Types of Cloth diapers:
There are a few major categories of cloth diapers. Diapers that need covers, Diapers that don't need covers, then of course covers.
Diapers will also have one of 3 closure styles: Snaps, Velcor (aplix), or snapless.
Diapers also come in 2 different size categories: one size (typically fit babies from 8-35 lbs) and sized ( come in small, medium, large, also sometimes size 1 and 2). There are a few deviations to this rule but I will cover those later.
Cover required:
Prefolds and flats: these are the diapers our grandmother use. Flat diapers require pins, or snappi to hold the diaper closed. They also require a cover to prevent leaks. The will be the trimmest and cheapest cloth solution you can come by! Youtube has some great tutorials on how to fold, and use flats and prefolds. Fitteds: These look just like pocket diapers but they lack PUL. Generally they will hold LOTS of pee, and can go a few hours before soaking the outer layer. At home they are easily used with out a cover but for going out a cover is recommended.
No cover required:
Pockets: Pocket diapers are just what they sound like. A diaper with an inner pocket. They outside is typically made from PUL which will provide a leak proof outer. The insides can be made from fleece, to microfiber to seude. Though the diapers have a leak proof outer they need some absorbancy inside. They typically come with an insert. The most popular and affordable being microfiber. Other options include hemp, bamboo and charcoal bamboo, or blends of any of the above. Bamboo is excellent because it is antimicrobial and stain resistant as well as super absorbent but trim. Fuzzibunz are my preferred pockets. 
All in two (AI2)/Hybrid: This type of diaper is 2 pieces with no pocket. They usually have some sort of bamboo lay in with a PUL outer. You just lay in the insert, strap on baby and go.(This cutie on the right is sporting a trim hybrid made by her mom).
All in one (AIO): This is a single piece with all you need. Closest to a disposable and just as convenient. Perfect for leaving with dad, sitter, daycare, or grandparents. I LOVE my Bumgenius Freetimes !
Covers:
Wool: These covers are the most pricey. They are also very difficult to care for. They must be hand washed, soaked in lanolin, and line dried. Good news, they are naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial, you only need to wash every week or two but can use over and over again, unless poop leaks on them. Just let the pee air out and put over a new fitted or prefold. You can find wool covers that are made in to pants, shorts, soakers (made to just cover the diaper) or even overalls!
Fleece: This is my preferred cover. Cheap, easy to wash, easy to make. They can also be found in multiple styles like wool. These must be washed after every use.
PUL: Basically like a pocket, with no inner. Just a layer of PUL with a closure system. Cheap, easy to maintain, you can use one on multiple diapers throughout the day, just wipe away pee and reuse.
How many diapers will I need?
Well that depends on the age of your baby. Newborns use approximately 12 diapers a day, at about 3 months 8 diapers a day, then about 6 months 6 diapers a day until they are potty trained.
I recommend a minimum of diapers for 3 days. That way when you wash you still have a days worth to get you by.
How to prep my diapers?
If you are buying new diapers, prep them according to manufacturer instructions. Usually 2 wash cycles, one with detergent and one with out will do the job. If you are prepping bamboo do 6-7 washes as they become more absorbent with more washing. Also you can opt to boil bamboo for 30 minutes instead, but ONLY boil INSERTS never any item with PUL or snaps!
How often do I need to wash?
I (and most manufactures) recommend washing at least every 2 days. Some moms prefer to go 3 days, some like to do it everyday. Once you get in a grove you will figure out what works best for you. But definetly wash at a minimum every 3 days.
What kind of detergent should I use on my diapers?
This is the 2nd trickiest question in the book. EVERY cloth mommy has a different opinion on what to use.
I use All free clear military, or Rockin' Green.
The major things you want to avoid with detergent are harsh cleaners, enzymes, optical brighteners and scents. All of these things, can damage the diaper's elastic, or PUL, they also can cause build up which will hurt babies skin, and make for stinky diapers.
Now, Rockin' Green is scented BUT it is formulated so the scent washes out and doesn't leave residue, to harm the diapers or babies skin! I also love that Rockin' Green has 3 different formulas depending on the hardness of your water! (They also offer a military discount if you message them for a code!)
This handy chart gives ratings and breakdowns of the different detergent brands so you can see what could work well for you and what to avoid!
How to store dirty diapers?
Most manufactures recommend using a dry pail for storage. You can take a small trash can and throw in a pail liner, or use a hanging wet bag. First remove the poo (I use a diaper sprayer, you can also scrap it off or dunk the diaper into the potty, but trust me you want a diaper sprayer. I mean you REALLY want a diaper sprayer!), remove the insert (if the diaper has one) and toss the diaper into the wet bag or dry pail. Easy as pie.
I use a hanging wet bag and it hangs on the laundry room door. I dump the wet bag out into the washer, and toss it in with the diapers.
How do I wash my diapers?
Most manufactures suggest: One hot rinse cycle with no detergent, one hot wash with detergent, and one extra rinse.
HONESTLY, this part of cloth diapering is PURELY trial and error. What works for some moms will never work for another. HE machines are a whole new story.
I suggest following your manufacture instructions, then changing it up to see what works for you.
How to dry diapers?
I like to line dry my diapers. If you aren't patient though (or use bamboo, they get crunchy outside), pop them in the dryer on low. If you are using PUL make sure to "seal" your diapers once a month by putting them in the dyer for 30 minutes on medium heat.
Why do my diapers still stink after washing/ Why do my diaper reek of ammonia after washing?
Most likely because you have a build up issue and need to strip your diapers. If stripping doesn't solve the issue re-evaluate your detergent or wash routine.
What is "stripping diapers"?
Stripping diapers is when you do a deep cleaning to remove any build up. Every cloth mama has to do this at some point it is the inevitable.
To strip the diapers you want to start with a clean diaper. Then use a splash of white vinegar or a generous squirt of blue dawn (NEVER USE BLUE DAWN IN AN HE MACHINE) in your wash. You will need to do 7-8 full HOT wash cycles to remove the build up. During the last rinse cycle you want to check your water to make sure you see no soap bubbles. If you see soap bubbles run a few more washes until soap bubbles no longer appear. This is the most important part of stripping. Once the soap bubbles are gone the build up is gone.
Sometimes I will also soak overnight it a bit of Rockin' Green, the do a normal stripping cycle sans the vinegar/blue dawn.
There are also other products out there made just for stripping or ammonia removal (RLR and Funk Rock by Rockin' Green) I prefer the above method as it is the cheapest.
When or why do I need to strip my diapers?
Stripping diapers is necessary when you have build up issues. Issues caused by build up can be determined if you have a strong ammonia smell before or after baby urinates (the only real exemption to this is after overnight diapers), or diapers that fit correctly but leak, or a baby who has consistent diaper rash.
How do I get rid of stains?
I have found the best way to get rid of stains is by sunning. Take the diaper, make sure it is damp with either water or fresh lemon juice and lay out in the sun. The more direct sunlight the better, but don't be heartbroken if its cloudy outside. They rays will still get to the diaper, but it will need to sit out a bit longer! For really tough stains make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda.
What should a proper fit look like?
A properly fitting diaper will have no gaps at the let opening, or at the back of the diaper.
Do you have a question I didn't cover or have a suggestion for this page? Feel free to email me or comment below!!
Thanks for reading!
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That isawesome how you went over everything. Youdid great very useful. I will be sharing this with a friend who is considering CDs
ReplyDeleteThank you!
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