Welcome To Cloth
Where do I start? First things first: it doesn't matter if you use a disposable or cloth diaper, newborns should be changed every 1-2 hours, and older babies every 3-4 hours. For cloth diapers you will need something absorbent to hold liquids and usually a waterproof layer to prevent leaks. There are several kinds of diaper systems today, and you can view them here on our Diaper Dictionary page. The most economical system consists of a waterproof layer and an absorbent layer you can replace once soiled.
How many diapers should I start with? When you first start your journey with cloth diapering, it's good to have about 15 diapers to ensure a good wash once they are all dirty. This count can be composed of any combination of diaper systems which last about two days. The hardest part with cloth diapering is keeping a reasonable amount and not going overboard with all of the cute prints! The average newborn is changed 12-16 times a day, while toddlers are changed around 6-8 times daily.
Where do I put the dirty ones? You can store your childs dirties in a wet or dry pail. Wet pails are buckets with water in them that allow the diapers to soak before washing. These can be messy and pose a drowning hazard to small children when not stored properly. Dry pails are Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) or Nylon lined hampers (or garbage cans) that can hold the diapers without wicking, dripping, or stinking up the house.
Where does the waste go? Most disposable diaper packages suggest dumping all fecal matter into the toilet before discarding. However, less than one half of one percent of all waste from single-use diapers actually end up in the sewage system.
How do I wash them? Your routine is up to you! Even the most basic routines depend on what detergent, washing machine and water type you have. Some of them are down right lengthy and tedious, but yours does not need to be. Start with the easiest, WARM rinse, HOT wash (with detergent), followed by two COLD rinses.
What is the best detergent? Oh how I wish I could answer this! Everyone has their own answer and to help you find your favorite, I can give you some great advice. Read the labels! Steer clear of pure soaps, enzymes, fragrances and dyes.
How many diapers should I start with? When you first start your journey with cloth diapering, it's good to have about 15 diapers to ensure a good wash once they are all dirty. This count can be composed of any combination of diaper systems which last about two days. The hardest part with cloth diapering is keeping a reasonable amount and not going overboard with all of the cute prints! The average newborn is changed 12-16 times a day, while toddlers are changed around 6-8 times daily.
Where do I put the dirty ones? You can store your childs dirties in a wet or dry pail. Wet pails are buckets with water in them that allow the diapers to soak before washing. These can be messy and pose a drowning hazard to small children when not stored properly. Dry pails are Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) or Nylon lined hampers (or garbage cans) that can hold the diapers without wicking, dripping, or stinking up the house.
Where does the waste go? Most disposable diaper packages suggest dumping all fecal matter into the toilet before discarding. However, less than one half of one percent of all waste from single-use diapers actually end up in the sewage system.
How do I wash them? Your routine is up to you! Even the most basic routines depend on what detergent, washing machine and water type you have. Some of them are down right lengthy and tedious, but yours does not need to be. Start with the easiest, WARM rinse, HOT wash (with detergent), followed by two COLD rinses.
- Only wash up to two dozen diapers at a time. Too many diapers can lead to poor rinsing and lots of stinky diapers!
- High Efficiency (HE) machines can cause a headache by lowering the amount of water they are pushing through your diapers, which can mean more cycles.
- For any machine, try using a full cycle, that includes a rinse, to insure a good cleaning and reduce the amount of trips to the laundry room.
What is the best detergent? Oh how I wish I could answer this! Everyone has their own answer and to help you find your favorite, I can give you some great advice. Read the labels! Steer clear of pure soaps, enzymes, fragrances and dyes.
- For the frugal mom, Baking Soda in your wash cycle and vinegar in your rinse will inexpensively clean your diapers without causing buildup!
- Breastfed baby waste is water-soluble and needs no rinsing! Once your child starts solids or formula, you'll need to start rolling that poo into the toilet so your diapers get clean.