6 Reasons to Cloth Diaper

 

1.  Save money.  Cloth diapers are a minimal investment when you consider how much you’d be putting out for disposables.  Plus, if you keep them around for your next kid, you’ll be saving even MORE money.  You can’t really beat the savings.   

Here’s a cloth diaper savings calculator just in case you’re not already convinced. 

Thirsties Duo Wrap Snap

Thirsties Duo Wrap Snap, Mango, Size One (6-18 lbs)

This is what I use for covers.  I have about 5 of them…I recommend getting at least that much.  The awesome thing is that they come in two sizes, and that should cover you until your baby is potty trained!  It’s a pretty good deal.  Also, they come in lots of fun colors…and now they offer cool patterns. 

 

I pair the covers with Chinese prefolds.  Easy peasy.  Oh yeah…do not even attempt to use the Gerbers cloth diapers you find in Target or something.  They don’t work and you’ll be wasting your moolah.  Save those ones for burp rags. 

2.  Better for the environment.  You’re not using numerous resources to produce disposable diapers.  You’re not using disposable diapers that will inevitably sit in a land-fill for hundreds of years. 

3.  Gentler on baby’s skin.  No gel, chemicals or dyes coming into contact with your baby’s skin.  I’ve used disposables before and have seen the gel on my little guy’s skin.  Ew. 

4.  More bonding time.  It takes a few seconds longer to put a cloth diaper on your baby than a disposable.  I happen to love diaper changing time.  My butterball giggles and coos at me, and it’s a special bonding time for us.  I talk to him, sing to him, just be with him.  So I’m thankful for those extra few seconds.  Someday he’ll be running around with his friends, too busy for his dear old mama, and I’ll be wishing that we had those seconds together again. 

5.  Way cuter than ‘sposies.  There are so many cute, cute, cute diaper covers!  It’s addicting! 

6.  Satisfaction of being self-sufficient.  I wash my own diapers.  I line-dry them outside in the sunshine.  I really derive a sense of pride at being able to take care of my baby’s needs.  Also, we don’t have to worry about running to the store.  I watched my neighbor one evening coming home with a big box of disposables.  I’m so glad we don’t have to worry about that!

Cloth Diapering the Cheap Way

If you want to cloth diaper as cheap as possible without having to wade through the mountain of information on the web regarding cloth diapers, then look no further. 

When I was pregnant, I knew immediately that I wanted to cloth diaper my baby.  I didn’t know a thing about it, but for some reason it felt right.  It was a combination of cost, environmental reasons, and something about it being old-fashioned.  I’ve always loved old-fashion. 

What I really didn’t anticipate was the amount of information that one must sift through to figure out how to actually cloth diaper.  I literally spent hours and hours during my pregnancy going through website after website, compiling enough information to get me started cloth diapering.  I’m the type of person that likes to know my options and likes to have a ton of information to make a smart, informed decision. 

I’m going to open up my diaper closet to share with you our system of cloth diapering.  I spent about six months researching cloth diapers.  This is what I came up with that worked for us. 

First, this is what I have in my “stash”:

• 4 Thirsties Duo Wraps Size One (diaper cover).  This fits from 6-18 lbs.  However, I must tell you that I brought my preemie home from the hospital at 4 lbs 10 oz and he actually fit in the size one with no leaks.   You can get them with snaps or with Velcro.  I bought the Velcro ones before I knew there were snaps.  Snaps last longer (Velcro has pilling problems and wears out), but the Velcro are more easily adjusted, preventing leaks.  Eventually we’ll have to get the Thirsties Duo Wrap Size Two (18-40 lbs).  

 

• 1 Econobum cover (one size).  I bought this diaper cover to try it out, and it was cheaply priced at $8.95.  I’m not crazy about it.  The material is flimsy and the snaps feel like they’re going to pull the cover apart, but it does the job and it is economical.  Buying one diaper to try out is a great way to see if it works for you without having to drop a ton of money.

 

 

• 1 Flip cover (one size).  This diaper fits 8-35 lbs.  I like it better than the Econobum.  I paid $13.95 for it and only got one to try it out.  While I like them, I like the Thirsties Duo Wrap better, so I probably won’t buy a whole lot more in the future. 

 

                                                                                      

• 10 fleece inserts.  I put these in the diapers when I need to use an ointment that may ruin the absorbency.  I got them for $.20 each, but you can easily make them by just cutting out fleece.  

 

• 4 snappis:  I seriously could have gotten away with just two of them.  They are fantastic for closing together a prefold.  No precarious clothes pins to poke a baby! 

 

• 26 infant Chinese prefolds:  Simple.  I love these better than fancy pockets or all-in-ones because they dry faster and are cheaper.  They also are very durable.  I’ll have to get a bigger size once my baby weighs 15 lbs. 

 

(This picture doesn’t show all of my 26 prefolds, a blue Thirsties duo wrap cover, and 1 snappi)

Get yourself a diaper pail.  I use a plastic trash can with a lid.  Line it with something.  You can put a little baking soda at the bottom if odors are a concern.

Buy some detergent.  It has to be a certain kind.  This cloth diaper detergent chart should help you find one.   I use a cheap Target detergent that doesn’t have any additives, scents, etc. 

My wash schedule:  every other day (somtimes even a day longer).  First rinse cold with a little detergent.  Second rinse hot with a little detergent.  Third rinse warm (to get excess detergent out).  Hang to dry.  I pop them in the dryer for a few minutes to fluff them up, but it’s not necessary. 

 

Our diaper laundry drying. 

And that’s it!  Cloth diapering really doesn’t take that much more time than disposables.  I have found that cloth diapers are more economical for a family, better on the environment, and gentler on a baby’s skin.

Charlie’s Soap- Biodegradable & Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Liquid – 1 Gal Jug – (128 Loads)

 

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Liquid – 1 Gal Jug – (128 Loads)

Product Description

Charlie’s Soap laundry liquid is guaranteed to be the best laundry liquid you’ve ever used! Safe and effective for all fabrics including silk, wool, linen, cotton and high-tech microfiber athletic and waterproof gear.

– Uses only 1/8 cup per large washload.

– Removes entrapped odors from microfiber athletic wear.

 – Hypoallergenic – Perfect for those who have sensitive skin.

– Will not fade your colors.

 – Non-toxic and completely biodegradable.

 – Front-loader / HE compatible.

This Laundry Liquid is a detergent originally developed for use in textile quality control labs. It is formulated to work specifically with fabrics, safely and effectively. A revolutionary approach to laundry care, Charlie’s Soap does not cover up stains and odors – it really cleans them.

***works great with washing cloth diapers***

Your One-Stop Cloth Diapering Resource

My Cloth Diapering Experience

 

The decision to cloth diaper can be a daunting one. Where does one start?

Since most of us have had little to no experience with them, we aren’t familiar with how they work.  Most of us know where to buy disposable diapers and can figure out how to put them on a baby, but what about cloth?

 I have to admit: I researched cloth diapers for probably six months before I took the plunge and really got serious about using them. I graduated from a research-based university seven years ago, and it’s amazing to me how the skills I learned are now being used to figure out the intricacies of diapers. Who would have thought, right? 

My goal for the rest of you is to give you a one-stop place to find everything you need to get started cloth diapering…without the months of research I had to do! 

First, a little background to set the stage.

Why Cloth Diaper?

I hear this question a zillion times.  In fact, my baby’s neurologist asked this very question in an incredulous tone.  “Are you doing it for green reasons,” he inquired.  “Yes, and a few other reasons as well,” I answered.  There are a few of them, actually. 

1. Money

The bottom line is that you’re going to save literally thousands of dollars (on just one kid) cloth diapering. The savings is really that profound.

Here’s a nifty calculator to help you figure out your potential savings:

http://comfybummy.com/cgi-bin/category/see_your_savings

Now, if you go on to have more kids, you can use the cloth diapering “stash” you already have and save even more money. Do you see how great the money-saving aspect is?

Moving onwards.

2. Environment

Regardless of your views on things like global warming and environmental issues, I think we can all agree that a healthy, clean, safe environment is in the best interest of us all. The environmental impact of disposable diapers is disturbing, and yet it is relatively unknown by most unsuspecting consumers.

Just a few stats from http://www.thegreenguide.com/buying-guide/diapers/environmental_impact :

• 3.5 million tons of disposable diapers get dumped in landfills every year
• some people argue that cloth diapers (using water and energy) aren’t more efficient, but consider this:
• “250,000 trees are used every year to make disposable  diapers for American babies”
• “millions of tons of untreated sewage goes to the landfill along with disposable diapers.”  What does this mean? Breeding ground for parasites, viruses, and bacteria in the environment.
• “Disposable diapers contain polyacrylate crystals.” That’s the stuff inside that holds a ton of liquid. If you come into contact with it, there can be health implications.

Aside from all this, keep in mind that disposable diapers use a ton of resources (like trees) and can take 500 years to decompose. That’s a lot of waste sitting in our local dumps.

According to http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK5911.html ,

“70 percent of the diaper that is made of paper comes from trees.”

There is debate as to what is more environmentally friendly- cloth or disposable.

Here are the basic arguments:

Cloth: laundering requires the use of water and detergent which can have an impact on the environment. It also requires energy (hot water) for washing.

Disposables: uses tons of resources to make. Sits in landfills for hundreds of years, breeding nasty things. Costs a lot of money.

How to make sure your cloth diapering leaves a minimal environmental footprint?  Use biodegradable, earth-friendly detergent, and dry diapers on a clothes line (sunshine is better for getting stains out anyway).

3. Gentler on Sensitive Skin

Many families use cloth diapers simply because their children had allergic reactions to disposable diapers.

Common Objections to Cloth Diapering

1. It’s too messy. Let’s be real. When you have a baby, dealing with poop becomes as normal to you as breathing, walking, talking… But the good news is that breast milk poop is water-soluble, so you simply have to throw the poopy diapers in the wash and that’s it.  Yes, that’s really it.  Many people have difficulty wrapping their minds around this one. 

Toddler poop or anything other than breast milk poop will need to be dunked (like in a toilet), but that shouldn’t be too difficult.

They sell sprayers that can be attached to your toilet to make it super simple. If you have a diaper service, this objection obviously won’t be a problem at all.

I also want to add that the only “blow-out” I’ve had so far was with a disposable.

2. It’s too hard

I put a cloth diaper on my preemie in two seconds flat. If you don’t want to fold a diaper and hassle with a pin or snappi, you can use all-in-ones that are as easy as using a disposable.  We’ll talk about all of these in a bit. 

3. It’s too expensive to start

You can start with just what you need; that’s what I did! I got enough to diaper my newborn and slowly built my stash.

Also, you can join cloth diapering groups online and buy second-hand diapers. This is an excellent way to build your stash cheaply.

If you’re able to sew, you can also make your own cloth diapers. There are many options.  I’ll give you some nifty links later on. 

Different Types of Cloth Diapers

 Prefolds: flat and require a cover and a snappi or clothes pin. It requires folding, but is the easiest to dry.

All-in-Ones: just like a disposable diaper, only it’s reusable! These are the easiest and most “daddy friendly.” They don’t require using a prefold and a cover. Just put it on and there you go!

One-Size: There are one-size covers and one-size all-in-ones. This simply refers to the fact that this type of diaper will grow with your baby, making it the economical choice for your cloth diapering experience.

Pocket: can be “stuffed” with extra padding to make it more absorbent.

Diaper Cover: Waterproof cover you put over a cloth diaper or a prefold to prevent leakage.

Cloth Diaper: easy to put on (usually with snaps or Velcro), but requires a cover.

Here’s a handy cloth diapering dictionary to help you understand all the terms:

http://babehause.com/store/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=24

How to Get Started

Frugal Budget (to start):

If you don’t want to spend too much, here’s what I recommend: 

– Newborn prefolds. I use about 10 a day. I’d plan for 15 a day to be safe. Figure out how often you want to do laundry (usually people will do it about every 2-3 days) to determine how many you will buy. You will have to buy bigger sized prefolds once your baby weighs 15lbs or more.

 

 
Chinese Unbleached Prefold Diaper: Small (up to 15 lbs)

– Diaper covers.  I like to rotate about 5-8. They can be wiped down easily. You might not even need that many.  To save money, invest in a one-size diaper cover. You can use these as your baby grows, saving money.

•  I like Thirsties Duo Cover Wraps. They come in two sizes: Size One: 6-18 lbs (3-8 kg) 0-9 months, and Size Two: 18-40 lbs (8-18 kg) 9-36+ months. I personally have had good experiences. In fact, I put a size one on my 5 lb preemie and it worked well!  They offer snaps or velcro closure.   Also, there are a few color options.

Thirsties Duo Wrap Snap       

– Snappis to hold together the prefold. I have 5, but personally I think I could have gotten away with 2.

 
Snappi Cloth Diaper Fasteners – Pack of 3 (gender neutral colors)

Big Budget:

If you’re in the position to spend more money on your cloth diapers, or perhaps you just want to added convenience of the more expensive diapers, here’s your plan: 

– Bumgenius one-size. They’re all you need.  They also come in a few color options. 

bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper

How to Fold the Prefolds

 http://www.diaperjungle.com/folding-diapers.html#Angel_Wings_Fold (my favorite is the “Angel Wings” fold).

 http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/prefolds.htm * don’t forget to purchase “Snappis.” They will be lifesavers.

How To Clean Them 

Option #1: Use a diaper service (will require you to use prefolds)

Option #2: Wash them yourself

• There are many methods, but here’s an idea: 

             http://www.diaperjungle.com/washing-cloth-diapers.html

             http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/washing-diapers.htm 

             http://www.grizzlybird.net/2006/03/how-to-wash-cloth-diapers-at-home.html  (comes with a pictorial guide!)

In short, you want to do a cold rinse, then a hot one.

Don’t use detergents that are scented.

To save money, line-dry the diapers outside. The sun is great for getting stains out too.

If your baby is breastfed, you can throw the entire diaper into the washer without dunking them. Breast milk poop is water-soluble.

Recommended soap includes Charlie’s Soap, Allen’s Naturally, Mountain Green Free and Clear, Planet, and others.

Charlie’s Soap Laundry Liquid – 1 Gal Jug – (128 Loads)

Storing Dirty Diapers

1) At home: if you have a diaper service, they’ll provide you with a trash can. Otherwise, the best method is to get a trash can with a cover. Line it with a bag. If you’re worried about smell, put a little baking soda at the bottom of the trashcan. Otherwise, you shouldn’t really have any problems.

2) On the go: wetbags are designed to hold dirty cloth diapers. They are washable and very convenient.

Wetbags: http://hyenacart.com/sarahsstitches/index.php?c=27

Using Ointments

Ointments cannot have direct contact with your cloth diapers, as it will affect he diaper’s absorbency. You can place a strip of fleece in the diaper to avoid this problem. These can be purchased or made.

To make them, simply cut strips that will fit inside the diaper. It’s that simple!

Other Cloth Diapering Goodies

Inserts: used with pockets for extra absorbency

Diaper Liners: biodegradable lining that makes cloth diapering that much easier

Biosoft Flushable Diaper Liners – Large 12×7.5 Inch Sheets

Cloth Wipes:  you’ll go through disposable wipes so fast.  If you’re going to be doing laundry anyway, why not use cloth wipes and save money?  All you need to do is moisten them with water.  It’s that easy!

Cloth Diaper Sprayer:  This attaches to your toilet and allows you to spray down dirty diapers (when your baby starts eating solids, or if your baby takes formula).  Super easy. 

bumGenius Diaper Sprayer

Making Your Own Cloth Diapers (the cheapest way to cloth diaper)

If you’re brave, you can make your own cloth diapers. Many of these patterns can be made with recycled materials in your own home.

http://www.zany-zebra.com/free-cloth-diaper-patterns.shtml

http://www.diaperjungle.com/sewing-cloth-diapers.html

http://www.diapersewing.com/all_in_one.htm

http://verybaby.com/ecom-catshow/cloth-diaper-sewing-patterns.html

I hope this will help you get started.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask me and I will do my best to help!  Sometimes it’s nice just to have someone encourage you and relate to your experience.

How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need???

I’ve been wondering the same question.  For those of you planning to cloth diaper, the entire process may seem daunting with the overload of information you must absorb.

Here is an excellent resource: 

If you plan to use prefolds and covers (the economical choice):  http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/RegistryChecklistPrefoldsCovers.htm

If you plan to use All-in-Ones or One-Size:  http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/RegistryChecklistOneSizePocket.htm

Confused about Cloth Diapering?

Here is a nifty resource for those of you interested in cloth diapering, or even those of you who simply want a little more info:  http://www.diaperjungle.com/cloth-diaper-guide.html

Thirsties Diaper Cover

Thirsties Diaper Cover

What this is for:  It is a cover that you use with a prefold (Indian or Chinese). 

From the Manufacturer

Thirsties offers a very popular diaper cover to families looking for a super cute yet effective waterproof cloth diaper wrap. Thirsties diaper covers secure with durable hook and loop for a perfect and secure fit at every diaper change. The specialty waterproof fabric is extremely pliable and comfortable for your baby’s delicate skin. Leg gussets provide advanced leak-proof protection and bindings are super soft against baby skin. The X-Small size features an umbilical cut out for your newborn’s comfort and all sizes offer convenient fold over laundry tabs to protect your hook and loop closure’s from trapping lint in the wash. The generous cut of Thirsties diaper covers offers a superior waterproof exterior on any type of flat, prefolded, contoured, or fitted cloth diaper. In order to achieve optimal breath ability and hassle free washing, Thirsties diaper covers are made from a single layer of polyester laminate. The laminate that lines the inside of the soft polyester can be wiped clean between uses, and then washed in your washer once thoroughly soiled. The mission of Thirsties, Inc is to make it easy and attainable for every family to choose cloth while simultaneously investing in local economy and sustainable business practices. All Thirsties products are USA-made by a group of very talented women, many of whom work in the comfort and convenience of their own homes. Only the best of USA sourced components are chosen in order to reduce carbon footprint, to help support domestic textile mills, and to ensure Thirsties diapers will last wash after wash. Thirsties, Inc is judged as providing the very best in comfortable leak-proof cloth diapering while practicing superior ethical business practices. Care and content-machine wash warm or hot. Dry in dryer or hang to dry.

• The best selling diaper wrap on the market today
• Innovative design provides a snug, yet comfortable fit
• Pliable and breathable in over a dozen fresh colors
• Leg gussets provide superior protection against leaks
• Use from birth to potty

Chinese Unbleached Prefold Diaper: Small (up to 15 lbs)

Chinese Unbleached Prefold Diaper: Small (up to 15 lbs)

• 100% cotton birdseye weave diapers that are soft, durable and highly absorbent.
• These premium diapers quilt up for superior absorption.
• 9 X 8 X 4 layering design.
• Please see detailed description below for information concerning washing these diapers.

Bumgenius One Size- Easier Solution to Cloth Diapering

Making the decision to cloth diaper isn’t easy.  Many people envision poop explosions and having to come in closer contact with it, when the reality is it can be more painless than disposable diapers. 

After you make the decision, you encounter the even more daunting task of figuring out what kinds of diapers you should buy.  There are many types, brands, colors, sizes, and considerations to think about before investing the money. 

Today I’m going to give you one method. 

If you want a nice all-in-one system where you don’t have to worry about folding your own diaper and then figuring out covers to use, then Bumgenius one-size is a great solution.  Here are the pros:

Leak-proof outer cover and stretch-to-fit sides for a custom shape (patent pending) Easy-to-use closures Covered lining opening protects baby from moisture (patent pending) Soft lining wicks moisture away from baby Three by three snap systems adjust to fit babies 8 to 35 pounds (patent pending) and gentle leg elastic prevents leakage

 

Advantage #1:  You can use these one-size diapers from birth (for many babies) through 35 pounds.  It’s going to save you time and money.  Your baby is going to grow quickly, so it makes sense to have a diaper that can grow with your baby, instead of your baby growing out of it. 

Advantage #2:  Easier to use for people who are resistant to cloth diapers.  You slip it on.  That’s it.  Just like a disposable.  Easy peasy.  Reluctant grandparents, care providers, and apprehensive dads won’t have an excuse as to why they shouldn’t use cloth diapers on your baby.

Advantage #3:  Velcro tabs are better for getting a more accurate size for your child.  If you use a diaper with snaps, you may not get as snug of a fit.  Velcro is adjustable. 

Advantage #4:  Highly reviewed by real-life moms. 

Check it out for yourself:  Bumgenius One-Size

bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper

*  diaper comes in different colors

Cloth Diapering

If you are using prefolds, these are a great way to close up the diaper without using safety pins or other alternatives:

Snappi Cloth Diaper Fasteners (1 pack)

Snappi Cloth Diaper Fasteners (1 pack)

This is for one (1) snappi fastener (note:  one snappi per pack). The Snappi® is a safer, more reliable, EASY to use fastener for cloth diapers that replaces the nasty diaper pins. The stretchable non-toxic Snappi® hooks into the diaper material to make a strong closure. They work best with diapers that have a loose enough weave for the Snappi® to hook into. (Snappi® terry cloth diapers, cotton pre-folds, and others) Note they do not work well with flannel or other tightly woven diapers. How to use your Snappi®: To improve elasticity, stretch your Snappi® fastener a few times before use. Step 1: Hook left Step 2: Stretch across and hook right Step 3: Stretch down and hook center The Snappi® should go from a “T” shape to a “Y” shape when stretched properly.

As you can see, they come in many colors. 

 

 

Chinese Unbleached Prefold Diaper: Small (up to 15 lbs)

Chinese Unbleached Prefold Diaper: Small (up to 15 lbs)

Imported Chinese Prefold Diapers are known to be the best in the world, not like the ones found in discount stores. 100% cotton birdseye weave diapers that are soft, durable and highly absorbent. These premium diapers quilt up for superior absorption. 4 X 8 X 4 layering design. Chinese Prefold diapers do not become soft or absorbent until they have been washed and dried. You can expect shrinkage of up to 1″ in width and 2″ in length.

 

 

 

 

 

BabyKicks Baby Wipes 10-Pack

BabyKicks Baby Wipes 10-Pack

 

BabyKicks Hemparoo Baby Wipes are made out of the same fleece used for our best-selling BabyKicks Prefold diapers and doublers. They are 7.5″ by 9.5″ ovals. The soft fleece is ideally suited for thorough cleanups. They are a must have for the bath tub, changing table, high chair and diaper bag! Keep a pile of these on your changing table along for a gentle, economical cleanup. Our Baby Wipes are truly an all purpose product – we even heard that dad’s started using them because they cleaned their camera and photo lenses better than anything else they previously used. You just cannot go wrong with these little things.