Why choose cloth diapers?
Cloth diapers have come a long way since the days of pins and plastic pants. Todays options are breathable, stay dry inners and are just as easy to use as disposables. There are many advantages to cloth;
1) They are eco-friendly. Saving the landfills from endless disposable diapers.
2) They are chemical free. Disposable diapers contain many chemical ingredients which the safety of these chemicals are questionable.
3) They are a cost effective. Considering most children go threw 6 to 8 thousand diaper changes from birth to toilet training; reusable cloth saves money.
4) They are fun! Fun? You may ask yourself? But todays diapers come in beautiful colors and prints.
What are the different types of cloth diapers?
Cloth diapering types can be broken down into four main groups.
AIl In Ones (AIO's) These diapers have a leak proof outer and an absorbent inner built into the diaper. They are easy to use and have snaps or velcro to fasten.
Pockets These diapers have a leak proof out and the stay dry inner. The stay dry inner wicks away moisture from the baby's skin. At the back of the diaper there is a opening to place the absorbancy. The absorbency come from the insert that is stuffed in the opening. They are easy to use and have velcro or snap closure.
Fitteds and Contours These diapers are absorbent shaped diapers that require a cover. They fasten with velcro or snaps.
Flats and Prefolds These diapers consist of a flat retangular piece of material that is folded and placed on the baby. They are snappied or pinned as a closure. A protective outer layer is required in the form of a diaper cover.
What do I do with my soiled diapers until wash day?
Just simple place the soiled diaper in a diaper pail (garbage can with lid or 5 gal pail with lid). You may wish to use a diaper pail liner to keep the pail clean but it is not necessary. If you choose not to use a diaper pail liner just rinse out the diaper pail with soap on wash day.
How do I wash my cloth diapers?
Washing diapers does not have to be complex. Simply put the diapers in the wash making sure Velcro tabs are fastened and inserts are removed. Shake any solids in to the toilet and flush. Do a cold water pre-rinse then wash on hot, with half the amount of suggested detergent; followed by a (optional) second rise. Hang drying is the most environmentally friendly; but todays diapers can in the dryer also. Be sure to read the manufacturers tag and following there instructions, some diaper differ with washing instructions.
What type of detergent can I wash my diapers with?
The best detergents don't contain fabric softener, enzymes, dyes, perfumes and brightners. Although some detergents that contain a little brightners can be okay to use. A note that laundry soap is not a detergent and is not suitable for cloth diapers. We reccommend a natural detergent like Allens.
How do I prepare my new cloth diapers for use?
In most cases a simple wash is all you need. If the diaper is hemp you may need to wash the new diaper (or insert) several times to get the natural oils out and make it absorbent. It is important when prepping hemp it be washed on hot water and by itself so the natural oils don't coat other items in the wash.
