Like Tweet

Why is Fleece an Important Component to Your Cloth Diaper?

Many moms may not realize that fleece revolutionized the diapering world. Without fleece, I may have never invented the modern cloth diaper, FuzziBunz. Fleece is found in many cloth diapers today because it really is a wonder fabric. It’s really a simple concept, but worth explaining in simple terms.

Fleece, by nature, allows moisture to pass through it. It’s not very absorbent. This means your baby will stay dry when wearing diapers with an inside fleece layer. When baby urinates, the moisture passes through to the inside layer, where it is absorbed by a microterry, hemp or other absorbent material(s). The fleece layer, of the most part, stays dry against baby’s skin. By staying dry, it keeps wetness off baby’s skin and may make for fewer diaper and moisture irritations on your baby’s private parts.

Because fleece allows moisture to flow through it, it does require some special care. First of all, fleece often allows soap to build up on it. Soap scum build up will create a layer of gunk on the diapers, not freely allowing urine to pass through to the absorbent layers below. Minimal soap and detergents with clean-rinsing agents should be used when washing diapers with fleece. Only some detergents are manufacturer-approved to wash with fleece diapers, including FuzziBunz Cloth Diaper Detergent, Rockin’ Green, Allen’s Naturally and Charlie’s Soap. Also, it’s important that no fabric softeners are used with fleece and that you avoid diaper creams, ointments and Vaseline-based products. If you must use ointments for a medical reason, either put a layer between your baby’s bottom and the fleece or use disposables until the treatment is done.

As you can see, fleece is an important fabric used by many cloth diaper manufacturers who recognize the fabric’s special powers. Just be sure to treat your fleece with TLC so it doesn’t compromise the function of your cloth diaper investment!

Known as the “Mother of the Modern Cloth Diaper,” Tereson Dupuy invented the cloth diaper that started the entire modern cloth diapering movement more than a decade ago. She later turned her invention into what is known today as FuzziBunz cloth diapers, a popular brand of cloth diapers since 2000.  As an inventor, business owner and mom to three, Tereson has many years of personal and professional experience in the cloth diaper industry, and she’s excited to work with The Cloth Diaper Whisperer to offer her perspective on cloth diapering trends and insights. She can be found online at


  1. Emily Dulin said...

    I just bought a package of 18 Fuzzibunz and I'm worried now about the detergent I have. It's from Sweet Cheeks laundry. I wonder if it will be okay to use?? (Since I already bought a big bag of it)

  2. bcfox26 said...

    Not to mention the poo cleans up so much better on fleece than other materials.

  3. Heather said...

    is there a difference in the fleece used as a liner and the fleece used as a cover? what about those who make their own fleece liners and covers? what's the best fleece to use for either of them?

  4. Karen said...

    I LOVE how my son stays dry in his fuzzibunz!! He's sensitive to the wetness, so they're great.

  5. K said...

    Any tips for what to do if we think we have build up? My 10 month old DD is getting terrible rashes and she never used to.

  6. K said...

    Any tips on how to clean them if we think we have build up? My 10 month old DD has been getting terrie rashes and she never used to.

  7. RaeO said...

    There is something about fleece that really confuses me…if moisture passes through it, how do fleece soakers work? Why doesn't the moisture soak through those and onto the sheets?

    Are cloth-diaper safe rash creams unsafe with fleece?

  8. Sarah said...

    I was wondering the same thing. Is it the same process as stripping? I think my DH has used diaper cream on my son with some of his. How do I get rid of the build up? thank you :)

  9. This is really helpful. I am planning to make some diapers for my daughter and have been looking around for the right fabrics to use. I will definitely be buying some fleece for the inside!!

Leave a Reply
