Cloth Diapers

    I really enjoying using cloth diapers. While it is not for everyone, it sure has it's advantages. There is the obvious reusable part, no adding to the landfills. And you don’t get those gel crystals on little bums. Then there is the price. The initial cost is all there will ever be, as opposed to disposable. I have averaged out that the diapering life of a child from newborn to potty training is about 3 years, depending on the readiness of the child of course. That is roughly 8800 diapers a year! At an average cost of $0.26 per disposable (Huggies) diaper, that is $2,288 in disposable diapers!!!! AND THAT’S IN ONE SINGLE YEAR FOR ONE CHILD! The cost of an average cloth diapering system is about $300-500, depending on the type and brand. For instance, I have spent $200 and I am set for good.

    Now I will explain the choices. There are so many different ways to use cloth diapers. It can be very overwhelming, so if there are any questions, I will be very happy to answer them. If possible, it really helps to hold them and see them on a baby. Okay, here it goes...

~All-in-One:
Like a disposable in that it is only good for one wet use or one messy use, then it has to be washed. It has a waterproof exterior. It also has a sewn in absorbent layer and sometimes has a pocket to slide in another layer of absorption, hence the All-In-One(AIO). They run anywhere from $16-$30 each. The advantages are it is good for night use, as it can be tailored for a heavy wetter. It is also an easy-use diaper for a babysitter. Down side, they are very expensive for only being used for one wet use before needing a wash. Also, it takes a little longer to thoroughly dry. If not thoroughly dried, they will sour.

~Pocket diaper: It is about the same as the All-in-One, but the absorbent layer is not sewn in. It is an insert made in a variety of fabrics. The inserts are anywhere from $3 and up. This makes for faster drying time than the AIO. The waterproof PUL layer is either sewn in between the exterior and the lining or makes up the exterior layer itself. The material inside is either micro suede or fleece. This helps to wick away the moisture from the baby's bum. They also can only be used once before needing to be washed. They run anywhere from $13-$24 each. Again, kind of expensive for one use.

~Cloth Diapers: This is the absorbent layer used with diaper covers. You can find them as fitted diapers, contour diapers and prefold diapers.
*Fitted diapers* are closed with hook and loop or snap clasping. This helps to keep the cloth diaper secure under the cover and requires no pinning or folding. They are $12-$20 each.
*Contour diapers* this style is a kind of wrap, requiring no pinning or folding, but without the hook and loop or snap. They are relatively secure. They are about $8-$11 each.
*Prefolds* are a rectangle shaped piece of cloth with many layers. They are sewn in a tri-fold way, so that the sides fold onto the middle section. There are many ways to fit a prefold to the baby. The prefolds do need some sort of securing, whether you choose pins or a closure called a "Snappi", a rubber t-shape fastener with teeth to grab the prefold and hold it tightly in the desired fold. The prefolds are anywhere from $1.75-$8 each. Most often in the $2 range, making them the best economical choice by far. They also come in bleached or unbleached cotton.

~Diaper Covers: These are PUL waterproof covers, essential when using any type of cloth diaper. The price on these run anywhere from $5.50-$17 each. The price varies so much on all of these because some are Organic and some, like the $5.50 one, are just vinyl pull-ons with no latching. The most common price range is about $9-12 each. 

~Important Information:
    There are some diapers with velcro-type latching, and some with snaps. This goes for all previously mentioned types of diapers. They are all clasped in one of these two ways. I personally like the snapped versions. Velcro, or what might be referred to as 'hook and loop', tend to catch on the other covers in the wash and they show wear much more quickly. Most diapers have elastic legs, and some have added 'gussets', which are like interior edges to catch those extra messy messes. Some have a more tailored shape and some are what is called One Size. This 'One Size (OS)' includes all types of diapering, All-in-One, Pocket diapers and covers. This a huge benefit because this size lasts from infancy to potty training, again, saving money. Some brands have sizes Small, Medium and Large. Many of these One Size diapers have snaps to "fold" the cover and shorten the rise of the diaper. VERY CONVIENENT.
    The thing about any cloth diaper system, is that the diapers are more bulky than disposable diapers. The baby may not always fit into the appropriately aged clothing because of this. This has been no big deal for me and I think it is kinda cute. Cloth diapers need to be changed more often than disposable ones to prevent leaks and reduce rashes.
    So now you’re thinking… How do I do this outside of  the house?! IT’S EASY! Buy or make a couple wet bags. They have the same waterproof qualities and they are zippered for sure containment     and odor control. Follow my tutorial here soon to come.
    The other factor with using cloth is the washing of the diapers. They do need to be washed according to the makers specifications. I'll give you an example: When you change a  wet diaper, toss it in a diaper pail (closed lidded pail with a waterproof liner, $9-$24, best kept in the bathroom for ease). When there is a messy diaper, it may require some swishing in the toilet bowl, but that really isn't as gross as it sounds. Most parent's ooh and ahh over a baby's “blessing“... I sure do! Often times, the mess just falls right off the diaper and into the toilet.

    However, why not give yourself a gift? Install a diaper sprayer to the pipes used for the toilet. You’ll be able to handle any mess that comes your way! The possible cost of this install is about $30 if you do it yourself, depending on how much you spend on the actual sprayer. Ask any plumbing store employee and they’ll direct you to what fittings you need.

    When you have a full diaper pail, usually every two or three days, or about 14-20 diapers, whichever comes first, dump the contents of the pail, including the liner into the washer. Rinse with COLD water to neutralize the proteins from the solid matter. Sometimes, I like to put a 1/2 cup of baking soda in with this rinse. It helps with the odor control and natural stain-fighting. Run a HOT/COLD full wash with about a 1/4 of the detergent you would usually use for a load of laundry. Also, use bleach as seldom as possible, as this could reduce the absorbency or the diapers. And never use manufactured stain sprays. As long as the diapers smell clean after this wash, it's onto the dryer. If they need a little more odor control, pour a 1/4 cup of white vinegar into a second COLD rinse. Most often, this is not needed as long as the first rinse was done on COLD. When you put them into the dryer, dry them on the hottest temperature possible so as to ensure that they are thoroughly dry and do not stay damp and sour or smell. 

Now, ARE YOU OVERWHELMED???
   
    I hope not! I was at first, but I quickly became a pro! It gets easy soooooooo fast. I will tell you what I have found to be the best way for me. I use diaper covers with prefold cloth diapers. I have about 10 covers and 45 prefolds. I saved a lot of money getting some gently used prefolds. I also opted to make my own cloth wipes to reduce waste of disposable wipes. See tutorial to come.
     So. What do you think? Does it sounds like I am crazy or just a conscious, practical mom? I have felt so gratified using cloth. But, like I said, it is not for everyone. I hope I was helpful and feel free to share this information with anyone else you know who might want to switch! Also, I'd love any feedback!

And if you're curious, I would recommend using either Econobum or Thirsties OS covers. The Econobum prefolds are terribly bulky, so my advice it to go with DiaperRite brand for those. I have links to a few websites below the following pictures so that you can order what works best for you! I haven't tried them all, but I have found these to work the very best.

Happy diapering!

Size Variations for One Size diapers

Bleached and unbleached prefolds

Thirsties wet bag

Diaper pail liner

Contour diaper

Fitted diaper

BumGenius pocket diaper

cottonbabies.com
diaperjunction.com
http://hyenacart.com/BabySweetBottoms/


 Not a paid advertisement of any of these brands