Now that you know what different types of diapers exist, this post will talk about the logistics of using cloth.
Before you use cloth diapers, they need to be prepped. Prepping diapers ranges from SUPER easy to easy and time-consuming. Here’s what we do:
-Natural fibers (prefolds, bamboo, hemp): Wash twice, dry once. Repeat 3-4 times. Prefolds should be fluffy and soft once fully prepped.
-Other fibers (most pockets, anything lined with microfleece, all microfiber inserts): Wash and dry 1-2 times. Easiest!
Once you start using cloth, caring for them is fairly simple once you come up with a detergent that works for you and a good wash routine.
The detergent you use is important. Make sure your diaper detergent is cloth-diaper safe. Some commonly used cloth diaper-safe detergents include ALL Free & Clear, Rockin’ Green, and Charlie’s Soap. You can also make your own REALLY inexpensively. This is what we do. In the four months we’ve been using it (washing at least every other day), we’ve used about 3/4 of a quart. The recipe makes about 4 dry gallons. You can imagine we’ll be using the same batch until Ethan’s potty trained! The recipe we use is here. If you’re using a detergent not specific to cloth diapers (such as ALL Free & Clear), use 1/2 to 1/4 of the recommended amount. Cloth diapers only require a TINY bit of detergent. Too much will cause a residue buildup on the diapers, which will negatively impact their absorbency and effectiveness. It’s always better to start with too little and increase if you end up with smelly diapers, than to start with too much and have to strip your diapers because they’ve started repelling liquid.
The wash routine we use seems to be fairly consistent with other cloth diapering moms. We have a front loader, so if you use a top loader, this may vary. Our wash routine is warm wash/cold rinse on the heavy setting, then repeat a second time. Then we toss the inserts (and any prefolds) in the dryer, and hang our diaper covers, pocket diaper outers, and fitted diapers. If we’re in a rush, I’ll throw everything in on low until the inserts are dry, and just hang the fitteds to finish drying. A quick note: fitteds and AIO’s take a bit longer to dry than inserts, prefolds and shells do.
Now, you might be wondering what to do about stains. Really, stains are inevitable. Diapers are poop catchers, and poop, well, stains from time to time. The easiest and best way to treat poop stains is to wash like normal (on warm, not hot), and then sun the diapers. Put them in the sunniest spot in your house or on your deck, and wait it out. It may take a second wash/sun cycle, but you’ll be amazed at how fresh and new they look after a proper sunning.
Another thing that deserves a special mention is diaper creams. Diaper creams with zinc oxide, along with many commercially-sold diaper creams, aren’t safe to use with cloth diapers. The harsh chemicals in these creams causes cloth diapers to repel, and they also stain cloth (and these stains can’t be sunned out!) So–make sure the cream you’re using is safe for cloth. Or use a fleece or disposable liner if you need to use a “serious” cream. My favorite diaper creams that are entirely cloth diaper safe include:
CJ’s BUTTer (This is our go-to. It’s amazing and has so many uses in addition to diaper cream!)
Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm
Motherlove Diaper Rash & Thrush
The next thing you need to think about is where to store your dirty diapers. You have two main options–a diaper pail or a zippered wetbag. We use a stainless step trashcan (13 gal) lined with a planetwise large diaper pail liner. When it’s full, it’s about a full load of diapers–so everything in the can gets thrown into the wash. We have two pail liners–one for the wash, and one to use at any given time. The other option is a hanging wetbag. This is the option we choose for overnight travel–it contains wetness and smell, and is totally portable. However, for daily use it’s slightly less convenient since you have to zipper the bag shut each time. You’ll also want wetbags for your diaper bag–we use planetwise bags. The small holds one pocket diaper or two prefolds, while the medium size holds 3-4 pocket diapers. We generally keep a medium in the diaper bag for outings shorter than a full day since it lasts us about 8 hours.
Next up: an entire post about my favorites!
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