Cloth diapers… The first question that every crunchy mom asks herself… Where do I start??
Trial and error is really the best way for any new mom to learn. Because every baby is different!
I do want to say, just because your child is 6 months old or 12 months old, doesn’t mean it’s too late to cloth diaper! Maybe you won’t reap the benefits financially 100%, but you will still be benefiting your baby and the environment.
This post is going to be LONG. But it will be worth it.
What I am going to cover: These are in order, if you just want to scroll through and find what you are looking for that is totally okay!
- Why I personally love Cloth Diapering
- Benefits of Cloth Diapering
- What size cloth diapers do I buy?
- How many do I need?
- When should I start buying them?
- Are newborn cloth diapers for me?
- Cloth Diaper Terms explained
- Recommend Brands
- Recommended Styles
- Where to buy
- Night time diapering
- What detergent to use
- How to Wash: Pre-use prepping and daily washing
Why I love Cloth Diapering:
They are cute, easy to use, safe for your wallet, your newborn and the planet! Plus, i’m “crunchy” in all areas of my life. Even my child’s butt!
Benefits of Cloth Diapering:
There are MANY benefits to cloth diapering, other than the initial investment, it truly is a money saver, because these diapers will last you through potty training. The average family using “Green Diapers” aka chlorine-free, perfume-free, dye-free, latex free, semi-biodegradable, spends $100-$120 a month on disposable diapers, depending on how old their baby is. That’s $3000-$4000 on diapers depending on how old your child is when they are potty trained.
Another benefit to cloth diapering is how gentle they are on your baby’s skin! My husband and I both love that our son hardly ever has a diaper rash, so we rarely need diaper cream (another money saver!)
The third benefit, and some days the most important one, is almost ZERO blow outs! A blow out usually stems from user error, either the diaper did not get put on with the proper snaps, or it is time to adjust the snaps to a larger setting. Now, cloth diapers are like sponges, they can only hold so much “stuff” before they are no longer absorbent. So leaking due to failure to change a diaper, does not count!
What size Cloth Diapers do I buy? How many do I need?? When should I start buying them?
Like I said, trial and error is key, but if I can save you some error and maybe some cash, then you’re welcome! For instance, I purchased newborn cloth diapers… BIG MISTAKE. However, if your baby stays under 12lbs for a few months, then newborn diapers are a great way to go!
I think I had at least one dozen of the BumGenius Littles and another dozen of the Grovia Newborn Diapers. These newborn diapers fit babies that are 6-12lbs, with the regular cloth diaper size starting at 8lbs! My son was born at 8lbs 14oz… and like any new mom, I wanted to be prepared, so I already washed ALL of my newborn diapers. Since I was unable to return them, we were able to use them for a whole 25 days, I think my son was actually past the 12 pound limit by a pound or two, but I was determined to get my moneys worth! Until they started leaking because they are not designed to hold the poop of a 13 or 14 pound baby!
I just counted.. I have 42 cloth diapers.. With 5 that I did not like with breastmilk poo, hopefully they work once he is on solids! So let’s say I have 37 cloth diapers. That allows me to wash diapers every other day, and if I leave a few clean cloth diapers in the diaper bag I am not desperate for diapers if half are hanging dry and the other half are dirty.
Are Newborn Cloth Diapers for me?
So moral of that story, if you insist on using newborn cloth diapers, or are pretty sure you are having a “small” baby, then by all means use the newborn diapers! What I would recommend doing, is buying them and waiting to wash them.
Why?? Because you will want to use disposable for the first few days anyway until all of the meconium passes. Also, you will have plenty of friends and family who want to be helpful, so why not have them “prep” your diapers for you while you relax in bed. (Don’t worry I will explain how to prep your diapers.) You will know after the first few days if you will get enough use out of newborn cloth diapers or if you should just go straight into the regular size! Be sure to buy your diapers from a source that has a reasonable return policy, even if it is just a store credit to purchase regular size diapers.
So you still might be thinking where do I start?!
Well let me explain to you some cloth diaper terminology, then I will go into more detail below.
CD Terms:
- CD Cloth Diaper (gotta get that one out of the way)
- OSFA One size fits all, this is the way to go, this is the money saver!
- AIO stands for All in One
- AI2 stands for All in Two or you may see the words “hybrid”
- Cover is the cute, either color or patterned “shell” can be old school wool pull ons or waterproof and quick drying.
- Insert, Soaker or Doubler is the absorbent inner that soaks in the pee and holds onto the poo
- Liner is used to protect the diaper from diaper cream, it is very thin and does not absorb anything. You can also you liners to line the inside of the diaper if you are going out, you can simply remove the liner and the poop leaves with the diaper. You can either throw the liner and poop away or flush it down the toilet. However, the liners do not really help when it comes to breast milk poop. If you use diaper cream, without a liner, your diaper will leak. So you definitely want to have a roll of these on hand!
- Pre-Folds if you are telling your mother or grandmother that you are going CD, this is probably what they envision, folding a rectangular cloth into the desired shape, fasten onto the baby, and add a cover on top.
- Pocket Diapers a cover with an opening for you to “stuff” and insert into
AIO stands for All In One. These diapers are going to be most similar to disposable in the sense that you grab the diaper, and put it on. The cover and absorbent inner is attached, and is one unit. No pockets, no stuffing, no inserts. (You’re probably thinking what are all of those things?!) I will break it all down for you!
Advantages:
- One size fits all, you can buy AIO that are for babies 8lbs-35lbs
- Functions like a disposable (just don’t throw that sucker away!)
- No separate cover required
- No separate soaker or doubler required (unless they are sleeping through the night, I will talk more about this!)
- Easy to use for husbands, grandparents, babysitters etc
Disadvantages:
- Longer drying times (This will explain why my Fav AIO is my FAV!)
- Can be harder to clean effectively, but I have never had any trouble
- Upwards on cost, these diapers can be anywhere from $25-$35 for ONE diaper
AI2 stands for All In Two. These are a hybrid option, AI2 are AIO that have the option to remove the inner soaker material that absorbs. Why would you want to remove the inner soaker?! These make good nighttime diapers, you can increase or decrease the level of absorption that your baby needs depending on the time of day.
Advantages:
- One size fits all, you can buy AIO that are for babies 8lbs-35lbs
- No separate cover required
- Shorter drying times (important depending on where you live, and how many months in the year you will be able to hang your diapers outside.)
- Versatile, can use cover with other inserts if necessary
- You can purchase disposable inserts (different from disposable liners) for traveling
- You can always replace the insert if the cover is still in good shape as your baby gets older or if they last you from one child to the next.
Disadvantages:
- Keeping inserts/soakers/doublers together with the rest of the diaper. Unless you plan to stuff/snap the inserts before you put them away, it is possible for a diaper WITHOUT the proper accessories to be put on your baby! UH-OH we may all need a bath after that faux pas.
Prefolds: These diapers are rectangular in shape and are flat. They require folding, fastening and a diaper cover over the top. (I did not do any prefold diapers)
Advantages:
- Very economical
- Easy to clean
- Very quickly to dry
Disadvantages:
- They come sized, you will need to buy a larger size as your baby grows
- Require fasteners AND cover along with the pre-fold
- Can be very confusing for your significant other or anyone but you offering to do the diaper changing
Pocket Diaper: This was really the first update to the cloth diaper from the pre-fold. However now with AIO and AI2 they are not as modern. A pocket diaper is made up of a waterproof cover that has a “stay dry” polyester lining that acts as a pocket between the insert and the cover.
Advantages:
- Dry quickly
- Can change the amount of absorbency
- They have the ease of the AIO/AI2
Disadvantage:
- The polyester lining can cause irritation to some baby skin, most cloth diapers are made of cotton or organic cotton
- Depending on your washer, the inserts may not come out in the washer, and you will have to pull them out by hand. Could be gross.
Water Proof Cover These diaper covers are going to fit just like the AIO diapers, you will not need to first fasten the prefold, and then put a cover on. These covers are comparable with stay-dry, organic or disposable inserts.
Advantages:
- Very economical, one cover can last multiple diaper changes
- Dry Quickly
- You can toss the dirty insert into the trash or wet bag, wipe the cover out and reuse
Disadvantages:
- One diaper can last multiple diaper changes. This to me is gross! Especially with newborn/breast milk poop! However, I can see this being a great option if you start to cloth diaper after your baby has started solids!
What brands?? What styles?? Where do I buy them??
With all that information, i’m sure your head is spinning! There are a TON of diapers out there, the best option is obviously to shop local, where you can go in, touch, feel, practice snapping to see which kind of diaper you like. I discovered that almost any store that sells baby things, will sell CD! There is nothing worse than having a store credit to a place you did not register at! What I would recommend doing is in the search bar of Target, Kohls, Bed Bath and Beyond, Buy Buy Baby etc. Search Cloth Diapers! You will be surprised that all of those places sell CD! It may even be a good time to test out a new brand if you have a Kohls gift card and can’t find anything else to your liking!
I am going to give you a list of the diapers I went with and why. They will also be in order with my favorite being listed first.
BumGenius Freetime Diaper (AIO/OSFA): This diaper really does hold up to its name! This CD will seriously give YOU more free time! What mom doesn’t need that?! Why? The BumGenius Freetime Diaper is an AIO that fits 8lbs-35lbs. It has two microfiber flaps that connect to the polyester lined cover (see aren’t you glad you know all of your terms?!) at opposite ends! This makes drying time SO much faster. They are also at a very competitive price of $19.99.
Advantages:
- Drys quickly
- Under $20
- Available almost anywhere! You can purchase this diaper online at amazon, target, bed bath and beyond, buy buy baby, or online from my friends at Eco Chic. You can guess what all of my target returns bought me! Freetime Cloth diapers!
Disadvantages:
- No organic option
BumGenius 5.0 Pocket Diaper (AI2/Hybrid/OSFA): This is my favorite pocket diaper, it has an extra large opening at the top, so all of the liners come out ON THEIR OWN! This is the #1 diaper I recommend for night time use. The microfiber pulls the moisture away from the skin keeping the baby feeling dry and happy. If I was to do it over, I would have at least HALF of my stash be the BumGenius 5.0 Pocket Diaper, instead of only 2.
Advantages:
- Drys quickly
- Under $20
- Available almost anywhere!
Disadvantages:
- No organic option
Nora’s Nursery Pocket Diaper (AI2/Hybrid/OSFA): This diaper was a close second to the BG 5.0 pocket diaper. The only draw back, is if I use this diaper at night, I have to physically pull the nighttime liner out. (I always do this after the first rinse cycle, not while they are dirty, since they usually are covered in poo.) However, the regular liners that they come with, slip out just fine!
Advantages:
- Drys quickly
- Seven Diapers for $60
Disadvantages:
- No organic option
BumGenius Elemental Diaper (AIO/OSFA): The #1 draw I had to this diaper, is that the inserts are made with organic cotton! However, the two inserts are connected at both ends of the diaper cover and it takes twice as long to dry as the freetime diapers do. I have to hang these inside out so that the cover sits in between the inserts while they dry and I have to flip them over so that both sides (because they are inside out) dry! Another thing that I was not aware of, or I would not have bought as many, the cotton holds the moisture on the baby’s skin. This is great for a child who is learning to potty train, because they will “feel wet” and they will either communicate that they need their diaper changed or they will begin to not like that feeling and will start to use a potty. Now, for a baby, this can be rough, literally! Chafing can occur if the baby is being carried a lot and their wet cotton diaper is rubbing on them. I also don’t like to put Liam down to for a nap or for bed in this diaper. He ends up waking up much sooner than if he was in a microfiber diaper because he feels wet!
Advantages:
- Organic
- Great for potty training
Disadvantages:
- Takes longer to dry
- Can cause chaffing
- Not great for napping/sleeping
- Most expensive diaper at $25-$30
Nighttime Diapering:
As I mentioned above, the pocket diapers make for the best nighttime diapers. Liam has been sleeping through the night since he was 8 weeks old, and I believe cloth diaper is to thank for that. It is a very simple setup. We take a Flip (that’s the brand) Organic Nighttime insert, lay two microfiber or bamboo inserts (the one’s that come with either the BG pocket diapers or the NN pocket diapers) and fold into thirds. Then we shove the gigantic homemade insert into the pocket of the diaper! This sucker will hold 10-12 hours of pee! Don’t forget to prep the inserts just like you do the diapers, or they will not be absorbent! I would recommend have four nighttime liners!
Cloth Diaper Safe Detergent:
Be sure to use appropriate detergent! If you do not, the diapers will hold on to odor, ammonia and will not be absorbent. Do not use any conventional detergent such as Tide, do not use detergent with added fabric softener. The best diaper detergents are powder and fragrance free.
Charlie’s Soap: This is the detergent we use, I use it on CD, workout clothes, baby clothes, towels, sheets, dog bedding, my husbands work clothes, you name it, I have washed it in Charlie’s Soap. A couple of months ago I also started using their Hard Water Booster and it has made SUCH a HUGE difference in all of our laundry, especially the diapers.
Other Detergents I recommend, all though I have not tried them.
Don’t forget wool dryer balls! These work great for drying those inserts when it is not warm enough for them to fully line dry.
How to wash cloth diapers: Pre-use prepping and Daily Washing
Prepping is very simple, and can be done 1-2 days before you want to use the diapers. (So you do not NEED to do them before you have the baby, unless you reallllly really want to.) Wash all diapers, covers and inserts on HOT with appropriate detergent. Not just once, not just twice, at least 5 times. (If you start to use them and they are leaking, then wash them 5 more times.) After you are done washing them on hot at least 5 times, rinse and spin them (that’s a setting on my washer) until you no longer see any soap bubbles. Hand to dry, and they are ready to go!
Washing is very simple. We place the diapers straight into an XL wet bag (just like you would place a disposable diaper into a trash can.) I have enough cloth diapers now that I can do laundry every other day. I just counted, I believe I have 42 diapers. I have 5 that did not work well for newborn poop, so lets say I have 37 diapers. Anyway, all I do, is take the wet bag, stick the opening inside the washer drum, and shake the diapers out! The diapers with pockets and inserts or extra night time inserts, come out on their own, I don’t even have to touch the dirty diapers. (My husband will even dumb them into the washer if need be.) The first wash I do is a short, express wash cycle, with cold water and no detergent. Followed by a normal wash cycle, with hot water and detergent. Then I repeat the first cycle, express wash, cold water, no detergent, usually with an extra rinse cycle. Then I hang them to dry! One thing that I love about the Nora’s Nursery Diapers, is that they dry the fastest out of all the diaper brands that I have. In the climate I live in, when it is warm/sunny outside I have no problem hanging them to dry outside, however during the winter, when the diapers have to be hung inside. I typically will throw the diapers in the dryer on very low heat for 10 minutes if they are damp and that usually does the trick. DID YOU KNOW?! That you can “Bleach” diapers in the sun?! By hanging your cloth diapers outside in the sun, the sun will “Bleach” away any newborn poop stains, and will kill bacteria and manage odor.
Don’t see your questions answered in this post?! Check out my latest FAQ.
Leave a Reply