There are so many reasons to use cloth diapers, but the most important one is your baby.
The Baby Marketplace is a great resource in the overwhelming world of cloth diapers. Find out everything you need to know about cloth diapering in 2009.
Why Use Cloth Diapers?
The world of cloth diapering is overwhelming to say the least. That's why when asked the question "why use cloth diapers?" we like to keep it simple:
- Cloth diapers are less expensive than disposables
- Cloth diapers are healthier for your baby
- Cloth diapers are better for the environment
- Cloth diapers are just as easy as disposables
Ready to hear more?
Cloth Diapers Are Less Expensive Than Disposables
Your child will be in diapers for anywhere from 2 to 3 years. Using an average monthly diaper cost for disposables of $65 per month you are looking at spending approximately $1,500 to $2,300 on disposable diapers per child.
While the cost of cloth diapers varies largely on the type you choose, a complete cloth diaper system for a child could start from about $300 if you were to use prefold diapers and covers to over $800 if you were using premium all in one diapers. Keep in mind that cost could include more than one child. If you use your diapers for two children you could save in excess of $4,000 just by using cloth diapers.
Cloth Diapers Are Healthier For Your Baby
Disposable diapers contain chemicals such as Dioxin and Tributyl-tin (TBT). These chemicals in various forms have been shown to cause cancer, birth defects, liver damage, skin disorders and genetic damage.
Why add more chemicals to your baby’s environment than absolutely necessary? Cloth diapers are free of these chemicals.
Cloth Diapers Are Better For the Environment
Simply put disposable diapers require tons of plastic and trees to be manufactured; once they are used they sit in the landfills for hundreds of years.
Cloth Diapers Are Just As Easy As Disposables
You won’t believe it until you try it. Cloth diapers these days are made for convenience. With snap and Velcro closures, even the least expensive systems are no more difficult to maneuver than a disposable diaper.
What about washing? It’s easy, put all of your used diapers in a diaper tote bag (shake solid waste into the toilet first). When the tote is full simply dump the contents into the washer, throw the bag in too and run the washing machine. It really is easy.
Types of Cloth Diapers
Prefolds
One of the most popular options in cloth diapering. Prefold diapers are generally referred to as 4x6x4 and 4x8x4. This reflects the number of layers in the side and middle panels of the diaper. For example 4x6x4 construction means that the two outer side panels are 4 layers of material while the middle panel contains 6 layers.
Prefold diapers need to be pinned, snappi’ed or folded into a wrap style cover.
We recommend: Chinese Prefolds
Fitted
Fitted diapers contain elastic at the legs and back and look similar to a disposable diaper. The closures are commonly snap or Velcro and come in various different materials and prints. Popular choices for fitted diapers are flannel, Sherpa fleece, bamboo and hemp.
Fitted diapers require a cover, either wrap style or pull on.
We recommend: MJ's Fitted Sherpa, Sammy's One Size, Bamboo Baby Fitted, Snug To Fit One Size, Tiny Tots Economy Fitted
Covers
The diaper cover is an important part of the cloth diaper system. A good quality, properly fitting cover is what will avoid leaks and messes.
There are a variety of styles of a covers available on the market the most common being wrap and pull on.
The wrap cover is generally closed in the front with snaps of Velcro and is shaped just like a disposable diaper. These come in a variety of materials and prints, the most common being polyurethane laminate (PUL). Others are made of waterproofed nylon.
The pull on cover is shaped the same as underpants and easy to pull onto a squirmy toddler however can only be used with fitted diapers or a pinned or snappi’d prefold. Pull ons are also available in PUL and waterproofed nylon, in addition to wool.
Wool Covers are natural, breathable, moisture resistant and anti bacterial making them a great overnight cover choice.
We recommend: Bummis Super Whisper Wrap, Bummis Super Snap, Bummis Original, Aristocrats Wool Cover
All In One
All In Ones are exactly that, the absorbent “diaper part” is sewn to the waterproof “cover part” making an all in one combination.
The AIO’s advantage is ease of use. These diapers are generally trim and are easy enough for babysitters to use.
We recommend: Bamboo Baby All In One, BumGenius 3.0
Doublers and Liners
Doubles are used to add absorbency to your diapers. Doublers and liners are great for overnight and naptime or any other heavy wetting time. Made from various materials such as micro fiber, flannel, fleece or terry doublers are a great way to convert a regular diaper to a nighttime diaper.
We recommend: Flannel, Terry or Sherpa Diaper Doublers
Getting Started
Getting started with cloth diapers is the most difficult part of cloth diapering. The possibilities are endless and with the vast amount of information available making a decision is nearly impossible.
Here is what we recommend:
Diapers and Covers: The more you have the less often you need to wash. A good starting point is 24 diapers and 6 covers. With a newborn this will mean washing every other day however once you know what works for your baby you can add to your stash. Start with an assortment of both diapers and covers to give your self the opportunity to try different kinds. 12 Prefolds plus a few varieties of fitted diapers is a great way to start. Try at least two different kinds of covers.
Wipes: start with 24 wipes.
Diaper Tote: 1 Large (or XL) for the nursery and 1 small for outings.
We recommend: Cloth Diaper Starter Package, Economy Wipes, Diaper Totes
Cloth Wipes
Cloth wipes make sense. Some people simply use warm water with their reusable wipes, others prefer a solutions consisting of:
¼ cup Baby Oil, ¼ cup Baby Shampoo, 1 ¼ cups Water, 8 drops Lavender Oil and 5 drops Tea Tree Oil
This mixture will work well in a spray bottle kept at the changing area.
We recommend: Economy Wipes
Washing Cloth Diapers and Covers
The Baby Marketplace cloth diapers and diaper covers are made from the highest quality fabrics available. Proper care fore these will assure long use and comfortable wear for the baby.
All diapers must be washed before use. If you are unsure if the size is correct, only wash and shrink one diaper, as we cannot accept returns of washed or used diapers.
The diaper will shrink most after the first wash and dry, but continue to shrink slightly for a few more washings.
Do not use fabric softener when washing or drying the diapers. Fabric softener works by leaving a coating on the fabric, and this will reduce the absorbency of the cotton. There is also a risk of skin irritation for baby, once this gets wet.
We recommend washing diapers with Soap Nuts. They contain large quantities of saponin in their shells. It acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without any chemicals, fragrances or dyes, they are safe and gentle.
Regular cleaning detergents (like Tide, Purex, Gain, etc.) are also very good at getting the diapers clean and germ free.
You do not need to use hot water to wash. An extra rinse is a good idea, especially since most people use too much detergent on their diapers!
Stain Prevention: Rinse any of the diapers that have been soiled in COLD water. Hot water will set stains.
Do not use chlorine bleach. Use of this will accelerate the deterioration of all fabrics and components of these diaper products. You will shorten the lifespan of the product considerably.
The diapers and diaper covers can go in the dryer or be hung to dry.
Note: many diapers and cover come with specific washing instructions. Please refer to the manufacturer’s specific specifications.
Stripping Cloth Diapers
Occasionally cloth diapers will hold a smell or build up residue from detergents which will cause them to not absorb well. When this happens you may want to try stripping the diapers.
Begin with clean diapers and run a hot wash with no detergent. The water needs to be as hot as possible.
Next rinse the diapers with a hot rinse. While rinsing check to see if there are bubbles in the washer. Continue with the rinse cycles (it may take a few) until there are no more bubbles.
During the final rinse add ½ cup vinegar to the wash. Vinegar will break down uric acid and soap residue.
Folding Cloth Diapers
Chinese Prefolds Folding Instructions:
Basic Fold.
How to fold for use with a Velcro or Snap closing cover.
How to fold using pins or snappi fastener.
Bikini / Twist Fold.
Save $ and use a large prefold in a small cover.
How to fold a SnugtoFit Diaper: Folding Instructions for the SnugtoFit Diaper
How to fold a Sammy's One Size Diaper: Folding Instructions for Sammy's One Size Diaper
How to use a Terry No Fold: Folding Instructions Terry No-Fold Diapers
