Cloth Diapering Basics.

I have had a lot of questions about cloth diapering so I thought I would just write a note about it.

While I was pregnant I researched everything about cloth diapers before deciding too. And on black friday I broke down and bought some. Cloth Diapering is not for everyone, but it has worked great for us.

There are a few types of diapers:

1. Prefolds: These are what your grandparents think of when they think of cloth diapering. They are NOT waterproof so they do require what is called a Diaper Cover. You can trifold them and lay them in a cover or you can fold them on your baby and use a snappi or pin to fasten it and then put a cover over them.
They run around 1.10 a piece. We own 12 of them, but they are not my most used diaper.

2. Fitted: These are NOT waterproof & do require a diaper cover. We also have about 3 of these. Thirsties makes a good fitted diaper that is around 12 dollars and they come in 4 sizes. These velcro on just like a disposable and then you put a diaper cover over them

Thirsties Fab Fitted Diaper.

3. Diaper Cover: A diaper cover is used for prefolds,fitteds, & anything that is NOT waterproof. Thirsties also makes a cover called the duo wrap cover that comes in 2 sizes and the first size is from 6 to 18 lbs. Other brands are blueberry/swaddlebees, FLIP, Bummis, Econobum. Here is a picture of the Thirsties cover

Thirsties Duo Diaper Cover

4. All in Ones: These diapers are the easiest and most leak proof diapers to use and have a built in diaper cover sewn into the cotton or fleece layer. They fasten with snaps or velcro and work like the ease of a disposable. They do NOT require a diaper cover. Some brands are Thirsties, Bumgenius, Swaddlebees/Blueberry, Goodmamas, Rumparooz. Also some All in One diapers have a extra pocket that you can add more protection to for heavy wetters or overnight diapers.

BumGenius deluxe All in One

5. Pockets: There are three parts to a pocket diaper. First, a waterproof outer barrier fabric is sewn to the second component, an inner moisture-wicking fabric that keeps the skin feeling dry. These two fabrics form a pocket for the third component, an absorbent insert, to be placed.You will have a insert that goes in the diaper. You HAVE to use the insert, but you can make it as thick or thin as you would like depending how long you will be using the diaper[ex. overnight, just a few hours etc.] A few brands are BumGenius, Happy Heinys, Fuzzibunz, Blueberry/Swaddlebees, Thirsties.

Fuzzibunz Pocket Diaper

6. Hybrid: these diapers are a diaper cover which you can use with a biodegradable insert or a cloth insert. FLIP is a great brand of these which I use frequently with their Stay Dry Cloth insert. These covers can also be paired with a fitted diaper or prefold.

FLIP Cover

FLIP Stay Dry Cloth Insert

There is also a One Size diaper.
They have one size pockets, all in ones, and covers. they normally range from 8 to 30 lb or so. They are great for not having to buy more. They also make sized diapers which are like 6 to 12 lb for a small etc.

WASHING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. NEVER use softener, fabric sheets, etc. in the dryer with you diapers. It will cause wicking which will make your diapers leak.

2. http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm There is a site you can look at for detergent choices. Personally we use Rockin Green Soap which you buy online. It comes scented and once you diapers are washed the scent is GONE which means your diapers have been washed correctly. I also use this on our regular clothes. Crunchy Clean is also a good online brand you can buy.

3. NEVER use bleach on your diapers. The sun outside is a natural bleacher and I 97 percent of the time dry my diapers outside and not in the dryer.

4. Rockin Green has a great review on disinfecting and getting buildup out of diapers.

5. For breastfed babies their poop does not have to be rinsed before washing because it dissolves in the wash. Formula fed or real food fed babies you have to dunk the diapers to get the poop off or you can use a diaper sprayer or they actually make a flushable liner that sits on top of the diaper and you just throw that part away.

6. http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/basics.htm great website for the basics of cloth diapering.

WETBAGS & PAIL LINERS

Wet Bags are a convenient on-the-go solution for storing your soiled diapers while Pail Liners are normally used at home. We currently use a large Wet Bag at home made by Planet Wise it holds around 15 diapers. I use a medium one for out and about.

Pail Liners are generally intended for at-home use or work extremely well for transporting diapers to a Laundromat. Pail liners have been designed to fit most 13 gallon sized plastic trash containers. However, liners and large wet bags are available which can be hung on a doorknob instead (especially great for small spaces)

Planet Wise Wet Bag

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Cloth Diapering can be overwhelming at first. There are so many types and honestly I almost gave up before I even started. Also a lot of work at home moms make diapers etc. that are cheaper. And if you know how to sew you can even find directions on making your own.

I would just do research, some diapers are better for each kids. Every baby is different so its a trial and error. I would not suggest buying like 10 of one kind. Buy one of a few kinds and decide whats best for you


Here are a few sites you can buy them on:

Kelly's Closet ( they have a points system once you spend so much you get a gift cert)

Cotton Babies

Cloth DIaper Clearance ( They have some that are cheaper because of a over supply etc. NONE are defective, we have a few from here and they work great)

Nicki's Diapers

Abbys Lane

Thirstiesoutlet.com (Thirsties has a outlet for their oversupply, they are cheaper it is restocked but you have to take what they have.)



any other questions feel free to ask me :}