New parents have a lot of questions about all sorts of topics. When researching about cloth vs disposable diapers, many questions are brought up. For centuries using cloth was the way of the world for new parents. It's only been about a half century that disposable diapers have been available. Parents may want to use them for many reasons: to save money, be environmentally friendly, or maybe they just don't want all those chemicals, that are in the disposables, touching their baby. Regardless of the reason why you would like to use cloth, you will definitely have a few questions about the subject. I would recommend seeing if you know anyone or maybe a friend of a friend that uses cloth, and ask them a few questions or what kind of advice could help you. Moms who use cloth LOVE to share their knowledge because it can really help you see how easy and wonderful it really is. Personally my best advice could be buy one diaper and just use it/look at it/actually see it. Once you start, whether it's your first or fifth child, you won't go back!
Q: Aren't cloth diapers more difficult to use than disposables?
A: Nope! These days, you can buy cloth diapers that go on and off your baby just like disposables. Then, instead of throwing your disposable into your Diaper Genie, you simply place it into a lined diaper pail. And instead of running out to the store to buy more disposables, all you have to do is walk into your laundry room and place your diapers, liner and all, straight into your washing machine. No need to touch any dirty diapers!
Q: Do I have to use safety pins?
A: These aren’t your parents’ cloth diapers! Don’t worry; you won’t need any safety pins for any of these products, even with pre-folds. Most cloth diapers secure to your baby with velcro or snaps.
Q: What are all these different types of diapers? Covers, AIOs, Pockets, and Prefolds?
A: Prefold diapers are rectangular pieces of absorbent cloth that have several layers. Most prefolds are either 4x6x4 or 4x8x4, which indicates the number of layers on each side and in the super absorbent thicker strip down the middle of the diaper. Fitted diapers are contoured cloth diapers which generally have elastic leg openings and either snap or Aplix (Velcro) closures. Fitted diapers are not waterproof so they do require a cover. Pocket Diapers consist of a waterproof cover outside and stay dry liner inside with an opening in between in which parents can stuff absorbent materials (such as an insert or a prefold). Pocket diapers are available with Velcro or snap closures, depending on your preference. All-in-one diapers are exactly that: A waterproof outer and absorbent inner all in one! These are available with snaps or Velcro fasteners. For more details on the types of cloth click here.
Q: How many cloth diapers do I need to get started?
A: You need to consider the age of your baby. Newborns and infants use about 10 to 12 diapers per day while toddlers may need 6 to 8. Ideally, you would have about 24-30 diapers for a newborn, and 18-24 diapers for a toddler. Many parents use only one system of diapering (like prefolds with covers or all in ones), while others like to have a few of each type for different situations. For example, a family might use prefolds at home during the day, all-in-ones for outings and/or babysitters, and a fitted diaper with wool cover for overnight.
Other items you may need are:
· Snappis for securing prefolds (if using them).
· Diaper covers if you intend on using prefolds or fitted diapers
· A Diaper pail liner or Large Hanging Wet Bag – this is a waterproof liner or bag that can be thrown in the wash with your diapers on laundry day. Most families have two of these for when one is in the wash.
· Wet bags for outings – these are waterproof zippered bags that are used to transport your soiled diapers home to be washed. You may want to have more than one depending on how often you go out and how often you launder your diapers.
· Cloth wipes – these can be washed right along with your diapers. I like to pre-moisten mine and keep them in a disposable wipes container. Just as easy as disposable wipes!
· Laundry Detergent for Cloth Diapers – Specially formulated detergents like Rockin' Green or The Laundry Tarts keep your diapers free of residues, which can cause leaking or smelly diapers! Personally we use Tide Original (Powder for HE).
Q: What is the most cost-effective cloth diapering system?
A: Prefolds and covers are the least expensive way of diapering your baby, especially if you want to use them for more than one child. However, if folding doesn't appeal to you, the next option we recommend would be the one-size diapers. The only downside to the one-size cloth diapers is that they tend to be quite bulky on small newborns, so you may have to invest in some sized cloth diapers for the first month or two.
Q: How do I clean my cloth diapers?
A: You don’t need any special equipment to clean cloth diapers. For newborns and infants, you can throw the entire bag of soiled diapers into the wash, bag and all. Just turn the bag inside out into your machine and wash as usual. When your child’s stool becomes more solid you will need to dispose of as much as you can in a toilet before you put the soiled diaper in the diaper bag. For more on washing please click here.
Q: Why would I use prefolds and how do I use them?
A: Prefolds are the perfect workhorse diaper! They are relatively inexpensive, very versatile, easy to wash and put away, and easy to get stains out of. They are also great burp cloths, change pads, car rags, and the list goes on!
Q: What is the difference between inserts, doublers, and liners?
A: Inserts are used inside pocket diapers and are usually made of microfiber or hemp. Many pocket diapers come with an insert included already, but extras can be purchased to add absorbency (for example, adding a hemp insert to the pocket for overnight). Microfiber inserts are meant to be used inside the pocket of the diaper only and not intended for use next to your baby's skin. Doublers are great for adding more absorbency to all-in-one diapers or fitted diapers (they can be placed next to baby's skin). You can also use them for extra absorbency inside pocket diapers. Liners help keep messes off your diapers making them easier to clean and preventing stains. They are also great for keeping creams off of your diapers since creams can cause cloth diapers to repel liquids. Microfleece liners create a stay dry liner between your baby and the diaper, keeping them feeling dry and comfortable. Liners can be cloth or biodegradable/flushable.
Q: What are Wool diaper covers?
A: Many people decide not to try wool because they think it is difficult to care for. No, wool can’t be tossed in the wash with the rest of your diapers but the washing and lanolizng process is certainly not difficult or time-consuming, and only needs to be done if the cover is soiled, retaining a urine smell, or losing its waterproof properties. Click here for wool care instructions.
Wool makes a wonderful diaper cover for many reasons:
· Wool is a natural fiber
· Wool is breathable and an amazing insulator as well. It keeps baby cool when it is hot and warm when it is cold. Wool also prevents diaper rash by allowing the skin to breath.
· Wool can hold up to 1/3 of its weight in moisture, yet it doesn’t feel wet. Wool begins evaporating moisture into the air as soon as it is absorbed.
· Most parents agree that wool is the most leak-proof system, especially for night time when leaks happen most often.
· Wool contains natural lanolin, which creates a natural waterproof barrier.
· Wool is naturally anti-bacterial, which means it does not need to be washed if only wet with urine.
Q: Do I have to pre-soak soiled diapers?
A: For infants this isn’t a concern, as their poop is water-soluble. If you wash your diapers within two days, they will come out perfectly clean. When your baby starts solids, you should try to remove as much poop from the diaper as possible before putting it into the diaper pail. Remember, you must do this with disposables as well!
Q: What about day trips? Do I have to use disposables?
A: Not at all. You just need a wet bag in which to put your soiled diapers.
Q: Do I have to use a special detergent for washing diapers?
A: You should use a fragrance-free detergent in order to avoid any potential skin reactions. We offer some environmentally responsible alternatives that you may find interesting.
Q: Is it unhygienic to wash soiled diapers in the washing machine?
A: Nope. Your washing machine was designed to keep itself clean. And the drain water goes into the sewers with all the rest of the dirty water.
Q: Doesn’t a bag of soiled diapers smell really bad?
A: Not necessarily, as long as you don't keep it air-tight. You can also minimize odours by putting a couple of drops of tea tree oil onto a small cloth wipe or washcloth, and dropping it in with your diapers.
Q: Do cloth diapers leak a lot?
A: All diapers leak occasionally. This may be due to your baby moving around, or an over-tired parent who puts a diaper on backwards! In our experience, cloth diapers leak less often than disposables when used properly.
Q: What is PUL?
A: PUL (polyurethane laminate) is fabric that has had laminate applied to the back. It is what most diaper covers as well as pocket diaper and all-in-one outers are made from. PUL is waterproof, not bulky, and easy to care for.
Q: What about “green” disposable diapers?
A: There are a few disposable products on the market that use bio-degradable materials and are made without bleaches or chemicals. These products still contribute greatly to landfill and fossil fuel usage, but we think they are some occasions where they provide a good alternative.
Q: I've decided to use cloth diapers. Should I choose snaps or Aplix (i.e.velcro) versions?
A: In general, snaps last longer than velcro. However, you may at times not get as perfect a fit if your child is "between" snaps. The other disadvantage to snaps is that the diaper change takes slightly longer, since velcro is much easier to fasten and unfasten. However, this is also a disadvantage since older babies love to pull velcro tabs off!
Q: Don’t you think this is all a bit preachy?
A: We certainly hope not! Ultimately, using cloth or disposables is a personal decision. But we want everyone to know that cloth, in our opinion, is a great choice from all perspectives. We can all do a lot more to live a more sustainable lifestyle, and this is just one way we can all help.
Q: Am I doing enough to reduce my impact?
A: Remember that all diapers have an environmental impact, but the way you use cloth diapers can make a big difference. Use an Energy Star washing machine, reduce your washing temperature to about 60 degrees, Celsius, and line dry your diapers when appropriate. Always remember to avoid small loads of laundry which waste water and energy.
Q: What can I do with my used diapers?
A: There are lots of options. First of all, if you or anyone you know are planning on having more children, your diapers can be safely re-used. Alternatively, you can sell your diapers or donate them to someone in need. Some cloth diapers make great rags as well.
Q: Aren’t cloth diapers bulky?
A: Yes, cloth diapers tend to be a bit bulkier than many disposables. Consider this a bonus when your child starts walking and falls on his/her tushie!
