Cloth Diaper Info

There are more cloth diaper options than ever before and it can be overwhelming!  Remember...they are just diapers!  Give them a try - you might be pleasantly surprised. Why use cloth diapers? What are the different types of cloth diapers? How do I care for my diapers? How many diapers do I need to buy? What else do I need to buy? Which diapers are best for my baby? Why use cloth diapers? They are soft against your baby's sensitive skin and look adorable.  If those reasons aren't compelling enough, here are some other factors to consider: cost:  cloth diapers can be much less expensive than disposables.  According to a recent study conducted by Consumer Reports, disposable diapers will cost between $1500 - $2000 from infancy to the time a child is out of diapers (and we believe that's a conservative cost estimate!).  Plus, once disposables are used, you toss them.  Cloth diapers, depending on the style you use, will cost anywhere from $400 - $1000+ (higher end accounts for organic diapers and wool covers). You can use cloth with more than one child, further extending the value.  environmental impact:  this is a heated debate, no doubt.  Both disposables and cloth require energy to produce the diapers. However, once used, the cloth diaper can be washed and reused for many years (and for multiple children).  The disposable will be tossed into the trash to take up space in a landfill - likely never decomposing.  Yes, washing cloth uses water and energy, but to green your efforts, you can hang them out to dry (plus you get the added bonus of the sun naturally bleaching them!). healthy/green living:  parents are increasingly concerned about the chemicals used in their baby's bottles/toys/crib, yet many don't give a second thought to the chemicals used in the production of a disposable diaper.  One of the most toxic chemicals according to the EPA is dioxin, which is a by-product of the bleaching process used to make disposables white. Cloth diapers are free of these chemicals.         **For a comprehensive comparison, please visit Real Diaper Association Diaper Facts Back to top What are the different types of cloth diapers? Pocket Diapers consist of two parts - an outer waterproof cover with a pocket opening and an absorbent insert.   Pros:   Easy to use!  These are Dad and Babysitter approved (and often, daycare approved).  Once you stuff the insert in the pocket, this style is similar to disposables.  Simply fasten (either velcro, aplix or snaps) and you are set! You can adjust the absorbency by adding inserts or doublers (making these a great solution for overnight) Trim fit   Wick moisture away from baby so they feel dry and comfortable Things to Consider: Must be washed after every use - you can’t reuse the covers.   After every wash, you need to stuff the insert into the pocket.  While this isn’t the most fun job, it’s easy enough to do while doing something else, like reading to your kids or watching tv. One Size Diapers (OS) grow with your baby from infancy to potty training.   They fit most babies from 8lbs - 35lbs. You simply adjust the diapers to fit your baby’s current size and fasten.  OS can be All in One, Pocket Diaper or Covers/Inserts.   Pros:   Reduces the overall number of diapers you will need to purchase Streamlined system - no need to buy a variety of sizes and styles Great value - takes you from infancy to potty training Things to Consider: Bulkier on a newborn than a sized diaper   You will likely need to purchase some sized diapers for the early days until your baby fits into the OS diapers Fitted Diapers are designed to fit your baby snugly and contain the biggest messes.  They have elastic around the legs and an adjustable waist secured by hook/loop, snaps or Snappis.   Pros:   Great fit for newborns Ideal solution for heavy wetters, especially when combined with a wool cover Use coverless to help clear up diaper rash (or pair with a breathable wool cover) Things to Consider:   Requires a separate cover Hybrid Diapers are a fantastic alternative to the traditional disposable diaper.  They combine a reusable cloth cover with the convenience of either a reusable cloth insert or a biodegradable disposable insert. Pros: Simply remove the insert and either toss (if disposable) or put in the diaper pail (if reusable). You can reuse the cover (if it gets dirty, you want to toss it in the wash).   Trim fit when using a stay-dry or disposable insert Flexibility - the disposable option is great for traveling and may be accepted at cloth resistant daycares Things to Consider:   Disposable inserts, though biodegradable, do add to landfills All in One (AIO) are the closest to disposables and the trimmest fitting cloth diaper.  The absorbent soaker is attached to the waterproof outer cover.  Everything you need is in one piece - no stuffing required.  They are generally considered to be the easiest to use, making them ideal for Dads, babysitters and daycares.   Pros: Easy to use! Very trim Things to consider: Must be washed after every use Longer drying time Prefolds are rectangular diapers which have more layers in the middle than on the sides.  When they are new and unwashed, they are flat and thin, but after several washes, will quilt up and be super absorbent.  Prefolds require a separate cover.  You can simply fold the prefold in thirds and lay it in the cover or you can try your hand at different folds and secure with a Snappi.   Pros: Excellent value - they last a long time and are inexpensive  Things to Consider Must be washed after every use Require a separate cover Works best when secured with a Snappi or pins Covers are the waterproof layer needed over prefolds and fitteds to keep your baby's clothing dry. Wool Covers - Nature tends to get it right - wool has amazing features and benefits.  It is waterproof (clothing and sheets stay dry, even overnight!), breathable (ideal for sensitive baby bums) and absorbent (keeps baby dry).  Wool covers are also a little bit of luxury - they are wonderfully soft and absolutely adorable.   Pros: Natural fibers Breathable - wonderful even for hot days because it doesn’t trap heat/moisture like a plastic cover/disposable Reusable - unless the cover gets dirty, you can simply air dry between changes and reuse multiple times before washing So soft and snuggly on a baby! Things to consider: Higher upfront cost Most must be hand washed May be bulkier than other covers PUL Covers  Polyurethane Laminate is a waterproof material which is bonded to an outer fabric (which allows for great colors and prints).  The waist can be fastened with either hook/loop or snaps.  These are not the plastic pants of years past!  These covers are soft, flexible and durable.   Pros: Trim Durable Easy to Wash Can be wiped clean between washes - unless they get soiled, you can reuse Things to Consider: Made from synthetic materials Not as breathable as wool Back to top How do I care for my diapers? After each diaper change, knock solids into the toilet (you can use a diaper sprayer or diaper liners).  Store dirty diapers in a diaper pail with a pail liner (a lidded trash bin with a liner works well).  Wash diapers every 2-3 days. On wash day, follow this simple routine: - cold pre-wash - hot wash with cloth diaper friendly detergent - extra rinse Some people find variations on this wash routine work better for their washing machines.  There is no shortage of advice on this topic - I like to keep it simple! Back to top How many diapers do I need to buy? Newborn - 3mos:  30-36 diapers (4-5 covers per dozen if using prefolds or fitteds) Infants: 24-30 diapers (3-4 covers per dozen if using prefolds or fitteds) Toddlers:  18 diapers (3 - 4 covers per dozen if using prefolds or fitteds) Older children:  Typically, the diapers purchased for your toddler will last through potty training and you won't need to buy more.  If you need a larger size for this time, you'll want 18 diapers.   Back to top What else do I need to buy? Cloth Wipes - at least 3 dozen to start Pail Liner - to line your diaper pail.  Have at least two, so when one is in the wash, you have another to use.  Wet Bag - keep one in your diaper bag to store dirty diapers.  Great for transporting diapers used at daycare, too.  Have at least two, so when one is in the wash, you have another to use. Cloth Friendly Detergent - to keep your diapers clean and absorbent, it is best to use a cloth friendly detergent (no additives, brighteners, softeners, etc) 6-12 Diaper Doublers for overnight and heavy wetters Back to top Which diapers are best for my baby? If you are on a tight budget:  prefolds + covers are best for you.  This can get a little tricky when your baby gets older and moves around a lot during diaper changes, but it can be done! If you want an all natural solution: fitteds + wool covers If you want the most convenient solution for everyone including day care providers and daddy:  AIO or pockets which you have stuffed and are ready to go