Cloth Diapers 101

I started doing cloth diapers when I found out I was pregnant with my second child to cut costs. However, cloth diapers are an investment so you definitely want to properly care for them so they last longer. Some people even try selling them to others to try and recoup some of their money back. They come in different options and different designs.

From personal experience, I bought a ton of cloth diapers from pocket ones, fitted, and all-in-one. I never did the pre-folded ones though. I liked the all-in-one the best and the pocket ones. The all-in-one because there was no stuffing the pockets and they were just ready once they were done line drying.

The pocket ones I liked because I could adjust how many inserts to put inside the pocket. At night I would do 2 and during day 1 would work. However, after washing and drying them then you would have to stuff the pockets, so they were ready when needed.

Items you need for Cloth Diapers:

1. Decide on what type of Diapers – There are four different types pre-folded, fitted, pockets, and all-in-one.
2. Diaper cream – If you decide to use cloth diapers you need to be extra careful as the chemicals in some diaper creams will ruin the absorption of the diapers and cause them to leak or repel.
   1. Organic Diaper Balm for Cloth Diapers
3. Wipes – Cloth or store-bought

How many Cloth Diapers do I need?

We recommend starting with at least a dozen. Doing a load of laundry with less than that can be wasteful in terms of water and energy used. Having about 20 cloth diapers is best. (If you have an energy-efficient washer that automatically detects the water level you will want to put a large towel in there to make sure there is enough water being used to properly clean the diapers.)

Newborns, on average, use 10-12 diapers per day, infants use 8-10, and older babies and toddlers use 6-8 diapers each day.

You can get away with fewer diapers than they suggest, so your actual cost could be lower. With Diaperdecision.com’s figures, you are saving between 43% and 85% of the price of disposables. Alternately, if you do choose to buy more diapers than absolutely necessary, you will put less wear on them, therefore your diapers can either be used for a sibling or sold for about 50% of retail.

Directions for Caring for Cloth Diapers:

**Avoid softeners and bleach **

1. If soiled, remove poop from the diaper, rinse and keep damp.
2. Toss into a dry pail and wash every day to every other day.

Directions for washing Cloth Diaper:

**Avoid softeners and bleach **

1. Pre-rinse with cold water and no detergent.
2. Use a regular warm water cycle and a detergent that rinses clean.
   1. I used powder Tide (Original) laundry soap.
3. Dry diapers in the dryer on low heat or hang dry.

Tips and Tricks for Using Cloth Diapers:

• Use lemon juice to whiten or sun them outside on a clothesline. (My neighbors use to compliment me about the crazy diaper designs).
• Use washer’s highest water level. If it is a HE washer that detects add a towel or two.
• Smelly? I would soak in the bathtub overnight in warm water with vinegar and baking soda. Agitate a few times when you think of it.

Cost Savings from Cloth Diapers:

According to Diaperdecisions.com, cloth diapering from birth to age 2.5 can run from a total of $381 (for pre-folds and covers), including the cost of washing, to $1468 (for hybrids) while disposables would cost about $2577.

Have any further questions or recommendations please comment below! I would love to hear them!

Sincerely,