Cloth Diapering Basics

Cloth Diapering Basics

By Cathy Smith

Cloth diapering has come a long way from flat diapers and pins with rubber pants.  Today’s cloth diapers are easy to use, come in a variety of playful colors, are simple to wash, and are a great option for busy families.  So where to start?  Your first step if you are contemplating using cloth is to find a great resource to help you.  Cloth diapering stores are located around Chicagoland.

  Here at A Joyful Journey, all our doulas have cloth diapered and are happy to help.  We are actually hosting a Swap & Sell this Sunday at our home office in New Lenox. This event will feature demonstrations and Q &A time.  Anyone is welcome to come.  Admission is free, but donations are graciously appreciated.  Sellers can “buy” a table for $10 and sell their gently used cloth.  Think of it as an indoor yard sale just for cloth diapers.

So let’s start with the basics.  Besides the different varieties and styles, there are also different fabric materials such as natural and organic. So…  what types of cloth diapers are available?

Pocket Diapers: pocket diapers have an opening between the waterproof shell and the soft interior. This allows an insert to be placed inside.  This is the most popular style.  They are easy and don’t require an outer cover.  I usually stuff the insert in all my pocket diapers right out of the dryer to save time later on.

All-in-One Diapers:  These diapers explain themselves.  There is no separate insert.  The absorbable insert is a apart of the diaper and outer cover.  I can get an all-in-one diaper on just as quick as a disposable.

One Size Diapers:  These come in pocket and all-in-one variety.  The name says it all.  These little beauties will fit a baby from birth all the way through potty training.  There are various snaps to adjust for height and weight changes.

Prefold or Flat Diapers:  This is what many generations were diapered with;  A flat absorbable material that is the most economical.   You still can use pins or a lovely Snappi fastener.  The Snappi fastener is T-shaped and its ends are similar to Ace bandage clips.  You need an outer waterproof shell with these diapers.

Fitted Diapers: look like a disposable diaper and have snaps to fasten onto baby.   They are soft and absorbable and very popular.  They are known as the most leak proof and absorbent.   They require an outer shell or cover. 

Let’s look at covers!

One Size covers: Easy to use and has multiple snaps for changes in height/weight. They have a  soft lining on the inside so it won’t irritate babies’ skin and they come in hundreds of colors.

Wool Covers: A lot of people shy away from these but they are truly remarkable.  They are a little pricier but worth it.  They are ridiculously soft.  They keep babies cool in the summer and warm in the winter.  Stylish and come in different lengths.  Some are as short as underpants and can be as long as leggings.  People love these for their absorbency.  Wool covers need to be washed separate with a special lanolin soap but because they are only washed once a month or longer, it doesn’t add a significant amount of time in the long run.

Rinse and Wipe Covers:  look a lot like one size covers but the difference is in the lining.  There is none.  If baby has an extreme amount of urine or poop, you can wipe them down until you are ready to wash them.  These are great for people who want to do a bit less laundry.

In addition to these types of cloth and covers there are also hybrid diapers, swim diapers, and training diapers.  Ask us if you want more information. 

Now let’s get into washing.  Wool covers have a slightly different way to be washed but all the other covers and diapers are fairly simple.  If your baby is exclusively breastfed, there is no reason to scrape poop off before you wash or do an extra wash.  For babies/toddlers that are formula fed or have started solids you will want to wipe, scrape, or do an extra wash first to get off any bm residue.

To Launder Diapers:

1.       Wash on cool on a short setting without detergent.

2.       Wash on hot on a heavy duty setting with detergent.

3.       1 extra rinse cycle.

4.       Throw them in the dryer or hang them in the sun to remove stains.

If you have hard water you may need to use a water softener or detergent specific to hard water washings.  I also use ¼ cup of bleach once per month but please know that it can deteriorate natural fabrics. I live in a place that has very hard water so the bleach helps to remove mineral and urine buildup.  Make sure to do an extra rinse cycle if using bleach.

So now that you know the basics, we hope you come visit us at one of our Swap & Sell events.We are always happy to help you and answer any questions you may have. This is an economical way to start cloth diapering and get to learn some tips and tricks from other families who have crossed over to the fluffy side.