Easy Cloth Diapering

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3 Steps to Cloth Diapering

Cloth diapering… are you asking “where do I start?” and searching “how to cloth diaper” or “the best cloth diaper?” If so, I am going to clear the air for you and point out how uncomplicated it can be! I’m armed with knowledge from cloth diaper guru, Noelle Holohan (from DifferentDiapers.com) who will even do a skype consultation with you!

STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR STYLE DIAPER (brand aside)

Covers & Inserts vs. All in One (AIO)/Pocket
(pre-folds and pins are still an option too, but we will discuss modern options)

# needed is based on 8-12 changes/day, low number = washing every other day, high = every 2 days

easy cloth diapers, cheap diapers, babies and mommyCovers & Inserts:
Place inserts or pre-folds in covers. Remove inserts with each changing but covers may be used for a couple changes.

    • PROS:
      • Fast dry time.
      • Less expensive- Buy less covers and one size fits all (use pre-folds as inexpensive liners).
      • Less bulk – usually easier to snap to smaller sizes.
      • Less stains and less washing = longer life and higher resale value for covers.
      • Option to use disposable inserts while traveling.
    • CONS:
      • Buying inserts or pre-folds separate.
      • Inserts may shift unless they “snap in.”
      • More for caregivers to prepare (unless you put inserts into cover in advance).
    • HOW MANY DO I NEED?
      • 8-16 Covers (you don’t need to change covers with every diaper change)
      • 14-24 inserts (or pre-folds for cheaper route)

OR

all in one cloth diaper pocket diaper

All in One Diapers (AIO) and Pocket Diapers:
Change just like disposable in changing the entire diaper at once. Some have flaps, others have removable inserts (to stuff then remove when washing for faster drying times).

    • PROS:
      • Change just like a disposable
      • Easy for grandparents and care-givers
      • All in One = comes with liner/flaps
    • CONS:

      • Expensive – you change the entire expensive diaper each time
      • Removing inserts before washing and stuffing before use can be a fuss
      • Sewn in liners make for slow dry time
      • More laundry – wash entire diaper more often so they also wear out faster
      • Bulkier – some brands are known to not snap down small enough for newborns
    • HOW MANY DO I NEED?
      • 14 (washing every other day) -24 (washing every 2 days)

STEP 2: CHOOSE BRAND

  • Consider brands that have a double gusset leg hole for extra protection
  • Consider Covers that have snaps to “snap in” liners
  • Consider getting newborn diapers if you use AIO or Pocket Diapers because they usually don’t fit until 13 lbs
  • Consider whether you want velcro or snaps. Velcro acts more like a disposable but wears out faster (and sometimes sticks to other covers in the wash). Snaps retain value but don’t always line up for a perfect fit and mean more precision for those tired nighttime changes.
  • Consider material: Synthetic vs. Organic – hemp is organic and plenty absorbent if you don’t want anything synthetic touching baby, microfiber is a synthetic material but more absorbent. However, it can sometimes be too absorbent for baby and dry out their skin.

POPULAR BRANDS: We are giving you a short list of some common names but HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you touch and try some brands before you make the investment. Noelle Holohan from Different Diapers provides hands on consultations or online consultations via skype, so go to DifferentDiapers.com to schedule yours (and shop my favorite brands right from the website)!

STEP 3: ACCESSORIZE

  • WET BAG:
    • Hang a wet bag on bathroom door for dirty diapers. If wet, you can rinse quick or just put them in the bag. Soiled diapers must be swished in toilet first (or invest in a diaper sprayer but we didn’t use one).
    • A small wet bag is good to have on hand in diaper bag or car for when you are on the go!
  • CLOTH WIPES: If you are going to wash diapers, wash the wipes…it’s actually easier
    • Buy or make by using cut up flannel/t-shirts/washcloths leave them dry and use a wipe solution spray during changes.
  • WIPE SOLUTION SPRAY:
    • Spray solution right on baby’s bottom or onto cloth wipe. Buy or make your own with water and gentle baby soap.

All Summed Up:

Using cloth diapers really isn’t complicated, you still just change the diaper and every brand has its pros and cons (just like disposables). Instead of running to the store for more diapers every two days, you are washing them. Even with the environmental and financial impact aside, babies are known to potty train early with less rashes to deal with so everyone wins!  And if you are worried about the “swish in toilet,” then calm down…you wash your hands after changing a diaper anyway (and you do clean your toilet)! ALSO take note that it is unlawful to put human waste into landfills so you should be dumping the dipe whether you use cloth or disposable! Happy cloth diapering!!

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