Are you ready to start your cloth diapering journey? Here is the ultimate guide to cloth diapering!
Whether you’re a working mom, stay-at-home mom, or caregiver, cloth diapering can be for you! The purpose of this guide to cloth diapering is to help busy moms who are interested in cloth diapering. I want to provide you with information to help you understand the entire process, from beginning to end.
I began cloth diapering my son at 7 weeks old. I had no idea what I was doing but figured it was best to try while I was on maternity leave and had time to get the hang of it.
Throughout my cloth diapering journey, I’ve made sure to document cloth diaper strategies and cloth diaper tips to help other moms who may be in need of a helpful guide to get them started. We still use a disposable diapers at night which is proof cloth diapering does not have to be all or nothing! Give yourself the freedom to adjust, make mistakes, and do what is best for your family.
Beginning cloth diapering can be challenging and overwhelming. This is especially true when you’re a new mom and already feel consumed with learning the ropes of motherhood. This guide to cloth diapering is meant to give you the confidence that cloth diapering can be for you!
This post is all about the ultimate guide to cloth diapering!
How Do Cloth Diapers Work?
Cloth diapers are reusable diapers that can be used over and over again. Cloth diapers are often compared to disposable diapers. Disposable diapers are typically single-use items, thrown away after they are full. Cloth diapers can be used from newborn to potty training. You buy the diapers once and never have to purchase them again.
Gone are the days when cloth diapering means safety pins and bedsheets, cloth diapers are now chic, adorable, and upgraded for modern families. Once used, you toss the diapers into the laundry, dry them and use them all over again.
Types of Cloth Diapers
Here is the part where most parents get a little overwhelmed. There are so many types of cloth diapers, most parents don’t know where to begin. I’m a firm believer that to become an expert in anything, you need to learn, study, and do research. Before you decide on which cloth diaper is best for you, check out a little more information about each of them below.
1.) Flats and Prefolds: Your “back in the day” type of diaper that must be folded and pinned (or snapped). You’ll need a waterproof cover on top!
Flats and prefolds are the more traditional cloth diapers.
Flats are your old-school type diaper that is made of a single-layer fabric. Materials that can be used for flats include sheets, towels, or even an old t-shirt. Flats can be any thin material you simply fold it around your baby.
Flats
Flats can be fastened with cloth diaper snaps or diaper safety pins. Toss on a waterproof cover and your baby is good to go! Flats can also be used inside a pocket diaper (we’ll talk about those more below!). Since flat diapers are typically made of thin, easily accessible fabric they are an extremely affordable way to cloth diaper.
Prefolds
Prefold diapers are similar to flats. They are also relatively inexpensive. The large difference between a prefold diaper and a flat is that prefold diapers are already in a smaller shape, making them easier to fold. You’ll use the same method of fastening the diaper with cloth diaper snaps or a diaper safety pin and toss on a waterproof cover.
2. Fitted Diapers: Absorbant and more convenient than flats or prefolds, these diapers are shaped like diapers, but still require a waterproof cover.
When thinking of the modern evolution of cloth diapers, fitted diapers are the next step up from flats and prefolds. Fitted diapers are already shaped like a diaper. This means no folding is required. These diapers are made of absorbent material and some contain snaps that snap to the size of your baby.
Although these diapers are typically very absorbent and do not require any folding, they still need a waterproof diaper cover to make them waterproof.
3.) Pocket Diapers: Waterproof diaper cover with a pocket in the back for an absorbant insert to soak up the liquid.
Pocket diapers are the modern cloth diaper! Pocket diapers contain a waterproof shell and have an opening for an insert. You can see more about inserts below!
Pocket diapers are very absorbent. They’re what I would consider a “one purchase” type of diaper. Unlike flats, prefolds, and fitted diapers, you don’t have to buy additional snaps, pins, or covers for pocket diapers. These diapers come with snaps or velcro to fit your baby so one diaper can be used from baby to toddler.
Most pocket diapers come with inserts. Of course, you can always purchase even more absorbent inserts (check out the inserts section below for more information). Because you remove this insert before washing, these diapers tend to wash and dry quickly.
Pocket diapers are my favorite!
All In One Diapers: Everything all in one diaper!
All in one diapers are the modern disposable diapers.
Everything is sewed into one diaper, making it extremely comparable to a disposable diaper. There are no added snaps, pins, diaper covers, or inserts for the all-in-one diaper. They are easy, convenient, and absorbent. One thing to consider about all in one diapers is the fact that they take longer to dry. This is because everything is all together instead of in separate pieces.
All In Twos: A waterproof shell with removable inserts in the middle to soak up the liquid.
The All in Twos are a mix between an All in One diaper and a prefold diaper. They contain a waterproof shell and inserts you can simply add into the shell. This means when the diaper is soiled you remove the inserts and wipe out the shell and can reuse the shell immediately. Instead of buying multiple diapers like all the other styles, you will purchase a few shells and multiple inserts.
How Do I Choose Which Cloth Diaper Is Best?
It is important to remember cloth diapers come in various materials. Some materials are more absorbent than others. The more absorbent the material, the less chance there is for a leak. Since there are so many varieties of cloth diapers it is important to do some research. Try not to get intimated by the variety of options. Check out the chart below, choose a style of diaper, and test it out!
Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can still use disposable diapers and cloth diapers at the same time. The objective is to decrease your environmental impact, save money, and provide a healthier diaper for your baby.
Cloth Diapering Inserts
Cloth diaper inserts are used to help absorb the moisture when your baby pees. Not all cloth diapers need an insert! Pocket Diapers and All In Twos use inserts. Use the guide to cloth diapering on inserts below for more information!
Types of Inserts
There are several types of inserts that differ in cost and absorbency. If you’re using a diaper that requires an insert, this is where the magic happens!
Inserts are responsible for absorbing the liquid in your child’s diaper to prevent leaks and keep your baby dry for as long as possible.
1.) Cotton
Cotton is a natural material used for various types of cloth diapers. Cotton is cost-efficient and soft on your baby’s skin. Therefore, cotton can be used directly on your baby’s skin. On the other hand, cotton is not very absorbent. These are ideal for light wetters or if you change your baby’s diaper very frequently.
2.) Microfiber
Microfiber inserts are the types of inserts that usually come with your pocket diaper purchase. They are fast-absorbing and quick-drying after a wash. It is important to know that microfiber inserts should not be used directly against the baby’s skin. The material could remove the natural oils from your baby. It is best to only use these in pocket diapers. These are your standard inserts and are great for an average wetter who has the opportunity to be changed every 2 hours.
3.) Charcoal Bamboo
Charcoal bamboo inserts are more absorbent than the microfiber inserts however they actually contain little to no bamboo in them! These inserts are more expensive than microfiber, but again, they are more absorbent. Personally, I reserve these inserts for nap time or long car rides because they hold more liquid.
4.) Bamboo
Bamboo is a popular choice for many! This is because bamboo is extremely absorbent. The downside of bamboo is that it can be a bit more costly. Bamboo inserts are also safe to use against the baby’s skin! Bamboo inserts are great for heavy wetters.
Hemp
Hemp inserts are premium inserts. They are not only soft on your baby’s skin, they also are extremely absorbent. In fact, the more you wash hemp, the more absorbent it becomes. Due to their premium quality, they tend to be more expensive. These inserts are great for heavy wetters. Hemp inserts are also slow drying.
Where To Purchase Cloth Diapers?
Are you wondering where to purchase cloth diapers and how much they will cost? Here is a handy disposable diaper cost calculator by Experienced Mommy to cost compare cloth diapers with disposable diapers. Here are my top recommendations for where to purchase cloth diapers!
From a friend/family member/co-worker
Do you know someone who has cloth diapered before? Grab their old cloth diapers! It is common for people to accept clothing hand-me-downs, the same is true for cloth diapers! Wash the hand-me-down cloth diapers (more on this below!) and they’re just like new! Receiving cloth diapers from a co-worker gave me the opportunity to try different styles of cloth diapers for free!
Thrift Store
Shop at a local thrift store to find cloth diapers for cheap! If you’re looking to try cloth diapers, but don’t want to make a huge financial commitment, try thrifting! We supplemented what we received from my co-worker with cloth diapers from the thrift shop to build up our stash.
Thrifting for cloth diapers not only gives you the opportunity to buy cloth diapers for cheaper, but it also gives you the opportunity to try different types of cloth diapers to see which one you like the best.
Online
Of course, cloth diapers can be easily purchased online.
How Many Cloth Diapers Should I Start With?
According to research, newborns go through 10 – 12 diapers a day. For best results, washcloth diapers every two to three days.
12 diapers X 2 days = 24. Overall, you’ll want to have a stash of about 20 – 30 cloth diapers.
How to Clean Cloth Diapers
The process of washing cloth diapers can seem daunting. Most people immediately get concerned about how to handle poop in cloth diapers. Cleaning cloth diapers is not as difficult as it may seem. Here are tips to help guide you through cleaning cloth diapers:
Step 1: Remove any accessories from the cloth diapers such as diaper pins or snaps.
Step 2: Remove diaper insert or diaper cover, if necessary.
Step 3: Gather all diapers and toss them into the washer. I add Dreft, Purex, or fragrance-free detergent to the washer.
Step 4: Wash the first cycle on hot water.
Step 5: Wash the second cycle on cold water. I use the quick wash setting the second time.
Step 6: Dry your cloth diapers. You can line dry your cloth diapers or place them in the dryer.
- If you experience any staining with your cloth diapers, place them out in the sun. It naturally removes stains.
- Before baby starts solids, cloth diapers with poop can go directly into the washing machine – poop and all.
- After solids, poop will need to be sprayed into the toilet or swished into the toilet. I prefer to swish my cloth diapers. If the poop is firm, it can be plopped directly into the toilet without spraying or swishing.
Reasons To Cloth Diaper
Cloth diapering is kinder to the environment
One of the biggest benefits of cloth diapers is the environmental impact. We’ve all heard of the 3R’s: Reduce, reuse, recycle. Since it is almost impossible to reduce the number of diapers a baby needs, the next best thing is to reuse. With this in mind, choosing cloth diapers is the best option. This is especially true because disposable diapers are not recyclable.
According to the EPA, 4.1 million tons of disposable diapers were sent to the landfill in 2018. In contrast, cloth diapers can be used over and over again. Using cloth diapers for second and third children amplifies this benefit. Although cloth diapers do require water and energy to wash, choosing cloth over disposable still has a significant positive impact on the environment.
Cloth diapering is better for baby’s skin
Cloth diapers are free from dyes and harmful chemicals that are often found in disposable diapers. Washcloth diapers with the same laundry detergent you use on your baby’s clothes so it shouldn’t cause any irritation to your child’s skin.
Parents who cloth diaper their children tend to report less diaper rash than those who use disposable diapers. Diaper rash can still occur with cloth diapers so it is important to make sure you’re changing your baby’s diaper often.
Cloth diapering is cheaper
Yes, cloth diapering really is cheaper.
Here are some basic calculations:
- Disposable Diapers – $70/month X 24 months = $1,680
- Cloth Diapers – $40 (per diaper set of six) X 5 (sets of diapers) = $200
Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be complicated
If you mention the words “reusable diapers” to most people you’ll hear all about the negatives and complications of cloth diapering. Do not let the stigma of cloth diapering stop you from incorporating cloth diapers into your eco-conscious lifestyle.
Cloth diapering does not have to be overly complicated. You do not have to purchase overly expensive cloth diaper accessories and supplies, you don’t need hundreds of expensive cloth diapers, and you don’t have to only use cloth diapers.
Cloth diapering can as simple as as as washing the diapers when they are dirty, just as you would a used pair of socks, and putting it back on when it is clean. Follow this guide to cloth diapering to help you become a cloth diaper pro!
Cloth diapers are more modern and stylish
Cloth diapers have moved long past the stage of white sheets and painful safety pins. They’re modern, stylish, and filled with fun patterns for your baby. Use the tips above to explore different places you can find cloth diapers!
Are you a cloth diaper momma already? Are you considering cloth diapering? Let me know any questions you have about cloth diapers! I’d love to respond with some helpful cloth diapering tips. Be sure to save this guide to cloth diapering to refer back to later. Also, check the links in this blog to purchase the cloth diaper that works best for you and your family!
I hope you enjoyed this guide to cloth diapering!
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