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Cloth diapers are a great I have learned through trial and error, you have to have the magic number of inserts and definitely a washer and dryer on site. (Yes I tried cloth diapering without and it was not worth it).
We cloth diaper about 80% of the time. When we are traveling or going on hikes we will pack disposables.
Cloth diapering is not only environmentally friendly but also cost effective. Instead of tossing out the diaper, you reuse them after washes.
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While there is an initial investment into cloth diapering, the benefits extend beyond cost savings and environmental impacts.
Cloth diapers can be more gentle on your babies skin and the diaper covers have a lot of cute designs.
Steps to Cloth Diaper:
- Prep the diaper – Wash new cloth diapers several times before use to improve absorbency.
- Changing Diapers- Get in the habit of changing diapers every 2-3 hours, use a diaper liner for easy cleanup of the solids.
- Choose Diaper Preference- Choose fastening, pocket, All in ones.
- Correct Fitting- Ensure a proper fit around the legs and waist.
Most asked questions
How many cloth diapers do you need?
A good starting point would be 20-30 diapers for a newborn and 15-25 for an older baby. We didn’t start cloth diapering until my little one was 3 months old.
Are cloth diapers difficult to clean?
Not really, A simple rinse and toss in the washing machine does the trick.
How to clean cloth diapers?
Rinse off the solid waste into the toilet with a bidet spray, this helps with reducing any stains or residue. Then throw in your washing machine on a hot cycle.
Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free detergent to prevent any skin irritation. Sun drying is a good option for sanitizing and removing stains or just throw in the dryer on low heat.
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Do cloth diapers leak more than disposables?
When fitted correctly, cloth diapers are as leak proof as disposables. Proper fit and absorbency are key.
Do cloth diapers save money?
Yes, in the long run. The initial investment is more but compared to the ongoing cost of disposables it pays off.
Can you use regular detergent for cloth diapers?
Look for fragrance-free detergent which are gentle on sensitive skin.
Are there different types of cloth diapers?
Yes there are pre-folds, flats, fitted, pocket and all in one diapers.
Pre-folds: Requires folding and securing with a cover. Their thick and absorbent in the middle.
Pocket: These diapers have a pocket opening where you can insert absorbent inserts.
Fitted Diapers: These are contoured diapers with elastic around the legs and back, they require a separate waterproof cover.
All in Ones: Diapers with absorbent layers sewn into the waterproof cover.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure to have an adequate supply of cloth diapers to minimize frequent washing.
- Experiment with different diaper types to find the one that works the best for you.
- Invest in a diaper sprayer! This will make rinsing the soiled diaper more convenient. Just attach the sprayer to the side of your toilet.
- Use a diaper friendly detergent that doesn’t contain fabric softeners.
Cloth diapering may have a learning curve but with practice, it becomes second nature.
Happy cloth diapering!