Batting in Cloth Pads (Part 2)

[dalyax]

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd share some photos regarding the batting in cloth pads post. These photos are some pads I purchased a few years ago that have cotton batting in them. So I'd thought I'd show how batting looks like and the negatives about it. Some folks in the previous post were curious about how it can look like in a pad.

Some photos!

Comments

[mela_chan]

Batting is designed to trap air, not to absorb. The fibers are not treated or made to be absorbent, so using it in pads has always mystified me.

[dalyax]

I guess because it 'looks' to be absorbent and is easily found in fabric stores like JoAnn. Some etsy sellers think bamboo batting is special and absorbent. I really hate how the sellers who use batting don't even bother trying to look for a suitable fabric or something even basic and they lie. Ugh!

[mela_chan]

I know. The only reason I would even consider using batting is that fluid can flow into it so quickly, and with a good absorbent layer underneath it might be good as a partial layer in the wet-zone or top layer for heavy bleeders or ladies who have problems with gushing, and it's readily available, unlike Zorb, which performs basically the same way but is absorbent also.

[ao_tsuki17]

Thanks for this. I wish I had been a member of this community when I first started my cloth journey in 2010. I have about 6 pads in my stash filled with batting and I was always so confused as to why I would bleed through them. There were quite a few sellers who used it so I figured it was the norm, ugh. I wasn't into sewing then so I didn't even know what batting was. Luckily I had some pads with zorb and flannel that worked well, if it weren't for these I would have never continued to use cloth. I fully intend to gut those batting pads one day but removing snaps is such a pain. I can't look at them without feeling angry.

[dalyax]

I had the same exact experience. My first two cloth pads I purchased had batting in them..didn't really know what that was as I was new to sewing/cloth pads. I wore it while at school and leaked right through it :/ It really turned me off at first to be honest, but then I purchased from the more 'pricey' and well established sellers. Since then I've had no major problems with leaking

[mela_chan]

I have a few ladies I know online who say similar things about having gotten pads with batting in them. And despite being told that batting is NOT GOOD in pads, I see women who are making their own stashes who just want to 'use what they have on hand' or 'use what they can get locally' and make, buy, and sell pads with batting in them. Every fabric store I've been to sells flannel. Even flat cotton woven is a better choice than batting. And you can always get cheap cotton terry or microfiber towels and rags from Sam's Club or Wal-mart or Goodwill, or free ones right out of your own closet. *sigh*

[dalyax]

If I was going to use what I have on hand, I'd cut up some flannel pajamas or toweling... Not spend money on expensive batting that doesn't absorb and isn't durable! Those cotton terry towels they sell in packs helped me out when I first started cloth. They are so absorbent and cheap.

When I cut apart these pads and another one...there was only one or two layers of batting! I've also noticed that some sellers who use batting, they usually use PUL too. It's like they know the batting is not appropriate and use the PUL as a safeguard against leaks. I've also had odor problems with these pads too, ick.

I'm going to safely assume that folks who make cloth diapers don't commonly use batting. I bet they go for the standard cotton flannel or cotton terrycloth. It should be common sense.. For something that is going to be washed and dried so often, everything should be made out of *fabric*!!

[redgemini]

I have pads that contain batting as part of my stash. I'll be honest, I'm baffled why there's a need for so many "anti batting" posts. Isn't it a choice? Aren't pads still made with them better for the environment than disposables? I've used them since 2007; they work very well for me, no issues with washing, odors, leakage, deterioration etc. True, I've never opened one up to see if it falls apart if I poke at it, but since they function just fine I haven't felt the need to. The seller never misrepresented her wares and offered a choice for core.

I do understand if you purchase something that isn't as it was represented to be angry and frustrated. Is that the issue here?

I love that there are many choices available so everyone can find what works best for their needs, since this is a highly individual selection. I also have different pads with bamboo, flannel, zorb, etc. and they all work well too and have their various benefits.

[dalyax]

There has been only two "anti-batting" posts and various comments against batting in previous posts. This post and the previous one is to inform newbies or interested/current sellers that batting is not an appropriate material for cloth pads. Batting is a material that is NOT designed for absorption, it is meant to trap air for things like quilts (elaborate stitching is done to keep the batting in place), blankets as well as cushioning or in bags. This can lead to leakage (if not enough batting is used or no water-proofing is used). So newbies to cloth may be purchasing the cheaper pads with batting, leaking through them and then giving up on cloth

[redgemini]

I appreciate your thoughtful reply and I see better where you are coming from now. I commend that you are trying to educate newcomers to choose the best products for them and to beware of sellers who do not appropriately label their products. Online forums such as this one are great for education. I also agree- one material is not going to work for everyone!

My confusion came because I've had my pads for six years now and they have held up extremely well (better than some of the other more "natural material" ones) and are among my favorites. I bought them as a newbie after reading many positive seller reviews. It never occurred to me that the material was less desirable because all the pads have maintained a like-new condition and made me glad I switched. I am not a sewer either. I have about 20 at last count. Six years and going strong is a good investment to me.

I see where we are different; I do not have a heavy flow (ever, even postpartum) and I live in a warm sunny climate where many heavier fibers can feel sweaty much of the

[dalyax]

Again, this post is just to inform people. I am not attacking cloth pad users who love their pads with batting. And if someone wants to still buy/use batting filled cloth pads, whatever works for them. This is just informative.

As far as the natural fiber, slow drying thing. It's not always true. Some cloth pad sellers are aware of this and try not to use too many layers of bamboo fleece, as an example. Bamboo fiber is double the absorbency of cotton fiber, so going overboard with it can be easy. And instead of using batting (which I said cannot even be used as a cloth wipe alone), flannel is better and way more absorbent.

To each their own..this is just info.

:D

[purple_obsidian]

I believe I have a couple of batting pads. I didn't know that's what they were, but the pad maker was mentioned as being one who uses batting, so I assume that is what they are. I must admit I've not had any problems with them, and I've had some for years.... though they have PUL in them so leaking isn't an issue

[dalyax]

My problem with cloth pads made with batting is that they always leak for me when they do not have PUL. It just shows they aren't as absorbent as claimed to be and thus can cause major leakage without PUL (in my experience