Info: Cloth Diapering

Why use cloth diapers: 

There are many arguments for why one should cloth diaper or not cloth diaper their child. 

Some arguments for cloth diapering include:

• Health: cloth diapers are free of many chemicals contained in disposable diapers
• Good for the environment
• Reduce dryness and diaper rash
• It costs less

The list go on and on. I personally was not planning to cloth diaper my daughter. We started off using disposables but, found that she is super sensitive to irritants and the Sodium Polyacrylate that is found in many disposable diapers caused her to have a fairly severe chemical burn/rash. We tried switching to several different brands of disposables and nothing seemed to help. By the advise of my sister (cloth diaper advocate) I decided to try cloth diapers. My daughters burn/rash immediately started to show improvement and within a week and a half it was completely cured.

For more information please visit external site: Real Diaper Association

4 Main types of cloth diapers: 

How many cloth diapers do I need:

New to cloth diapering and not sure how many diapers you will need. Here is a table that I created based on my experience. Remember, every child is different some are light soakers while others are heavy. This table is to help give you a general idea of how many diapers you will need.

Child's Age                      Daily Wash          Wash Every 2 Days         Wash Every 3 Days

0 - 6 months old                      10-14                              20-28                                              32-38

6-12 months old                       8-14                               18-20                                              24-30
12-24 months old                     6-9                                 13-16                                              18-24

Potty Training Years              2-4                                     5-8                                                  6-12

Washing and Prepping Instructions:

A couple tips before getting started:

• Use the highest water level setting that your washer allows.
• Use a laundry detergent that is free of dyes, perfumes, enzymes, brighteners, bleach and softeners. These additives can cause the elastic, snaps, and waterproof material to break down prematurely. (I use Arm & Hammer for Sensitive Skin but have also heard Original Tide, and Country Save work well)
• Do not use fabric softeners they coat cloth diapers and decrease absorbency.
• Diaper Sprayer: I use a diaper sprayer and I believe it helps to reduce soil stains on the diapers.
• Attach snaps on diaper before washing to prevent snagging.

Prepping Instructions (For Sunbaby Diapers - for other types/brands please research as prepping instructions vary):

• Use washing instruction.
• Sunbaby Diapers use microfiber inserts which means the inserts are already absorbent.
• Make sure to dry diapers on medium/high heat the first time. This seals the PUL so that the diapers do not leak. (After prepping you can switch to line drying if you prefer)

Washing Instructions:

• 1^st Cycle: cold water rinse with no detergent (this will rinse away any urine and solid residue)
• 2^nd Cycle: Hot water wash with detergent (only use about ¼ of the amount of detergent you would use for a regular load of laundry)
• Toss in dryer (Sometimes it takes more than one dry cycle to ensure diapers are completely dry, other option would be to line dry)

Care:  
Diaper Sprayer

I use a Sigma Diaper Sprayer. The sprayer costs around $35 and I believe it is definitely worth it. It resembles the type of sprayer that you have on your kitchen sink. It allows you to spray the diaper to rid it of any soils. I believe this processes assists in keeping the diapers from acquiring stains.

 

Tool

Cloth diapers hold up really well for how much they are worn and washed. There are rare occasions that a snap may break on your diaper. I have been cloth diapers for awhile now and have had one break (I believe I forgot to snap the diaper before washing and it snagged on my dryer). I found Babyville Snap Pliers ($19.99) and a 60 ct. bag of Babyville Snaps ($7.99) at Joann Fabrics (If you purchase find two 40% off coupons to cut the cost!).  The pliers and snaps are a universal tool to fix most snap closure cloth diapers. The tool is very simple and I was able to replace the broken snap on my diaper within minutes. 

Accessories:

Wet Bags:
Wet bags are a necessity for on-the-go and home storage of soiled diapers. There are many size options for wet bags to fit travel and home needs. Travel wet bags allow you a place to store your soiled diapers without dirtying your diaper bag. Large wet bags are great for using at home. Once the bag is full its time to do Laundry.