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Hi all,

A few days back we touched on the subject of diaper suspenders when discussing diaper wear in warm weather. I am so impressed with my diaper suspenders that I wanted to start a new thread on that topic.

“Diaper Suspenders” usually are called “Underwear Suspenders” or “Undergarment Suspenders.” The adjustability of suspenders permits you to have exactly the right amount of support for each type of diaper you wear. Having just the right amount of support helps to keep the diaper high and snug which also helps to reduce friction with the thighs and rashes. Diaper suspenders also permit us an option that is cooler in warm weather than wearing a onesie or compression pants for support.

The suspenders usually are made of soft fabric, similar to an Ace bandage, and come in a variety of colors. Beige probably is the best for discreet wear. They usualy come in two styles - traditional-style suspenders with four clasps or as “trucker-style” suspenders with two clasps which attach at the side. The clasps can be either traditional metal clasps or non-metallic plastic clamps. The latter will be popular with travellers, as they will not be sensed by TSA at an airport security screening!

You can attach the suspenders directly to your diaper or to your plastic pants. However, I would be cautious about attaching the suspenders directly to most diapers. Also, be careful if attaching the clasps to thin vinyl plastic pants, as thin plastic may tear. You may wish to experiment with an old pair of plastic pants before risking a newer pair.

A good strategy is to attach the suspenders to a pair of “Big Boy Pants” (underpants) worn over the diaper and/or plastic pants. This way, you do not need to reattach the suspenders every time you change your diaper and there is no risk of tearing your plastic pants. You should be able to leave the suspender and underpants combination together for days until the pants require washing.

Diaper suspenders work particularly well to support the greater weight of heavy cloth diapers. If wearing a cloth diaper, you will want your plastic pants to completely cover the fabric of your diaper to prevent wicking. In such a case, it again is best to attach the suspenders to a pair of underpants worn over the cloth diaper and attach the clasps to those.

Prices for diaper suspenders generally vary between about $16 to $22. One good source is the HoldUp suspender company, on the Internet at Holdup.com.

Who else has tried these? How was your experience with them?

--John

I'll check it out, thanks!

_________________
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

Marcus Aurelius

I will note that the benefits of wearing diaper suspenders with cloth diapers can be significant. When I prepare for bed, the bulk of the dry cloth diapers is significant and causes me to waddle. That is not a problem at that time as I am retiring for the night.

In the morning, the wet cloth diaper has formed itself to my anatomy, which is good, but it sags. I love my onesies, but they do not support the full weight of a heavy wet cloth diaper in the morning. The bulk and sag can cause me to waddle and creates some friction with my thighs.

In contrast, my diaper suspenders keep the heavy cloth diaper high and snug, totally eliminating any sag. That means no waddle - I walk normally and have no friction to cause chaffing. I am a happy camper. I now will begin wearing the suspenders with a cloth diaper in the daytime and see how that works out with the additional activity.

--John

Do keep us posted!!

_________________
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

Marcus Aurelius

I wish I had known about "diaper suspenders" some while back. I am finding them to be a great combination with cloth diapers.

I continue to attach them to a pair of underpants worn over the cloth diaper and plastic pants. For daytime wear, having the additional support makes a tremendous difference in the comfort and practicality of wearing a cloth diaper. It also makes the cloth diaper more discreet as it holds it closer to the body and tends to eliminate the "beaver tail" in the butt so common with a wet cloth diaper.

I think the suspenders would work well with PUL pants, without causing any damage, if the waist elastic is thick enough for the clasps of the suspenders to grip the waist elastic, rather than the material in the diaper itself.

If attaching them to a plastic-shell diaper, roll the waist to create a small area with several layers of plastic for the clasps to grip. However, changing the suspenders from one disposable diaper to another is too much of a bother for me.

--John