Cloth diapering is an excellent way to save money during the initial years of parenthood, especially if you’re anticipating more children and can utilize the same diapers again. Opting for cloth not only helps you cut down on costs related to trash bags but also contributes to reducing the amount of disposable diapers that end up in landfills. Here’s a simplified overview for those who might be interested or hesitant about making the switch.
Understanding the Process
Many are surprised to find that cloth diapering isn’t significantly more labor-intensive than using disposables. Simply put, you put a cloth diaper on your baby, they soil it, you change them, and then wash the soiled diaper. The main distinction is that you’ll need to clean the diapers afterward, which does require a bit of organization and routine.
The positive aspect is that laundering cloth diapers is much simpler and less unpleasant than it sounds. Plus, there are a variety of options available to accommodate your lifestyle and commitment level.
Diaper Varieties
The world of cloth diapers includes a large selection to choose from, depending on your preferences. Some come with numerous snaps, while others feature complex Velcro closures. You might need additional covers for some types, while others are complete units. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular cloth diaper categories.
1. Pocket Diapers
The majority of my stash consisted of pocket diapers, such as those made by bumGenius. These diapers come in two components: a waterproof outer layer and an absorbent insert. They fit our daughter from a few weeks old until she was fully potty trained. While stuffing and un-stuffing takes a few more minutes during laundry time, it quickly becomes second nature.
2. All-in-Ones (AIO)
All-in-one diapers are convenient because everything is contained within a single unit, eliminating the need for stuffing or separate covers. My only downside to AIOs is that they tend to take longer to dry compared to other styles. However, their ease of use and variety in fabrics make them a popular choice.
3. Prefolds
When people envision cloth diapers, they often think of prefolds, reminiscent of those used by previous generations, like our mothers or grandmothers. They remain a widely used option today, often being the most economical. Rather than pins, modern diaper fasteners are used to keep them secure, and they need a waterproof cover.
4. Fitted Diapers
Fitted diapers also require covers but do not need any folding or special clips to keep them closed. If you opt for fitteds, be prepared to purchase different sizes as your child grows, though each size accommodates a reasonable weight range.
5. Hybrid Diapers
I eventually incorporated hybrid diapers, like gDiapers, into my routine for travel and babysitting needs. True to their name, hybrids offer a blend of choices, allowing you to use either a disposable or cloth insert in a reusable waterproof cover. They are available in both one-size and specific sizes, offering flexible options.
6. Secondhand Diapers
Indeed, many parents include gently used cloth diapers in their collection. This is another reason to consider cloth as a worthwhile investment; when you’re finished, you can sell or reuse the diapers. Websites like ClothDiaperTrader have a plethora of pre-owned options at affordable prices.
Creating Your Setup
After selecting your preferred diaper types, it’s time to set up your diapering station. Much of what you’ll need aligns with the necessities for disposable diapering, but specific considerations can make this process smoother for you and anyone else who will be changing your child.
1. Diaper Pail with Liner
You’ll require a designated space to store dirty diapers until they are washed. We utilized a tall plastic garbage bin with a snap lid and wheels. Instead of a disposable bag liner, we invested in two washable diaper pail liners, which are laundered alongside the diapers. Simply toss in the dirty diapers and wheel the pail to the laundry area when needed.
2. Diaper Preparation
If you’re using pocket diapers, prefolds, or hybrids—anything with multiple components—prepare them ahead of time by stuffing or laying out the necessary pieces. I often did this while watching TV after they’d just come out of the dryer. If you’re working with all-in-ones, you can bypass this step. Regardless, taking a moment to organize your diapers will significantly ease the process.
3. Using Diaper Liners
Over time, diaper creams may affect the absorbency of the diapers, so consider using diaper liners to safeguard the fabric against buildup. Keep these liners stored conveniently next to your wipes for easy access. They also simplify the cleanup of solid waste.
4. Cloth Wipes
While using cloth wipes is purely optional, incorporating them can add convenience if you’re already washing diapers. They can even be DIYed by cutting flannel cloths and soaking them in a gentle cleaning solution made of water, soap, and oil. Store the wipes in a sealed bag or container until it’s time to use them.
Laundering Tips
To maintain your diaper collection in optimal condition for your child, plan to wash them every day or every other day. A local cloth diaper shop, Jillian’s Drawers, recommends not washing more than 12 to 18 diapers at once, using the highest water level and hot water settings available on your machine.
Avoid detergents that leave residues or fragrances, as these can diminish absorbency over time. Fabric softeners should be skipped to prevent buildup—opt for specialized diaper detergents like Rockin’ Green or Molly’s Suds, or stick with straightforward options like Tide or Charlie’s Soap instead.
For solid waste, using a diaper sprayer attached to your toilet can facilitate rinsing away any mess before it sets, helping to prevent odors. This only takes a few minutes but can save you a significant hassle later on.
For drying, consider using sunlight; hang your diapers outside when possible to eliminate stains and freshen them naturally. For inserts and prefolds, machine drying is fine, but air drying covers and other materials on a line or drying rack will preserve their quality longer.
What is your experience with cloth diapering? Do you have any tips to share?
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