Are you interested in cloth diapering? This money and time saving trend is becoming more and more popular with moms these days, but with all the information out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this post, we'll outline the must-haves for cloth diapering, as well as some of the optional items you might want to consider. Keep reading for more information!
Diapers! (Obviously...)
Yes, you will need diapers! But there are so many varieties--prefolds, fitteds, all-in-ones, pockets...Where do you start? Let's take a look at some of the different options.
Prefolds
Prefolded cloth diapers are a great option for parents looking for an affordable and eco-friendly diapering solution. They are made of a thin layer of absorbent fabric that is folded into thirds and secured with a diaper pin or fastener. Prefolds can be used with a variety of different closure systems, including wraps, covers, and fitted diapers.
One of the benefits of prefolded cloth diapers is their low cost. They are generally less expensive than other types of cloth diapers, and they can be reused multiple times. Prefolds are also easy to care for; they can be washed and dried in the same way as other clothes.
Another advantage of prefolds is that they are environmentally friendly. Disposable diapers produce billions of pounds of waste each year, and most of them end up in landfills.
Fitted Cloth Diapers
Fitted cloth diapers are a great choice for anyone looking for an absorbent and leak-proof diaper. They fit snugly around the baby's legs and waist, which helps to prevent leaks.
Fitted diapers also come with a variety of different snaps or Velcro closures, which means they can be adjusted to fit any baby's size. This is important, since babies grow quickly and often need new sizes of diapers every few months.
Another advantage of fitted diapers is that they are made from natural materials like cotton and bamboo, which makes them soft and comfortable against the baby's skin. They are also biodegradable, so they can be easily disposed of in the trashcan when you want to replace them.
All-In-Ones
All-in-ones cloth diapers are one of the newer types of cloth diapers on the market. They are simple to use- you just put them on your baby and go! There are no snaps or ties to worry about, and all the absorbency is built right in. This makes them a great choice for busy moms who don't want to fuss with a lot of pieces.
All-in-ones also have some other advantages over traditional cloth diapers. For one, they are very easy to wash and dry. You can just toss them in the wash with your other laundry, and they will be ready to go in no time. They also tend to be more absorbent than other types of cloth diapers, which is great for babies who tend to wet a lot.
Cloth Diapers With Pockets
Pocket diapers are a type of cloth diaper that has an extra pocket on the inside of the diaper. This pocket is used to hold a insert, which can be made of absorbent materials such as cotton, hemp, or bamboo. Pocket diapers are one of the most popular types of cloth diapers because they are easy to use and can be customized to fit each child's needs.
The addition of the liner gives extra absorbency and you can wash the liners along with the diapers. You can buy the liners or even make your own!
Diaper Covers
Waterproof covers for cloth diapers are a necessary item for any parent who wants to use this diapering option. They work to keep the moisture in the diaper and off of your child's clothes. This is especially important when using cloth diapers during the winter months.
There are a few different types of waterproof covers available. The most common type is made from polyurethane laminate (PUL). This material is water resistant and breathable. It is also fairly durable, which makes it a good choice for covers that will be used often. Another type of cover that can be used with cloth diapers is made from wool. Wool covers are not water resistant, but they do have some natural water repellent properties. They are also breathable and antibacterial, which makes them a good choice for sensitive skin.
Disposable Liners
Disposable liners for cloth diapers are a great way to keep your diapers clean. They are thin, disposable sheets that you place in the diaper between the diaper and baby's skin. This helps keep the diaper clean and also makes it easier to wipe down the baby's bottom when they have a bowel movement. Disposable liners can be used with any type of cloth diaper, but they are especially helpful with newborns and premature babies who have very sensitive skin.
You can purchase in a roll like papers towels and they are made of all-natural materials such as bamboo. They are designed to let the fluids flow through but they capture the solid waste. That way you can simply gather up the waste in the liner and flush it away which makes diaper changes much easier and prolongs the life of the diaper as well as keep them from getting too stained.
Diaper Sprayer
Click the picture to buy the Purrfectzone diaper sprayer
A diaper sprayer is a nifty device that attaches to your toilet. Also known as a bidet sprayer, they are inexpensive and easy to install, but a HUGE help with keeping your baby's cloth diapers clean.
With the high-pressure handheld sprayer, you can hold the diaper over the toilet and spray the waste right in. Taking this step after a diaper change with save you a lot of cleaning time down the road and will also really help keeping diaper smell in your home to a minimum.
Wet Bags
If you are planning to use cloth diapers, you will need to invest in a few wet bags. These bags are specially designed to hold wet and soiled diapers, and they can be a lifesaver when you are out and about with your little one. Wet bags come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that is large enough to hold all of the diapers you will need for a day or two. They also have a waterproof lining that helps to keep everything clean and dry. When it's time to wash the diapers, simply empty the contents of the wet bag into your washing machine. Wet bags are an essential tool for any family that uses cloth diapers, and they can help to make your life a lot easier.
Diaper Pail
There are many different kinds of diaper pails designed for cloth diapers on the market. They come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of features. So, which one is right for you?
One important thing to consider is how big the pail is. You'll want one that can hold enough diapers for a few days, but isn't too big or bulky.
Another thing to think about is the type of lid it has. Some lids close tightly, while others are more open. Even though it might seem counter-intuitive, it is said that keeping a partially open lid to keep air circulating is the best way to store cloth diapers before you wash them.
Detergent
When it comes to detergent for cloth diapering, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose a detergent that is free of fragrances, dyes, and enzymes. These can all cause irritation to your baby's skin. Second, you want to choose a detergent that is designed for use with cloth diapers. This will help to ensure that your diapers stay in good condition and don't start to fall apart after a few washes. Finally, you want to make sure that you follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. This will help you avoid any problems with your diapers or your washing machine--don't use too much or too little! By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose the best detergent for your cloth diapering needs.
A Clothes Line
One of the most important things to consider when cloth diapering is how you will dry your diapers. Using a clothesline is a great way to save energy and money, as well as being eco-friendly.
It is said that hanging your cloth diapers in the sun is a great disinfectant and the sun can bleach the diaper to help remove stains.
Make sure that the line is securely fastened so that the diapers do not blow away in the wind. If you're hanging them indoors, make sure you have good air circulation and se if you can find a sunny spot. Ensure that the line is sturdy and won't sag under the pressure of wet diapers.
Of course, you can use a dryer if you want to, but keep it set no higher than medium. Using wool dryer balls can help speed up dry time!
Something To Avoid--Fabric Softeners
There are a few reasons why you should not use fabric softener with cloth diapers. First, fabric softener can cause build-up on the diaper and make it less absorbent. Second, it can create a film on the surface of the diaper that can lead to rashes. Third, it can reduce the life of your diapers by causing them to become less absorbent over time. If you want your diapers to stay absorbent and free of build-up, it is best to avoid using fabric softener when laundering them.
Conclusion
Conclusion paragraph: Cloth diapering can seem daunting, but with the right supplies it’s a breeze. Wishing you much success in the world of cloth diapering for your little one!
FAQs
Q1. When should I start cloth diapering?
Start when you are ready to start, but also you'll never be ready. Just do it. It's never too late to start cloth diapering, there's always a way to navigate through any barrier.
Q2. How many cloth diapers do you need?
We recommend having at least 24 diapers/prefolds in your stack so that you only need to launder them every other day. Having 36 diapers is even better, as it will extend the lifespan of each diaper since they aren't washed as frequently.
Q3. What do you need when using cloth diapers?
- A cloth diaper safe detergent.
- Washable pail liners.
- Folding drying rack.
- Stainless steel trashcan.
- Wet bags.
- A cloth diaper safe rash cream.
- Diaper sprayer or utility sink.
- Odor absorbing air freshener.
Q4. What percent of parents use cloth diapers?
Still, cloth diapering parents are in the minority: the survey also found that only 9% of parents with children in diapers use or have used cloth diapers. In tough economic times it's no surprise that more budget-strapped parents are switching to cloth diapers to save money.
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