Cloth Diapering…It’s Not Old-Fashion
Many people shy away from cloth diapering because of the preconception that they are inconvenient and more difficult to work with than disposable diapers. I have to admit that I also thought they would be inconvenient and difficult even though I was committed to using cloth diapers with our first baby. I had them all ready to go but still used disposables for the first five weeks because I thought just having the baby would be enough work. After starting cloth diapers I was surprised at how easy they were. It’s a miracle what they’ve done with diapers! The cloth diapers available today aren’t what your mom or grandma used decades ago.
Of course the simple prefolds and wool covers are still available but you at least have the option to use convenient Snappis or covers with a gusset to hold the prefold in place. Although prefolds are the most economical way to cloth diaper, it isn’t the only way.
Now all-in-one’s, fitted and pocket diapers are available. Now don’t let this confuse you. Having these types of diapers makes cloth diapering even easier and you still save money. Most dads love these new kinds of cloth diapers and are more receptive to the idea of having baby wear cloth diapers. What is important is for you to decide which diaper you like best and realize that cloth diapers are an investment. Although you will spend anywhere from $150-$400 to start cloth diapering, you’ll never have to spend that money again and you can diaper at least two children with the diapers you purchase if you wash them according to the manufacturer’s directions. Cloth diapers also have a good resale value when taken care of properly.
What’s the Difference?
Prefolds have many layers of cotton for absorbancy and are stitched into 3 sections. They are available bleached or unbleached and cost anywhere from $1.50 ea to $2.00 ea. For a newborn you need about 36 prefolds, for a toddler about 20-24. There are several ways to fold them or you can just fold them into thirds and place in the diaper cover. They come in different sizes and you’ll need a different size as your baby grows. There are chinese prefolds and indian prefolds. Indian prefolds are much softer and only get softer as you wash them. Most chinese prefolds are diaper service quality and will stand the test of many washings. If you are only diapering a couple of babies, diaper service quality may not be necessary. Diaper wraps or covers are required for these to keep wetness from wicking onto clothing and to keep messes contained. I think the most economical wrap is the Bummis Super Whisper Snap at about $10 per wrap. These same wraps are also available with Aplix, a high quality velcro, but I think the snaps last longer. Most recommend having 8-10 wraps on hand.
All-in-one’s are exactly what they sound like. The diaper is basically a reusable diaper because you change the entire diaper at each changing. Because all of the absorbent material is sewn into the diaper, they take along to dry. Some people find that these fit really well and they don’t experience leaks; this probably depends on the shape of your baby’s legs and tummy. Because you change the entire diaper at each changing, you need at least 20 of these reusable diapers and they cost around $18.00 or more each.
Pocket diapers have become my favorite. They are basically customizable all-in-one’s. They are built with a layer of micro-fleece that stays next to baby’s skin and then an insert in stuffed in between the layer of micro-fleece and the outer layer of waterproof fabric. There are many different inserts available from contoured and thin hemp inserts to multi-layered micro-terry fabric. You can add two inserts for nighttime or for long car rides. You get to make the diaper do what you need it to do. The entire diaper must be changed at each diaper change so you need to have at least 20 of these washable pocket diapers and the same amount or more of inserts. Pocket covers cost around $18.00 and inserts run anywhere from $2.00 to $5.00.
There are other diapers available but I have found these three types of diapers to be the most common.
Tips from a Cloth Diapering Mom
Get your husband excited about it by letting him know that it will save your family money.
Look for cloth diaper ’seconds’ online. Some manufactures sell there slightly flawed items for below retail and they perform just as well as the real deal.
If you’re using prefolds and experiencing leaks, try different folding techniques until you get the that works well for you.
If you’re using pocket diapers buy extra inserts because the pocket diapers dry faster than inserts so as the rest of the inserts are drying you can keep diapering.
Don’t be afraid to mix up your diaper stash by having a few different diapers for different needs like running errands or nighttime. You might want the AIO’s for errands but use prefolds at home. You might like the pocket diapers with the fleece layer to keep baby dry at nighttime.
Ask, Ask, Ask! Whoever it is that you are buying diapers from, ask them questions. Cloth diapers are an investment and you most likely won’t beable to return them once you’ve washed them so make sure you like what you’re getting.
Cloth Diaper Resources
Diaper Jungle: How to fold a Prefold
This site shows my three favority ways to fold a cloth diaper prefold, very simple.
Great cloth diaper store with friendly and knowledgable owner.
Buy, Sell & Trade used cloth diapers, covers and accessories.
Instructions and details on making your own cloth diapers.
