Cloth Diapering

The following information is written by a friend of mine in my mommy group. I currently have no experience with cloth diapers (as JBTB in still in womb) but i plan on CDing and am excited to do so. I found this information extremely helpful and concise. Just another perk of being apart of a mommy group!

Cloth Diapering Lingo

CD-Cloth Diapering
BG-Bum Genius Brand
HH-Happy Heiny Brand
FB-Fuzzi Bunz Brand
RR-Rumperooz Brand
CS-Charlie’s Soap Detergent
Sposies-Disposibles


Hey Groovy Mamas! So you want put a little change back in your pockets, all while doing your part in keeping waste out of our landfills Huh? Well, you’ve taken that first step!



Words of wisdom: With all things baby, there is a TON of information out there which can be overwhelming and discouraging. Just remember, cloth diapering is not nearly as hard as you may think! Just like raising a baby, cloth diapering works differently for everyone. The diaper that one may like may not work so well for someone else. These are just the general guidelines and information to help you get started. Guidelines are meant to be followed, but tweaked to fit you and your family lifestyle.


The average price to disposible diaper a baby from birth to 2 years is roughly $1200 a year. With the recent news of rising diaper prices, it will obviously be more. Expect to spend around $300 on average for your cloth diapering start up stash. Some spend more, while others spend less. Buying CDs used through craigslist, ebay, friends, etc will help defray costs. CDs can be used multiple times for multiple children. So the initial investment will pay off. Plus you can resale your dipes! Watch out because cloth diapering can be addicting. So many choices, styles and colors& patterns, Oh My!


Good Luck!




Types of Cloth Diapers
1.1. Pre-fold Diapers


i. Pre-folds are the old school cloth diapers that everyone remembers and are most economical.
ii. Pre-folds are folded over the baby and kept in place by pins or Snappis. (The modern version of pins)
iii. These are the least expensive of the cloth diapers and can function as other uses once done as a diaper, such as burp cloths, dusting & cleaning rags.
iv. The fabrics can be made out of hemp, bamboo, fleece, etc
v. Pre folds require a diaper cover. Covers can be used more than once per diaper.
vi. Popular brands include: Econobum, Bummis (Gerber brands found at the store are NOT recommended)
vii. Price range: Starting $6 per diaper including cover



1.2. Fitted Diapers
i. Fitted diapers look similar to a disposable diaper and have elastic at the legs and back.
ii. The closures are commonly snaps or Velcro and come in various different materials, such as bamboo, fleece, or hemp.
iii. Requires a diaper cover. Diaper covers can be used more than once per diaper.
iv. Fitted diapers come in set sizes from newborn to toddler. You change sizes as the baby grows.
v. Popular Brands include: Kissaluvs, Happy Heiny, & Thirsties
vi. Price range: Starting $15 per diaper including cover


1.3. Pocket Diapers
i. Pocket diapers are the most commonly used cloth diaper.
ii. Pocket diapers are pre-shaped and have a pocket that allows you to “stuff” the diaper with inserts.
iii. A pocket diapers DOES NOT require a separate cover.
iv. Stuffers for pocket diaper are generally made of micro-fleece, suede-cloth, cotton or bamboo.
v. The pocket diaper is available in one size that allows you to use from newborn to toddler.
vi. Popular brands include: Bum Genius, Happy Heiny, Rumparooz, Fuzzi Bunz
vii. Price range: Starting $15 per diaper


1.4. All-in-One Diapers
i. All-in-Ones are most like the disposable diaper. All In Ones have the soaker is sewn to the waterproof cover making an all in one combination. These are the diapers that are considered “daddy, babysitter, & daycare friendly”. They are the easiest to use, because the diaper is one whole piece with no folding or stuffing to them.
ii. The All-in-Ones require more drying time.
iii. They are the most expensive diaper of all the choices.
iv. All-In-Ones come in various sizes from newborn to toddler. As well as one size
v. Popular brands include: Bum Genius, & Rumparooz
vi. Prices range: Starting $20 per diaper




5. Hybrid Diapers
i. Hybrid diapers offer the convenience of disposable diapers coupled with the reusability of cloth diaper covers.
ii. Each diaper consists of a washable, reusable cloth diaper cover which can be used with either biodegradable disposable inserts or washable cloth inserts.
iii. Most convenient for travel
iv. Popular brand include: Gro Via, Gdiapers, Flip
v. Prices range: Starting $22 per diaper including cover




Cleaning Diapers


Breastfed poop does not need to be sprayed off before cleaning. The natural content breaks down easily in the initial rinse.


Otherwise, just shake, dunk or use a sprayer to remove poops. Then place diaper in diaper pail/bag.


No need to rinse for wet diapers.


Rinse and/or wash as many times as needed on the occasion that problems (see below) arise.


1.1. Cold Rinse
i. Loosens debris and helps with stain prevention
ii. Add Baking Soda to this cycle to help neutralize smells


1.2. Hot Water Wash
iii. With a non-bleaching, non-free/clear, non-fabric softening detergent


3. Warm Water Rinse
iv. Helps remove remaining soap residue


If Needed: Run 2nd Hot Wash w/o detergent OR 2-3 Warm Rinses


Some Recommended Detergents: Original Powder Tide, Charlie’s Soap, Rockin’ Green, Allen’s Naturally, Crunchy Clean


NOT Recommended Detergents: Free & Clears, Fabric Softeners, W/ Bleaches, Baby Detergents. (These will break down your diaper fibers & can rashes due to build ups)



Problem Shooting


1. Repelling
What is it: Liquid not being soaked up properly by diaper, constant leaks
Caused By: soap residue
Solution: Use correct amount of detergent, multiple hot water rinses


2. Stinkies
What is it: Odor on/from the diaper
Caused By: Too long between washes, Not enough washes, Soap residue
Solution: Additional hot washes, in extreme cases-hand washing with Regular Liquid Dawn dish soap, Adding vinegar to the rinse cycle


3. Stains
What is it: A stain
Caused By: Prolonged timing between washes, extreme poop scenarios
Solution: The Sun! It’s a natural stain remover.


4. Build Up
What is it: Build up of soap residue
Caused By: Diapers not being rinsed properly
Solution: Strip them with hot washes no detergent.

5. Leaks
What is it: Your diapers leaking
Caused By: Repelling, Wrong sized diaper, baby being in diaper a prolonged amount of time.
Solution: Check diaper for soap buildup by running them in a rinse cycle, if suds appear, you have soap residue. Check for the fit of the diaper on baby. Change baby :P




How Many Diapers Do I Need
1. The average newborn uses 12 diapers a one day. As your baby grows this number will decrease between 4 and 8 diapers a day.
2. It is suggested to wash at least every 2-3 days. To help prevent stains & buildup
3. If you are currently using disposables, count how many diapers you use in one day, multiply that number by how many days you would like to go between washing and this will tell you how many diapers you should purchase.
4. Suggested number of cds for a newborn is 18-24 if the intention is to wash every other day. Older babies 12-18




Cloth Diapering Accessories
1. Diaper Pail
i. Keeps the diapers and odors contained
ii. A trash can works well, lined with a pail liner


2. Pail Liners
i. Like a reusable trash bag; Gets thrown in the wash with the diapers


3. Wet Bags
i. Small bags used on the go to hold dirty diapers.
ii. Can also be used to hold wet clothing and such


4. Diaper Sprayer
i. Looks like a Kitchen faucet sprayer that attaches to the side of your toilet to spray of sticky poos. No need to swish and dunk.


5. Cloth Wipes
i. Baby wash cloths work well. As well as regular wash cloths
ii. Wipes solutions can be homemade, or bought
a. Water- Free and works just as great!
b. Lavender & Tea Tree Oil Wipes
1 cup water
3 drops lavender oil (optional, for scent)
2 drops tea tree oil
c. Vinegar Anti-Fungal Wipes
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/4 cup aloe vera oil
2 drops tea tree oil
d. Baby Bits Brand
e. Bum Genius Bum Cleaner
f. California Baby Diaper Area Wash (Jess L. dilutes this in a spray bottle, four parts water to one part CA Baby)


Cloth Diapering Websites:
www.jilliansdrawers.com
www.kellyscloset.com
www.kellymom.com
www.diaperpin.com


NOTE: I am not an cding expert, however I will claim to be well informed. I have been cloth diapering for 2 years now, and at one point two Little Ones at the same time. I researched cding for the 9 months I was pg. The best way to get through it is to do it!

Hope this helps some! Happy Dipeing :D - Aisha Fanning