Have you been curious about cloth diapering, but had no idea where to start? Have you ever wondered how you could simplify cloth diapering enough to make it worth your while? Today, I have Heather from Very Anxious Mommy guest posting some simple tips to get your started cloth diapering, or help you jump back on the cloth diapering wagon you may have fallen off of after baby #3 (or 4…or in my case, 10…).
Now, please welcome Heather…
When I first tell someone new that I cloth diaper my baby, their first reactions are usually of complete shock. Many of them ask me questions like, “How do you find time to wash all of those diapers?” “Isn’t it gross?” Or my favorite is “What do you do with the poop?” (Yes, I said poop! We are all moms here we can take it.)
Although cloth diapering is making a strong comeback there are still those who don’t know how modern and easy it has become.
Cloth diapers are not the same as they were when your grandma used them. There are no more rubber pants, diaper pins, or flats. (Unless you want to use those that is). They have so many different types of cloth diapers on the market that could be used for any type of lifestyle. They also have many budget-friendly cloth diapers that can be bought on just about any budget.
Despite the fact that cloth diapering has gotten a whole lot easier, it is still going to be slightly more work than disposables. Let’s face it, disposables having almost everything going for them.
- They can be thrown away when your baby has done his/her business.
- They are very absorbent due to all of the chemicals and additives inside of the diaper. (Sorry it’s true)
- Lastly, disposables are so common today that everyone knows how to use them.
On the other hand, cloth diapers rule in other ways such as:
- Saving money – Cloth diapering can save you more than $1,000 per year of diapering. That’s over $2,000 if your child is potty trained by 2 years old.
- Natural Fabrics – Having a natural fabric against your baby’s bottom is far more beneficial. Fewer rashes and allergies.
- Environment – We all know that disposable diapers are building up somewhere in a landfill.
- Potty Training is easier – children who have been cloth diapered can recognize when they are wet sooner than babies who have been in disposables.
- You never have to worry about running out of diapers – I LOVE the fact that I never have to run to the store for diapers.
Even with all of this information, I have met several moms who love the idea of cloth diapering but say they cannot fit it into their already busy schedule. Between taking care of multiple children, working full-time, or even homeschooling it can be scary to take on another task.
Though cloth diapering may take a little more time than disposables, the benefits are absolutely amazing in many ways.
There are also a few ways to make cloth diapering a little bit easier on yourself and your family. Here are my top five tips for easy cloth diapering:
1. Pick One Brand
First of all, pick one brand of cloth diaper that works for your family. If you are madly in love with BumGenius cloth diapers that’s great – stick with them.
Having one stash of all the same brand of diapers simplifies cloth diapering because they are all most likely used, washed, and going to fit your baby the same way.
Another benefit of having all of the same brand of cloth diaper is when other family members have to change your baby they won’t have to learn a new brand at every diaper change.
Stick to one brand of cloth diaper and call it a day.
2. Use All In One Diapers
All in One cloth diapers are the easiest form of cloth diapers on the planet!
They are just as they sound. They are the waterproof cover and the absorbent layers all in one piece. Usually sewn together or snapped in. That means no stuffing, folding, or taking anything apart. One diaper just like disposables!
3. Hook & Loop
Hook & Loop is basically like velcro or sometimes also called Aplix. But it is all basically velcro. Don’t let the terms get you confused.
Because cloth diapers with a snap closure can be more difficult for new cloth diapering families, hook & loop is an option to make it a bit easier. You cannot come closer to a disposable than using hook & loop. It is so simple that anyone can use it.
4. Wash Twice per Week
After years of cloth diapering, washing them has become so natural to me that I don’t even think about it as extra laundry.
Realistically, you could make cloth diapering super easy by only washing cloth diapers twice a week. I myself only wash cloth diapers once every three to four days and have no issues.
As far as making time to wash cloth diapers, it isn’t as much work as many people fear. I simply dump all of the dirty cloth diapers into the washing machine along with the wet bag and rinse once followed by one hot wash with Tide detergent.
After they are washed I throw the absorbent layers into the dryer and toss the covers on a drying rack.
This routine really only takes me 15 minutes altogether. It is as simple as that.
5. Use Disposable Liners
So onto my most asked question about cloth diapering. What about the poop?
My best tip for making cloth diapering as easy as possible is to buy disposable liners. They are very inexpensive and I promise you will thank me later.
* Breastfed baby poop does NOT have to be removed from the cloth diaper before being washed. Breastfed poop is completely water soluble up until they start eating solids at around 6 months old.
Disposable liners are a thin layer that you lay on top of a cloth diaper right where your baby will poop in the diaper. When using a disposable liner, after your baby poops you simply dump the whole liner in the toilet and throw the dirty cloth diaper into your wet bag or diaper pail. No spraying off or dunking anything. Easy peasy!
In my experience, these tips have helped me out numerous times. Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be complicated at all. It may be a little more work but in my opinion, it is worth some extra effort.
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You can find more information on cloth diapering from Heather HERE.
The Raising Arrows Cloth Diapering Basics page is HERE.
You can also find Heather on Facebook & Pinterest where she shares about depression and anxiety, parenting, marriage, and more!
Natalie says
My prefold inserts actually seem to absorb the breastfed poop away from my baby’s bottom better than the disposables (even though, the disposables absorb way more urine). I invested in my cloth diaper stash when I was pregnant with my second child. I started diapering a toddler and a newborn at the same time. Those flushable liners were sanity savers for that toddler poo! But I did have trouble getting the 2-3T girl clothes to fit over the bulky cloth diaper, and with overnight absorbency for the toddler. I love how easy and gentle on baby’s skin it is those first 6 mos before solids are introduced! Another tip I would add is use cloth wipes with cloth diapers, it makes sorting laundry vs. garbage easier. I quit CDing my third child when we moved to a place that didn’t have a dryer, but I am now doing it again with newborn #4 (since we have a dryer once more).
Reggie says
I began cloth diapering my fourth child due to sensitive skin issues being made worse by disposables. After months of continuos (sometimes severe) diaper rash, it cleared in just four days with cloth! Made this mama a believer, I tell you what! I had a couple tips to pass on to those who are working with a limited budget and/or not wanting to invest a large sum of money, because let’s face it: cloth diapers can save you a TON in the long run, but certain systems can just about break the bank initially.
1) thirstiesoutlet.com-They sell their overstock and ‘blemished’ diapers starting at less than $8 a cover. I did receive one size large that was a tad smaller than the other two I ordered, but otherwise, no blemishes to be found!
2) FLATS! They can be folded any which way to adjust to a growing baby’s body, and in my opinion, are much easier to work with than pre-folds. BONUS: you don’t have to buy them! Use flannel baby receiving blankets instead! Just make sure they are light colored with at least one solid white side and fold so that the white side is against baby’s skin. Mine have gone through two babies now and are holding up just as well as my name brand flats did.
3) Paper towels. This tip isn’t mine, but a friend shared it with me and it does work, just make sure it’s a high quality towel. You use the paper towel just like the disposable liners mentioned above. Half sheets work best.
Best wishes to my fellow penny pinchers! And to all those who choose to cloth diaper, it’s a choice well made!!!