Need to make mother waterproof bibs for the care center
 

I need some advise on how to make waterproof bibs for my mom. They need to be washable and be able to be threw in the dryer because she will be using them in a care center. I am trying to stay away from any fabric or material that could melt in a dryer since the care center will laundry them.

You can use the material made for sewing waterproof cloth diaper: it's call pul, and you can buy it from fabric.com. You can also use procare from Wazoodle.com. I have washed and dried my children's diaper at very high temperature hundred of times and the fabric is still in good shape.

Yes, the fabric is called PUL. I would order it online and read the washing instructions carefully. The quality brands can be washed & dried in high temps, and this actually seals the fabric around the stitching and makes the seams waterproof. There are some lesser quality versions that are 'wipe clean', so read before you buy!

Joanns carries the PUL fabric....I have made changing pad with it.....

The vinyl covered cotton fabric is fantastic. It's soft, feels just like fabric, and does great in hot wash and dryer. The thing about water proof bibs used at my Aunt's nursing home, everything runs off the bib onto the lap. Maybe put a strip of terry cloth along the bottom of the bib.

A while back I made a few adult bibs, they had a pocket at the bottom that would catch the get-aways.

Terry cloth towels cut down work great as well!

Getting ideas from others is a good, and I too thought first of the PUL fabrics ... lightweight!

Might I suggest you speak with your care centre personnel before making them.
It's not uncommon for facilities such as this, to have specific requirements, because of their commercial laundering process.
I would hate to have you do a lot of work, and to be told it is not acceptable.

You can also use "Rip Stop" in the middle of your bib sandwich. Will not be 100% waterproof, but will repel and not allow to soak through. I use it when I make my adult bibs. Good luck.

I never thought of the rip-stop. Thanks for the idea.