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When I was a few months pregnant, I came across a youtube video about cloth diapering for beginners. Ten minutes later, my mind was made up and I was all in. When I told my family I wanted to cloth diaper, they thought I was crazy. My mom had flashbacks to dunk and swish rinsing and plastic pants. My grandma told horror stories of stabbing her babies with safety pins.
Let me just tell you… It’s not nearly as difficult as everyone makes it seem. Luckily, cloth diapers have come a long way since the 70’s. Modern cloth diapers are so much easier to use. It does take quite a bit of extra work, but the money saved and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it makes it worth it.
Cloth Diapering for beginners:
This post is all about cloth diapering for beginners.
Why Choose Cloth Diapers?
Are you pondering whether to jump aboard the cloth diapering train? Allow us to provide some food for thought. There are so many benefits of cloth diapers. For starters, let’s talk budget. While cloth diapers may seem like a larger upfront investment, they truly shine in their cost-effectiveness over time. They’re reusable, and therefore, can save you a considerable chunk of change, especially if you’re envisioning a big family.
But it’s not just about dollars and cents. Cloth diapers are typically free from harsh chemicals often found in their disposable counterparts, making them a gentler choice for your baby’s delicate skin. And then, of course, there’s the environmental impact – or lack thereof. Cloth diapers are the greener alternative, helping you drastically cut down on landfill waste. With cloth diapers, you’re not just making a decision that’s good for your baby and your wallet, but also for our planet.
Getting to Know the Different Types of Cloth Diapers
Navigating through the world of cloth diapers might feel like learning a new language. But fear not, we’re here to translate! Cloth diapers come in a rainbow of varieties, each with its unique perks.
- You’ve got prefold diapers, which are rectangles of fabric with an absorbent center, and flat diapers, which are the old-school square of fabric you fold into a diaper shape.
- Next, we have fitted diapers that are just like disposables in shape but made of cloth.
- Pocket diapers, on the other hand, are one of the most popular options. They are made up of waterproof cloth diaper covers and a pocket that holds the absorbent cloth inserts. These were my favorite and what worked best for my family. I used the Nora’s Nursery brand, which you can view here on Amazon.
- And lastly, all-in-ones – the no-fuss option where everything you need is in one piece, just like a disposable diaper.
Some popular brands include Nora’s Nursery, Alva Baby, Wegreeco, Charlie Banana, and Honest.
Remember, if you’re trying to decide what type of cloth diaper to use, there is no one size fits all rule and what works best for you will depend on your baby’s needs and your personal preferences.
This post is all about cloth diapering for beginners.
Understanding the Basics of Cloth Diapering
No need to feel overwhelmed about cloth diapering. It’s a straightforward process that you’ll master in no time. The routine essentially boils down to four easy-to-follow steps.
1. Change your baby’s diaper – just as you would with a disposable one.
2. Store the dirty diaper in a designated pail or wet bag until you’re ready to do laundry.
3. Now, this is where it gets a little different. The third step involves washing the diapers in a washing machine using the right type of detergent. Keep reading for our recommended cloth diaper wash routine.
4. Dry the clean diapers, either in a dryer or by air-drying.
Piece of cake, right? Trust us, before you know it, you’ll be doing this on autopilot! So take a deep breath and remember – you’ve got this!
Mastering the Cloth Diaper Laundry Routine
Laundry day with cloth diapers might initially seem like a daunting task. It did take me a long time to figure out my routine, but I am here to make that much easier on you. So fear not! Once you get the hang of it, it will feel like a breeze.
Start by rinsing off any solid waste from the diapers before tossing them into your diaper pail or wet bag. If you use a pail, I definitely recommend using a vented pail liner to maintain airflow and reduce the smell. If your baby is exclusively breastfed, you can skip this step because poop from breastmilk is water soluble and will dissolve in the washer.
When it’s time to wash, dump the diapers into the washer and run them through a regular wash cycle with a cloth-friendly laundry detergent, then a long, heavy duty wash cycle. One last rinse after the wash will ensure no lingering laundry detergent residues that could potentially irritate your little one’s skin.
As for drying, you can either pop them into the dryer or let nature do its thing with air-drying. Both methods work perfectly fine, although air drying is more gentle and may help them last longer, so it’s up to you to decide which option you prefer. Line-drying outside can also sun bleach your diapers to help safely remove any stains.
Here is a graph of the exact wash routine I used that makes it super easy to understand. You may need to adjust this based on your washer efficiency, detergent, and water hardness.
Yes, it may seem like a few extra steps compared to disposable diapers, but remember, you’re doing this not only for your baby’s comfort but also for the environment. Plus, the satisfaction of getting those diapers bright and clean is a feeling that’s truly priceless! So, embrace the routine, and before you know it, you’ll be a pro at this laundry game. And if you REALLY don’t want to mess with washing your diapers but are determined to use cloth diapers, they do have a wash service that will pick them up and wash them for you and return them clean and folded.
This post is all about cloth diapering for beginners.
Overcoming Common Cloth Diaper Challenges
Venturing into the world of cloth diapering can sometimes come with a bit of a learning curve. You might encounter some common hiccups like leaks, a rash on your little one’s bum, or diapers that just don’t seem to fit right. But hey, remember, this is all a part of the journey. And we’ve got your back! Rest assured, these are not roadblocks but mere speed bumps that you can easily overcome.
The trick lies in being patient, and giving yourself the time to figure out what works best for your baby and you. There are also numerous online forums and communities filled with parents who’ve been in your shoes and are more than willing to share their tips and experiences.
So, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trust us, you’ll soon get the hang of it, and these little challenges will be nothing more than a distant memory. Remember, each baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Keep experimenting until you find your groove. You’re doing great, and this too, shall pass!
Cloth Diapering on the Go: Tips and Tricks
Think cloth diapering restricts you to the confines of your home? Think again! Venturing out with cloth diapers is not as daunting as it may seem. Arm yourself with a wet bag to securely stow away those soiled diapers until you’re back home. And let’s not forget to overestimate the number of diapers you might need – it’s always better to have too many than too few. Believe it or not, before long, managing cloth diaper changes will be as effortless on the go as it is at home.
Eco-Friendly Benefits of Cloth Diapering
Choosing cloth diapers isn’t just a nod to your baby’s comfort and your bank account; it’s also a high-five to Mother Earth. With cloth diapering, you’re saying a firm “no” to the mountain of waste that disposable diapers contribute to landfills. But the eco-friendliness doesn’t stop there. You’re also reducing the demand for raw materials that go into producing disposable diapers.
Plus, let’s not forget about the water and air pollution that results from their manufacturing process. Many cloth diapers are crafted from sustainable, natural fibers, further cementing their eco-friendly credentials. The concept of reusability that cloth diapers endorse echoes the heart of sustainable living, nudging you towards a greener lifestyle.
So with every cloth diaper change, remember, you’re not just making a difference to your little one’s life, but also making a positive impact on our planet. Now that’s a win-win we can all get behind!
Cloth Diaper Accessories You'll Need
Diving into the world of cloth diapering means equipping yourself with some useful tools. Let’s talk about a few key accessories that will turn you into a cloth diapering champion
First off, a dedicated diaper pail or wet bag is your best friend when it comes to keeping soiled diapers safely tucked away until laundry time. I would recommend something with airflow to keep the smell minimal, like a laundry hamper with holes or a mesh laundry bag. I used these mesh laundry bags from amazon and just hung them up.
Diaper liners can be a game-changer too, especially when it comes to handling solid waste. Instead of having to wash the diapers out, you can just remove the disposable liner and throw it away. I used the OsoCozy liners from Amazon, and they are flushable, which is super convenient, especially while in public.
Remember, the goal here is to make your cloth diapering journey as smooth as possible, and these tools can be a big help in achieving that.
This post is all about cloth diapering for beginners.
Quick Tips: Things I wish I Knew Before I Started Cloth Diapering
It’s not as complicated as it might seem at first
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to do tons of research and googling before starting something new. This can be extremely overwhelming with cloth diapering. People will get into testing your PH levels and water hardness and special diaper detergent and all kinds of other things that make this seem like such a daunting task. It’s just not that deep.
If you are a couple of months into cloth diapering and your diapers don’t smell as fresh as you’d like or you’re having trouble getting stains out, you might definitely want to look into some of these things, but you don’t have to overload yourself with unnecessary information and tests right off the bat.
Also, don’t let people who haven’t used cloth diapers in twenty years scare you out of trying it or tell you that it’s too difficult. They are completely different now and most of their concerns are no longer relevant.
There are several different brands and types of cloth diapers, so you may want to do a little research on which kinds you want to use. I use pocket diapers from Nora’s Nursery. Pocket diapers seem to be the most popular kind. That just means you have a cover (the diaper itself) which has a little pocket for the inserts (the absorbent part that goes inside the cover).
This post is all about cloth diapering for beginners.
Join a cloth diapering Facebook page
This is one of the most helpful things I did when I wasn’t satisfied with my wash routine. I found a perfect wash routine that worked for me from a facebook group. The community can be super helpful if you have any issues or questions. Just remember to take everything said in these groups with a grain of salt, as with anything on the internet.
It may take some trial and error to figure out your wash routine
The wash instructions that came with my diapers were just awful. They would come out of the washer after three cycles with poop still on them. That definitely didn’t work for me. Try different cycles and routines to see what works best for you, because every washing machine is different. Mine doesn’t have an agitator, so it is more gentle on the diapers, but not always as effective at cleaning.
In case you missed it before, this is the wash routine that worked best for me:
If I feel like there is build up on the diapers and my son is leaking more easily, or the diapers aren’t smelling as fresh as I would like them to, I just throw a little vinegar in the first wash and it helps a ton. Vinegar can break down elastic, so I wouldn’t recommend doing this every time.
This works for me. It may not work for you. I know some people are happy with one wash cycle, and I’m super jealous. So if you can figure that out, absolutely go for it.
Diapers are not as fragile as people make them seem
A lot of times you will see recommendations for special gentle diaper detergents. This is absolutely not necessary, and is also not as effective for getting them clean. I’ve had my diapers for over a year and have washed them a million times, and there is not a single stain, snag, or broken snap to be found. They are in just as good of condition as the day I bought them. I do recommend hang drying the covers if you use pocket diapers, but the inserts can be dried without any issues in my experience.
I tried every gentle, eco-friendly laundry soap on the market in the beginning, and none of them work as well as Tide. Tide powdered laundry detergent is the best soap I’ve found and many in the community agree. I always try to be conscious of toxins and the environment, but this is one area I have to indulge. At least it comes in a cardboard box instead of plastic! I was also worried about it not being gentle enough on my son’s skin, but I never saw a single issue with this detergent.
This post is all about cloth diapering for beginners.
Not all diaper creams are cloth compatible
People often notice fewer diaper rashes and less irritation when using cloth diapers. My son rarely had diaper rashes, but he did occasionally get a little red, especially if his tummy was upset and he was having more loose stools than normal.
Using certain types of diaper rash cream can create a sort of seal on the diaper that can prevent proper absorption. You will want to avoid products with oils, petroleum, zinc oxide, paraffin, and calamine. Most of the common brands won’t work. My favorite is Honest Company’s organic all purpose balm. They have it at Target so it is easy to find, and it has worked well the few times I’ve had to use it.
Poop from exclusively breastfed babies is water soluble
This means you don’t have to spray the poop off the diaper. You can just toss them right in the washer. Oh, how I miss those days. If your baby is formula fed or starts eating solids, you will want to start spraying the poop before washing.
We attached a sprayer (or a handheld bidet) to the toilet which is super easy and took us all of ten minutes to install, and we clip our diapers to a spray shield for easy, mess free (mostly) spraying.
You will have to adapt your diapers to your baby as they grow
My diapers came with bamboo inserts. When my son was first born, I used one bamboo insert in each diaper. As he got older, he started leaking overnight so I bought 50 extra bamboo inserts to double stuff them. A few months later, he started having leaks again. I read that charcoal is more absorbent than bamboo, so I bought some charcoal inserts from Alvababy and used one bamboo and one charcoal insert. Eventually we switched to two charcoal for overnights. He can wear a diaper with two charcoal inserts overnight with absolutely no leaking, and he sleeps for about 12 hours. If I could do it over again, I would buy the charcoal inserts from the beginning and not mess with buying the extra bamboo inserts.
People often give up when they start having compression or overnight leaks, which I totally get because it can be really frustrating. Just know from the start that you may go through a couple adjustment periods and that it will pass. It just takes some trial and error.
As I mentioned before, you can get detergent or diaper cream build up that causes the diapers to be less absorbent, so doing a strip cycle before adjusting your diapers is always a good idea!
You may have to buy bigger pants
Cloth diapers are pretty bulky, so you may have to size up a bit on pants. You could possibly skip newborn pants all together. My son is a little guy. He was 6.25 pounds when he was born and had to be in preemie clothes, but I’ve always thought that if he had been a little bigger when he was born, he may not have been able to fit into any of his newborn pants with a cloth diaper on. This is something I will keep in mind when buying clothes for our next baby.
This post is all about cloth diapering for beginners.
You will probably need at least one pack of disposable diapers
Your baby’s first poop after it is born is called meconium, and it is nasty. It is black and tarry and I didn’t want it anywhere near my beautiful, white cloth diapers so I planned on having my son in disposable for a day or two. Most cloth diapers are made for babies 8 pounds and up, so it ended up being a couple of weeks before he fit in them. I would plan on having at least one pack of newborn disposables on hand.
You don’t have to limit yourself to cloth diapers
When my son was about 4 months old and I ran out of the wipes we got from our baby shower, it dawned on me that I could use cloth wipes as well. We were already washing the diapers, so it wouldn’t make any difference to throw the wipes in with them.
You can cut up some old flannel shirts or cloths to make reusable wipes. I bought some reusable paper towels from Walmart and cut them in half to use. You just want to make sure you are using a soft material that won’t irritate your babies skin. I keep a couple prefolded stacks ready to refill my wipe warmer. Some people make a wipe solution, but I use plain water and it works just fine. I just pour the cup of water over the stack of wipes after I put them in the warmer.
There are plenty of other ways you can cut out waste from single use items and save money, like reusable paper towels, food storage containers, and even toilet paper. If you love cloth diapering, look around your house and see what else you could easily replace with items that can be used over and over again.
This post was a guide to cloth diapering for beginners. Let us know if you have any questions!
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