WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?
- 2-3 dozens of cloth diapers, more for younger babies, less for older ones. We recommend trying out a few different styles before purchasing a large quantity of one style. From personal experience I prefer fitted diapers with snaps:
snugglier fit,

no velcro strips to irritate tender skin,

as your baby grows, very adjustable fitted diaper "grows" with him,

less bulky, especially on smaller babies when snapped on smaller setting.

Snap-ins and fitteds with lots of snaps for different size adjustments are great, because they can fit a much wider weight range, meaning you will need less of them.

- diaper covers: 6-8 covers for newborn/infants, 4-6 covers for larger sizes.
- gentle wool wash with lanoline for wool diaper covers.
- 10-20 inserts or doublers, depending on which type of diaper you use. Some diapers are so absorbent, that you won't need any doublers unless for overnight use or if your munchkin is a very heavy wetter. Doublers and soakers with fleecy top lining are better for overnight use because of that stay-dry feeling. Otherwise many babies would wake up during the night because of the cold and wet feeling to their skin. The quantity depends on individual preferences. I have about 10 soakers, which I use on Max at night for extra protection.

- diaper pail. Any large square or round plastic container with a tight lid will do.

- diaper pail liner. A water- and odor-proof bag for wet and soiled diapers. Make sure it fits well over your diaper pail.

- diapering accessories such as: 2-3 wet bags for travelling, flashable liners & cloth wipes

HOW MUCH MONEY WOULD I NEED TO INVEST IN CLOTH DIAPERING?
It all depends on the type of diapers you choose. The average investment would be between $400 to $1200-$1400 incl. two extra laundry loads per week. Comparing this to over $2,000 in disposables for a two-year period you will save quite a bit of money, especially if you plan to cloth diaper your subsequent children too!

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO CHANGE MY BABY?

It is not recommended to leave your baby in wet diaper for over two hours due to encreased risk of infection, so do check her often. At least every 1.5 to 2 hours. Due to the nature of cloth diapers, many cloth diapered babies are potty trained a lot sooner then the ones in disposable diapers.

HOW DO I WASH MY DIAPERS?

Keep your wet and soiled diapers in the diaper pail and wash them every 3-4 days, depending on how many you have on hand. Cloth diapers should be washed on hot cycle with any detergent that does not contain bleach or fabric softner. Add a couple of drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil to your detergent to boost the antibacterial properties.

DO I NEED TO WASH CLOTH DIAPERS PRIOR TO USE?

Yes, your cloths diapers need to be washed before use in order to reach their maximum absorption capacity. Wash in a full cycle, using hot water, and your non-bleach household detergent. Bleach is very harsh against your baby’s skin and may damage the diaper’s fibers and elastics, reducing its lifespan. Your cotton diapers and liners will arrive sort of stiff and flat, but will fluff up and soften wonderfully just after one wash!

HOW DO I GET THE STAINS OUT?

If your diapers got stained we recommend to hang wet diapers in the direct sun outside for a few hours to dry. You can also squirt it with a little lemon juice before the sunshine "treatment". The stubborn stain should come right out after this.

CLOTH VS. DIPOSABLES

Apart from the obvious environmental reasons, there are great economical and health reasons to why switching to cloth diapers is better for you and your baby.

It's a money saver. In two years from birth to potty training each baby needs an astonishing 6000 diaper changes. Choosing cloth can save you up to $2000! Even with extra laundry to do. The savings will be even bigger if a family chooses a more affordable cloth diapering option such as contour diapers or prefolds.

Disposable diapers are made with polyethylene and polypropylene plastic with bleached paper pulp, AGM (a gelling substance), petrolatum, stearyl alcohol, cellulose tissue, elastic, and perfume. Many of the chemicals used in the production of disposable diapers are direct health hazards. Some scientific studies have linked disposable diapers and their harsh perfumes and toxic substances to the increase of asthma in small children. Now think about that your baby could spend at least two years of his life in those diapers and you will see the picture.

Cloth diapers, on the other hand are what they are - cloth. Organic cloth diapers are even better, because the fabric or yarn they are made of have never been treated with chemicals. We applaud you for considering cloth for your little one! Once you've tried it - you will never want to use disposable diapers again.

Flat Diapers

First cloth diapers were flat diapers, a rectangle of absorbent material folded around your baby’s bum.

Pre-Folded Diapers

Pre-Folded diapers (sometimes called Indian or Chinese pre-folds) are almost identical to flat diapers. Pre-folds are a multi-layered square of fabric, usually sewn into three panels with extra layers in the centre panel for added absorbency.

Contour Diapers

A contour diaper is a number of layers of absorbent fabric cut in bone or an hourglass shape. Some may also have elastic around the legs and waist for a better fit.

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers are a more advanced version of the contour diapers. The only difference is snaps or hook and loop (Velcro or Aplix) closures.

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers consist of two parts: a waterproof outer layer with an inner layer of fleece and an insert. The two layers are sewn together in such a way as to leave an opening at the back into which you put an insert of your choice.

All-In-Ones

(AIOs)- our favorites! This type of diapers aims to provide the ultimate in convenience by providing everything you need in one step with no fasteners or separate covers required. Absorbent material and waterproof cover are built into one diaper. You can purchase additional snap-in diapers, soakers and inserts for this type of diapering system.

Diaper Covers

Vinyl, Vinyl-Coated Polyester, PVC

The diaper covers of our parents – these are made with harmful polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that may contain phthalates, an endocrine disruptor. They are not breathable or durable. Not a good choice.

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL)

PUL covers are made with knitted polyester or cotton that has been treated with polyurethane, making them waterproof but breathable and mildew resistant.

Wool

Wool is naturally anti-bacterial and can absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. A high-quality wool cover made from untreated wool is soft and not scratchy at all as many people might think. It also provides regulated body temperature keeping your baby cool in summer and warm in winter.

Fleece

An alternative to wool, fleece is made of 100% polyester, which wicks moisture away from baby’s skin. Fleece is machine washable, but can be prone to detergent build up, which may decrease performance.

Liners

A thin layer of soft flushable cellulosic fibre between baby’s bum and diaper to absorb any solid mess. Simply discard the soiled liner in the toilet and flush it away.

Doublers

An extra layer of soft, absorbent fabric added to a diaper to increase absorbency. They are perfect for naps, overnight or for babies who wet heavily.

Inserts

They are a wide variety of materials used in the pocket of a pocket diaper.

Diaper Care Cloth Diapers Accessories