Cloth diapering

What kind of cloth diapers are there?

All in one diapers are easy to use and go on and off like disposables.  They have a waterproof outer layer and an absorbent inner.  You may need doublers to increase absorbency.

Pocket diapers are made from a waterproof outer layer and a micro-fleece layer next the the skin with an opening for an absorbent insert.    The micro-fleece next to the skin helps the baby feel dry.  When a baby wets the moisture passes through the micro-fleece layer and gets absorbed by an insert or prefold that is placed in the pocket of the diaper.  

Fitted diapers require a cover.  They are form fitted and go on and off like disposables attaching with snaps or velcro.  Young babies and lighter wetters can wear some fitted diapers without a cover.  Kushies Classic diapers come with a waterproof inner layer with flannel sewn around it.  These diapers can be used without a cover for a short period of time. 

There are two basic types of diaper covers - wraps and pull on covers.  Pull on covers are used over fitted diapers, pinned prefolds, or snappied prefolds.  Wraps can be used with many fitted diapers, prefolds folded in thirds, pinned prefolds, or snappied prefolds.

Contours are shaped diapers that require a cover.  They are basically like fitted diapers without any fastener.  That means you will need to use a snappi, diaper pins, or a snug fitting wrap with this diaper.  They are a more economical choice over fitted diapers.

Prefolds are an economical choice.  They have a rectangle shape and can be folded in thirds and placed in a wrap, pinned, or snappied.  

What do I need to get started?

You will need 6-12 diapers per day for your baby.  Toddlers will need 6-8 diapers per day.  Newborns and young babies will need 10-12 diapers per day.  If you want to wash every day then add 2 diapers to these numbers to allow for washing time.  You will need at least 4-6 covers in each size.  A newborn or a young baby may need more than 6 covers.

What about the smell?

Actually I have found that disposable diapers smell much more than cloth diapers do.  The chemicals in disposables cause an odor that you will not find with cloth diapers.  Washing at least every other day will help keep odors at bay.

Do I need to dunk cloth diapers?

Dunking your diapers in the toilet is not necessary.  Some people prefer to do that however.  This is what has worked for me:  Shaking whatever poop I can into the toilet then throwing the diaper into a dry diaper pail and letting the washer get the rest off.  I found fleece liners to be excellent to prevent the need for dunking.  The poop easily comes off the fleece and prevents stains on the diaper.  You can also use Kushies Flushable Biodegradable liners in your diapers and just toss the liner into the toilet.

How do I wash cloth diapers?

Basically you need to follow the washing instructions for the diapers you purchase.  However, most diapers can be washed in the following manner:

1. Place the dirty cloth diapers in the washer and run a rinse cycle
2. Wash the diapers on hot with 1/2 the amount of recommended detergent.  Do not use bleach.
3. Follow up with an extra rinse cycle with a small amount of baking soda or vinegar.  Diapers washed with too much detergent or diapers that have any remaining detergent may smell.
4. Dry in dryer on hot.  Many covers may need to be dried on low or hung to dry.  If you hang dry all of your diapers you may want to put them in the dryer for a short period of time to soften them up.

What kind of diapers are for me?

What about diaper pails? 

Thanks Mama offers a hanging diaper pail that will attach to a doorknob.  The hanging diaper pail is an open diaper pail.  Ironically, open diaper pails don't smell like closed ones do.  As long as you don't let the diaper sit for more than 1-2 days the open pail shouldn't smell.  The hanging diaper pail also has a fabric swatch inside for you to place a few drops of your favorite essential oil.  You can also get a pail/storage container at a local store.  Make sure you get one that you baby won't be able to open easily.  You can tape a citrus circle on the inside of the lid to keep things smelling fresh. 

Are you using disposables and want to switch to cloth, but don't have the money to do it? 

You can start out with a dozen prefolds and a couple cover/wraps for $40-50.  You will need to wash every day with only a dozen cloth diapers.  Then you can use the money you save from not purchasing disposables to buy more diapers until you have all you need to wash every 2-3 days.  

What about barrier creams with cloth diapers? 

Barrier creams do not work well with stay dry fleece diaper systems such as Fuzzi Bunz.  I have found that I don't need them on my two boys at all.  I just change every 2-3 hours during the day.  I use a Fuzzi Bunz at night so my sons skin isn't wet all.

Want more information about cloth diapering?

Check out www.modern-cloth-diapers.com.