Helloky.com’s Best of…Cloth Pads
Cloth diapers are all the rage right now, but for some reason there isn't a lot of talk about the option of cloth pads for women. The reasons are probably obvious - blood seems to scare people much more than the idea of feces and urine, and the idea of reusing and washing cloth pads tends to blow some people's minds. Cloth pads are often used post-baby while the mommy heals, as well as for monthly periods and in some cases, incontinence.
Just like cloth diapers, cloth pads are a healthier, more earth-friendly option.
Cloth pads:
- Don't contain chemicals and dioxins
- Are much more comfortable
- Don't have sticky wings or materials
- Save money over time
- Mean fewer rashes and yeast infections (which can be caused by disposable pads)
- Are readily available (no late night runs to Walmart!)
- Come in fun colors and patterns for those of us who need a little extra dose of "happy" during Aunt Flo's stay
So, in honor of moms everywhere, we gathered a handful of willing ladies together to test a few different brands of Cloth pads, and here's what we had to say:
MoonPads
Average Cost: $8-9 each
Materials: 100% organic cotton flannel (which is then hand-dyed) filled with 100% organic terry cloth
Measurements: 7.5"x2.5" (not including wings) for regular moonpads, 10"x2.5" for overnight moonpads
Pros: It is clear that each of these pads are made with the utmost love and attention to detail. Each pad comes in cute colors with coordinating tabs, as well as a ribbon hanging loop (for drying) and darling gem-covered snaps (on the wings).
Cons: On a scale of 1-5, these come in at about 3.7 in slimness. They are a little on the thicker side, which may be a pro if you have a heavier flow.
She said:
"I ADORE the details - the colors and the gem-snaps are so fun and make a really un-fun week just a little more special. - At least, as special-feeling as it can be between the cramps and urge to punch people. Wait, did I just admit I sometimes want to punch people?"
"As cute as these are, I was a little disappointed. I think for most women they would be great, but maybe it's because I'm a little bigger....I would have appreciated something with more width I think."
LunaPads
Average Cost: $10.99 - 16.99 each
Materials: Pads feature a 100% organic or regular cotton flannel base, topped with an absorbent panel made of 2 layers 100% organic or regular cotton fleece, and 1 layer of ultra-thin nylon to minimize soaking through. Liners are made from 2 layers of 100% organic or regular cotton fleece. Pantyliners feature a 100% organic or regular cotton flannel base, topped with an absorbent panel made of 2 layers 100% organic or regular cotton fleece. Click here to see how they are constructed.
Measurements: Maxi Pad: 10" long x 2.5" wide (not including wings), pad is 2mm thick and liner is 2.5mm thick.
Mini Pantyliner: 8" long x 2.5" wide (not including wings), pad is 2mm thick.
Pros: Contoured design means pad doesn't bow when wings are snapped. Great design also enables a "build-a-pad" option where individual inserts can be layered securely to create more or less absorbency and protection. LunaPads offers a unique design, however, where you can add or subtract layers on top, meaning if you need to change a layer but not the whole pad, you can!
Cons: The price.
She said:
"Super comfortable and just the right thickness! I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the design. Sometimes I need more protection than other times, and I like having the option of adding or subtracting layers without necessarily changing an entire pad!"
"Although the nylon isn't all-natural, I really appreciate the security it gives me. Previously, I was only wearing cloth pads at home, but these give me the courage to wear them out! Plus, you can't even tell I'm wearing them!"
Mother Moon Pads
Average Cost: $4 each
Materials: The topping of these pads is cotton flannel. You now have the option of adding OBV to the center of your pads too! The backing is anti pill fleece in a coordinating color.
Measurements: 12" x 3" - HOWEVER, you can request a custom made size here
Pros: Soft and comfortable with a quilted design that forms to your body.
Cons: slight bowing because of the smaller wings, but it's not a big problem because of the quilted flexibility, allowing the pad to curve easily
She Said:
"The quilted design is nice. I really like how it bends with me."
"Quality product, but the price in and of itself is what would make this a winner for me!"
**SPECIAL NOTE: Due to pregnancy complications, Mother Moon Pads are currently unavailable but will hopefully come back soon! Our best wishes!
Glad Rags
Average Cost: $13.99-17.99
Materials: GladRags inserts: have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two outer layers of cotton flannel.
Daytime holders: made of two layers of cotton flannel, and the inserts slip between each layer, like a letter inside an envelope. Each GladRags pad comes with 1 holder and 2 inserts, and you can opt to use as many as 3 inserts with a holder for your heavier days.
Nighttime holders: are wider at each end and longer than the daytime holder, and also constructed a bit differently: the holders also have a layer of terry cloth sandwiched between the two layers of flannel, lending the nighttime GladRags even more absorbency for your sleeping comfort.
Measurements: GladRags night holder is approximately 14" long and 3" wide at the middle. Day holder: 9"x2.5". Pantyliner: 6 3/4"x 2 3/4".
Pros: Glad Rags are a great option for women who want good protection but a more breathable and natural pad because they don't have a nylon backing. They are designed to be customizable with inserts that can be added for extra absorbency.
Cons: Unlike the Luna Pads, the entire pad must be changed since the inserts are added on the bottom (beneath the main pad). Cost.
She said:
"The width for the nighttime pad is PERFECT. It has a unique shape and size that will keep you feeling secure all night long, no matter how much you roll in your sleep! I appreciate that I can wear these during the day, too to get more coverage for my plus-size frame."
"I do like the idea of the customizable pads, but since I don't always know how heavy I'll be, I don't really like having to change out the entire set every time."
Crea8tivemama's Reusable Mama Cloths
Average Cost: $4.75 each
Materials: Pads: Made of an outer layer of comfy flannel with a layer of quilted batting covered waterproof lining and a layer of absorbent terry sewn securely in between.
Panty-Liners: made of an outer layer of comfortable flannel with a layer of micro-fleece sandwiched between.
Measurements: Pads and Panty-Liners: 8.5"x3" (with wings snapped).
Pros: A little wider than others, for women who prefer wider pads. Cost!
Cons: The pads are a little less flexible than others, but still comfortable.
She said:
"I really don't care about having a 'pretty period' but want something basic that won't break my bank. I think I found it. These are great!"
