They don't need to be huge and baggy, but not tight. I put stop in quotes earlier because even PUL won't stop 100% of liquid. Nothing can stop 100%.

Here's how I break down the pros and cons:

PUL - Pros
Trim, not prone to compression wicking, reasonable price, easily available, fairly easy washing
PUL - Cons
Can delaminate or crack, a bit of a learning curve for sewing, not super breathable, best selection of fabric is all online, may have a shorter lifespan

Fleece - Pros
Cheap to make or buy, breathes well, insanely easy to wash, easy to buy fabric in stores, easy to sew, long lifespan
Fleece - Cons
Bulk, compression wicking, no absorbancy

Wool - Pros
Can absorb some urine, breathes well, can upcycle old sweaters, long lifespan
Wool - Cons
Expensive, specific washing steps, compression wicking