Many of you know I am not one to shove my parenting onto anyone (or at least I try not to,) so please don't take this post as a "You use DISPOSABLE diapers?!? Blasphemy!!" type of post! I have had a few people ask me about cloth diapers so I would like this to be a resource. There is SO much information it can be incredibly overwhelming, so here is a good start.
Why are there so many kinds?!?
There are six "types" of cloth diapers. Yes, that seems like a lot but you won't need all 6 (unless you become real hard core and have octuplets or something.)
Prefolds: Prefolds (and flats) are the "old fashioned" cloth diapers, the ones your grandma will think you're talking about when you mention your diapers to her! These are flat pieces of layed fabric that you fold around your baby's bum and close with a pin (or the more modern "Snappi") These need a waterproof cover to keep your baby bum dry! Examples: Econobum prefolds
Fitteds: Fitteds are essentially a modern day prefold. They look just like a disposable diaper, but can come in several different prints, colors, materials, etc and most have a snap closure. These are also not waterproof and require a cover. Example: Kissas Fitteds, Sbish, Goodmama
Covers: This is a waterproof outer layer required to keep prefolds and fitteds from soaking your baby's bum. There are 3 kinds of covers (yea, I know, I know...) The "easiest" is the PUL cover. This is a waterproof polyurethane laminate fabric that has either a velcro or snap closure. It can be reused as long as the inside wipes clean between changes. Fleece covers are shorts, pants, etc that are made of fleece which is a natural wicking material and can be worn as a waterproof layer over a fitted or prefold. Wool can also be used as a cover. Longies= wool pants, shorties= wool shorts, etc. You "lanolize" or waterproof the wool bottoms and wear them over the diaper for a leak proof seal, and this can also be reused between changes. Ex: Thirsties, Crankypants, LlamaJamas
Pockets: Pocket diapers are the same shape as a disposable diaper. The outer layer is PUL, often with a cute pattern or bright color. The inside has a pocket made of fleece, suedecloth, flannel, or other wicking material and has an opening at one or both ends. This opening is the "pocket." This allows for the insert, the absorbent part, to slide inside. The benefits of pocket diapers is ease of use and drying time. Once the diaper is stuffed, all you need to do is put it in like a disposable diaper with snaps or velcro. It comes apart so the insert can be put in the dryer, allowing drying time to be very quick. Examples" Sunbaby, Alva, Rumparooz, Bumgenius
All in One: AIO (all in one) diapers are just that. The outside is a waterproof layer, and the inside is made up of one or more absorbent materials. Essentially, this diaper is the pocket diaper without the pocket. This is incredibly easy to use, since there is no stuffing, etc and has a snap or velcro closure, but drying time is often 2+ days because the PUL cannot be put in the dryer more than a couple minutes. Examples: Bumgenius Freetime and Elemental,
All in Two: AI2 (all in two) diapers are a waterproof shell (or cover) with a snap in insert. These diapers are also very easy to use. They come apart for easy drying, and once the insert is dry it just snaps in to the diaper and is ready to go! Benefits are fast drying, and ease of use. However, these diapers are often lacking in absorbency in my experience. Example: Grovia
Inserts can be several different materials. Microfiber is super absorbent, but must be used in a pocket because it cannot go against the skin. Bamboo and Hemp are even more absorbent but do not soak as fast, so they are best used as doublers.
Diapers also come in One size (OS) or sized. OS will last from about 10-12lbs to about 35-40lbs. Sized will have a trimmer fit, but will need to be purchased as your baby grows.
So I bought some cloth diapers. Now what?!
You need to "prep" them. Prepping consists of 3-5 wash/dry cycles. This removes all the chemicals and oils from the fabric and allows it to be more absorbent. You will reach max absorbency around 8-10 washes. The very first time you wash anything with PUL (Pockets, PUL covers, AIO, and AI2s) put it in the dryer for 20 minutes on high heat. This seals the PUL around the stitching to prevent leaks. You may have to repeat this every month or two, but not more because it could delaminate the fabric.
You mean you WASH BABY POOP?!
Yep, that's right. Babies poop! I use a kitchen sprayer to spray all the undesirable goo into my toilet. I then rinse out my insert and put the dirty nappy in my wetbag (a waterproof and stink proof bag with a zipper) and wash every two days. My wash routine consists of a double cold rinse (to get all the pee and leftover poo residue out of the diapers) then a hot wash/cold rinse with cloth diaper safe detergent, and another cold rinse.
It seems like a heck of a lot of work, but I promise you it is the easiest laundry load for the day because you WILL love cloth diapers and will look forward to seeing them all clean! Inserts can go in the dryer, but anything with a layer of PUL must line dry.
The average family spends over $2,300 in diapers for one baby from birth to potty training. You can cloth diaper a baby for less than $500! This includes detergent, diapers, water and electricity to wash them, etc. That is, of course, assuming you don't get "addicted" to fluff! Even so, you will be hard pressed to find anyone who has even NEAR spent $2,000 on diapers!
I hope this gives you a good start as to what cloth diapering is all about, and don't hesitate to ask any question at all you may have! The internet is full of information, but it can be incredibly overwhelming! I'm an open book. There are also numerous cloth diaper support groups on Facebook and other networking sites.
Remember, the worst thing you can do is screw it up.. But at least you'll be saving money and putting healthy, chemical free diapers on your baby's bum!
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