Cloth Diapers: Caring for Velcro (Aplix or Hook/Loop)

As a first time cloth diapering parent we originally chose the BG 3.0 in hook/loop for many reasons.  I wanted to ensure that my investment was going to last and that I was going to be happy with them for our entire diapering experience.  The only complaint that I read about over and over again was the hook/loop wearing out and horrible diaper chains from the dryer.

Velcro, hook and loop, aplix – whatever name you use for this type of closure you may be wondering how to maximize its life expectancy.

Many parents choose aplix because of its simplicity.  Aplix is the closest to matching the ease of a disposable diaper and is the preferred closure of choice for many parents.  Daddy’s and caregivers almost always prefer aplix because they make diaper changing quick and easy. 

But aplix does have its drawbacks.  As your child gets older they become wise and learn how to unfasten aplix.  With the diapers age and extended laundering aplix will also begin to show its age.  How can you overcome these challenges and preserve the life of your aplix without having to make the switch to snaps?

Tips for keeping aplix on your child – no matter what age they are!

The most simply method is to secure the diaper within a onesie!  While this may cover up their adorable fluffy butt it will secure the diaper on your child.  This is the best method for naps and bedtime when you aren’t monitoring their every move.

Pants, tights, or other garments.  If you have outgrown or choose not to use onesies this is the next best option for securing those cloth diapers.  Unless your child has learned to take off their pants this will keep the cd in place.

Backwards!  Yes, you can put the diaper on your baby backwards.  It’s much harder for a baby to remove the diaper when the closures are in the back.  gDiapers actually sell their diapers with a rear closure for this reason. 

Steps to preserve the life of your aplix:

1. Always secure the aplix before laundering.  Most brands come standard with laundry tabs where the hook side of the aplix will attach and in an ideal world – stay attached during wash and dry. 
2. My laundry tabs began to wear out and loose their stickiness after about a year so I learned another trick from a fellow tweeter one evening – when laundering reattach the hook to the loop or front of the diaper!  It’s a much stronger bond than most laundry tabs and will prevent even the weakest aplix from causing the dreaded diaper chain.
3. Avoid washing your aplix with natural fibers.  It was recommended from one of the leading manufactures of cloth diapers to avoid washing your aplix with other natural fibers (hemp, bamboo, or cotton).  The natural fibers will cause your aplix to wear out quicker due to the abrasion of the fabrics.  If you notice lots of fibers trapped in your hooks this is probably the cause. 
4. Avoid excessive heat.  While one super hot wash is usually recommended to get the diapers clean you can extend the life of your diapers by skipping the heated drying cycle.  Put your covers out to dry on the line and you will not only be saving your aplix but you’ll be saving money and energy too.

If all else fails you can find a good seamstress (or try it yourself) to repair or replace your aplix.  Most companies will sell or send you replacement aplix for as little as $1-2 each set.  And many people have chosen to convert their aplix to snaps which I hear is an easy process that takes very little time and effort.    

What steps have you taken to preserve or repair your aplix?