Using cloth diapers is perfect way for green and eco-conscious parents to keep baby clean and dry. However, the idea of cloth diapering may seem challenging or daunting to a new mom or dad who has to get used to a new baby and a lot more. This easy-to-understand introduction to the basics of cloth diapering will help you get off to a great start and enjoy keeping baby clean and dry while protecting the environment as well.
Buying Cloth Diapers: How Many and What Type
To begin with, most new parents will need 24 to 36 cloth diapers. Most newborns need 10 to 12 changes a day and so if you want to avoid doing laundry everyday, this number will see you through. You can choose from the following types of cloth diapers: prefolds, flats, fitted diapers, pocket diapers and all-in-ones.
Prefolds are just that: prefolded pieces of cloth that need to be secured with a diaper pin. Flats are large squares of fabric that need to be folded and secured. Fitted diapers are like disposable and are fitted around the legs and waist. A pocket diaper is shaped like a pocket with an opening for a prefold to be inserted into it. All-in-one diapers are the closest to disposable diapers, except that these are reusable and washable. They have an inner absorbent layer attached to a waterproof outer layer and come with adjustable closures.
How to Use Cloth Nappies for Baby
While it is relatively easy to put on an all-in-one or fitted diaper on baby, prefolds may need some practice. Folding the prefold can be done in thirds easily. Lay the prefold diaper flat, lengthwise and then, fold the right panel over the middle. Follow it up with the left panel over the right one. Use a diaper pin or Snappis diaper fasteners to secure prefolds. Flats are large pieces of fabric and need some practice before you get used to them. DiaperWare has an excellent tutorial, complete with photos, on how to fold flats.
Caring for Cloth Diapers
Ideally, wash and rinse new cloth nappies before using them for baby to get rid of any chemicals that may have been used. Alternatively, you can use natural organic cloth diapers. Once diapers are used, you would need to keep dirty diapers separate in a diaper pail or wet bag. To wash dirty cloth nappies in an eco-friendly way, soak them in a solution of water and baking soda for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. Baking soda helps to neutralize the odors and also, brightens and whitens the diaper.
Wash them as usual, following it up with the rinse cycle to which ½ cup of vinegar has been added. Do remember to add the vinegar if you’ve used baking soda to soak the diapers since vinegar helps to neutralize the pH levels and keep away diaper rash. Line dry or air dry the nappies once they’re rinsed and clean.
Cloth Diapering Accessories
While cloth nappies are the must-have if you want to start cloth diapering baby, there are also some diapering accessories that can make using nappies easy and effective. Some of these include:
- Diaper Covers – These are essential if you’re using prefolds or flats since they help keep the diaper secure and prevent leakages as well.
- Diaper Liners and Doublers – Ideal for older babies, these increase absorbency and are available in both paper and cotton.
- Diaper Pail or Wet Bag – Perfect for keeping soiled and dirty diapers. However, you can save on this and instead, just use a flip-top lid dustbin.
- Cloth Diaper Wipes and Lotions – Needed to wipe baby clean and prevent diaper rash.
- Diaper Pins or Fasteners – Only needed if you’re using prefolds and flats.
Using cloth diapers for a baby can be just as easy and simple as using disposables if you have everything that is needed right at hand. Being prepared is the best way to start cloth diapering. So, go ahead and make a checklist of everything that you may need, identify the type of cloth nappy that would best suit your lifestyle and start diapering baby, the natural way.
Prerna Malik - Prerna Malik is a professional freelance writer, business blogger, social media expert and obsessive organizer.
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