Chances are, your grandmother cloth diapered your mother in white cotton prefolds and plastic pull-on pants. Now, with all the options available to cloth diapering parents, it’s a whole new ballgame. Parents who choose to use cloth have literally hundreds of brands and dozens of styles available to them.
While these options certainly make cloth diapering your baby easier than ever, the sheer number of choices and information can be overwhelming. Many parents don’t know where to begin, and even though they may agree that cloth is a gentler, safer option, disposables seem like a much easier choice. If you are one of those parents – please read on!
I’m going to tell you exactly what you need to know to get started in cloth diapering. I’ll break down the style options, explain how storing and washing works and even clue you in on some nifty accessories that can make cloth diapering oh-so-easy. Let’s get started, shall we?
Styles. Cloth diapers offer much more flexibility than disposables because there are countless different systems and types of diapers. There are four main styles of cloth diapers that are commonly used. Parents will have to decide which system will work best for their child, their specific needs and their budget.
Prefold diapers and covers. This is the by far the cheapest option. Prefolds are rectangular in shape and must be folded, pinned or fastened in place on the baby. They also require some type of waterproof cover. There are many types of plastic covers on the market that fasten exactly like a disposable and fit snuggly over the prefold diaper.
Fitted diapers and covers. Fitted diapers fit just like a disposable. They are fastened with either Velcro or snaps. Because they are not waterproof, they need a cover – just like a prefold.
Pocket diapers. Pocket diapers are some of the most popular cloth diapers on the market today. They are a diaper and a cover all in one. They are made with a opening in the back of the diaper, creating a “pocket”, which is then stuffed with an absorbent insert. The diaper fastens either with Velcro or snaps and the insert must be removed before washing.
All-in-one diapers. (AIO) All-in-one diapers are the easiest diapers available. They are totally waterproof and are made with an built-in absorbent layer. No pins, no inserts, no covers.
All these styles come in hundreds of different brands. Just like disposable diapers, each mom has her favorite! Many online cloth diaper stores offer a sampler packages and even trial packages of different brands and styles so you can see what works best for you and your child without sinking all of your initial investment in diapers you don’t like.
Storing and Washing. For obvious reasons, this is the factor that causes many parents to scrap the idea of using cloth diapers all together. The reality is, storing and washing your cloth diapers takes very minimal time and effort.
Storing. The most recommended method of storing your soiled cloth diapers is by using a dry pail. Most parents just use a regular ole’ trash can with a flip lid. You can either purchase a washable “wet” bag to line your pail or use a plastic trash bag. A pail liner is certainly more desirably because you can dump your diapers and the bag in the wash without having to touch the dirty diapers. After you remove a wet diaper from your baby it can go directly in your pail. A soiled diaper will need to be dunked or sprayed to remove most of the waste and then placed in the diaper pail. Another important thing to note is soiled diapers from an infant that is exclusively breastfed can go directly into your diaper pail. Breast-fed infant waste is completely water soluble. Your diapers can be stored in a dry pail for up to three days or until you have enough diapers for a load to wash.
Washing. Washing your cloth diapers is often the trickiest part to master. There are many different methods and routines that parents use, but a good rule of thumb is a cold pre-wash with a small amount of detergent – hot water will set in stains – and then a full hot wash with an extra rinse. Too much detergent can cause build up on your diapers and cause them to repel liquid. Most diaper manufactures recommend one-half to one-third of amount you would normally use. It is important to chose a detergent with no additives, perfumes or fabric softeners. This website has an excellent chart for choosing a detergent that will get the job done.
Convenient Options. The market is full of nifty contraptions and products that make cloth diapering easier than ever.
A diaper sprayer is a great new tool to help conveniently remove solid waste from your diapers. It looks like the spray nozzle from your kitchen sink and attaches directly to the plumbing under your toilet. The high powered spray will blast the waste directly into the toilet – no dunking and scraping required!
If it wasn’t for the invention of disposable liners, many parents admit that they would not be cloth diapering. These liners can be used to line the inside of the diaper before each change. They can then be removed and flushed or discarded. This means that your diapers can go directly from your baby’s bottom to your diaper pail without any dunking, scraping or spraying.
Wet bags are another great accessory that is a must-have for on the go cloth diapering parents. Many wet bags even have two water proof compartments, one for clean, ready to use diapers and the other for wet diapers ready for the diaper pail at home.
While the information may seem overwhelming, it really is as simple as washing and reusing your baby’s diapers. To ensure long-term success in cloth diapering, I think it is important for parents to realize that there is definitely a learning curve. Don’t be discouraged if you end up with some leaks or problems in your first week. If you are determined to succeed in your cloth diapering adventure, you will!
Molly is a wife, mother and natural living enthusiast who enjoys writing about her adventures in parenting an active toddler. You can follow these adventures and find other tips and ideas for raising healthier, happier families over on her blog, Momma Molly.
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Thank you Molly for these great articles!
If I had it to do over again, I think I might have changed my resolve against cloth diapers and given it a try. They have changed so much since I was changing my baby sisters!
These pictures make me wish I’d considered using cloth diapers! So cute!