Cloth Diapering 101

Cloth diapering can be really confusing. I don't know why, it just is, even when most of what you read on the internet is really almost the same. Maybe this is because everyone includes their little tricks and hints they learn along the way and it gets overwhelming to a first-timer.

I am going to post the basics of what I do and use. Simple.

1. Diapers.

Which to buy? I don't know really. I wanted the easiest thing possible, so we went with Bumgenius: One Size 3.0. Why? Because your diaper, the insert (part that absorbs) and and cover are all together, not in separate pieces like traditional cloth diapers. One size will fit baby from 8lbs - 35 lbs. Each diaper comes with 2 inserts. Fuzzibuns are also very similar, but they have snaps, Bumgenius have velcro.

I have nothing against other cloth diapers, my friend made me 3 fantastic ones that are more traditional and use diaper covers. They also work great, the only difference is that they don't wick moisture from Wrennie's skin, so she just has to be changed more often. (Translation: I can't be a deadbeat mom).

How many do you need? about 20-25. We have 24 I think.

2. Detergent.

Apparently one of the most important parts. We use Claudia's Choice. Why? Because it was recommended by Bosom Baby (the store where we bought the diapers). You can't use detergent with scent or additives otherwise it will cling to the diaper and so will the stink. Gross. So get something without additives. We bought a big pail of Claudia's Choice from Bosom Baby 4 months ago for about $30 if I remember right and maybe have gone through half of it...maybe. It's good stuff.

3. Dirty Diaper Storage.

Don't use a plastic pail, it will stink you out of your home. Don't soak your diapers in liquid either. Use a stainless steel garbage can with a lid. Put a large mesh bag inside to hold the diapers. (It can get thrown in with your wash each time) OR a really large wetbag (see below for more on wetbags). Throw those stinkers in there. Will it stink? Yeah once you reach day 3...and mostly when you open the lid. I have smelled diaper genies worse than that though.

4. Wipes.

We use cloth wipes. Take a big piece of cotton fabric. Cut it into squares. Put them in a small container on your change table or crib. There are your cloth wipes. Or go spend a bunch of money and get pre-made ones. I, not using my brain, did both. Just make your own, really, save yourself some money! Throw them in the pail with your diapers and wash them all at the same time.

You could use disposable wipes (we do have them on hand for going out and about, or just back up at night time) but just remember...pee/poo wipes in the garbage will start to stink. Just saying.

5. Wetbag. (Optional)

This is a small bag lined with a waterproof fabric to throw your dirty (cloth) diapers in when you are out and about. It's also good to hold anything that gets wet...like barfed on onesies for example, you may notice you go through a few with a little baby. Maybe you plan on using disposable diapers when you go out, but if not, the wet bag is good to bring in your diaper bag. I got mine off of www.etsy.com from Pat-A-Cake Baby.

Got your supplies? Great.

Washing.

Seems to be some debate on this. Do what works for you, but in case you were wondering, here's what works for me:

1 scoop (Claudia's Choice) detergent in 1 COLD wash.

1/2 scoop detergent in 1 HOT wash.

That's it!

You can stick them in the dryer, I just hang dry all of mine. How often for washing? I wash every 3 days or so. The Bumgenius website tells you to do those 2 cycles, plus an extra rinse or two. Unnecessary I would say. But hey, give your washed diapers a sniff and you be the judge.

Personally, I like cloth diapers better. (In case you were curious, because we do both at times). When she is wearing her cloth ones, I can't smell a thing on her. They even hold in her big messes a million times better. Her disposables have let me down...you know the "skunk back"? Where babies poop up their back? Yeah, not pleasant, and yet...has not happened in a cloth diaper to date. Amazing. They are also so much cuter with all of the colors to choose from! And last thought...why not a cloth diaper service? Some use really harsh chemicals to get those diapers clean, and it was just not something I wanted against Wrennie's skin. I also wanted to keep all of mine for the next baby...

wait..what?!

There you go.

Here is Wrennie in her cloth diaper for the first time at 10 days old. (Yes, we were eager to begin!) This picture makes me burst out laughing.

Below is Wrennie at 3 months old. Quite the difference! And they are supposed to fit to 35 lbs...at the rate she is growing, it seems hard to imagine that 35lbs is very far away.