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Posts Tagged ‘cloth diapers’
How to Use Cloth Diapers
January 17th, 2012 | 
Author: 
Every parent wants the best for their baby, and for many, that means opting to use cloth diapers. Why? What are the benefits? One of the biggest is expense: a typical family will save over $2,600 by using cloth over disposable. Many times, family members or friends will sneak cloth diapers into diaper cakes or diaper bags because they're firm believers and it's no wonder why!
The benefits for your child are equally important to saving money: cloth diapered babies tend to have less diaper rash and skin irritation and they will probably be potty-trained before their disposable diaper-wearing peers.
If you are hesitant to use cloth because you fear sticking your baby in the hip with a big diaper pin or you wonder if you'll be able to wrap them correctly in order to prevent leakage, don't worry. Today's cloth diapers are much more parent-friendly and easy to use.
There is no doubt about it: diapering technology has advanced. While it means drier bums, it can also mean intimidation for new parents. How do you start? Which fabric is best? Do you need liners, doublers, or both? And what in the world is an AIO or an AI2?
The first step is to learn about the different kinds of cloth diapers. This isn't your grandma's square of linen anymore; you have incredible options, including:
All in One (or AIO). This diaper includes all the parts you need, such as an inner soaker and waterproof cover. They are relatively easy to use and do not require additional supplies. Many people consider them just like disposable diapers in terms of ease – the only difference is you wash it instead of throw it away! On the con side, these take longer to dry and they can cost between $16 and $30. Remember, though, you can use the same diaper for years. BumGenius is a highly recommended brand, particularly their organic AIOs.- All in Two (or AI2). Because AIOs take so long to dry, AI2s can be a great choice. They come apart to speed up drying times. You simply fasten the soaker, or the inner absorbent part of the diaper, to the outer cover.
The downside to both AIOs and AI2s is that they are quite expensive because you have to have enough on hand to last until you do washing next. Having 10 – 20 $30 diapers is a big upfront expense. But there are some other options.
- Prefolds. These are the least expensive option. They look like squares of cloth but have prefold seams to help make diapering a bit easier. You fold them into a rectangle and put them inside a diaper cover (which are inexpensive and can be reused between changings). You then fasten the cover, and you are done. You can also skip the cover and fasten the cloth diaper with a Snappi. Prefolds can be used throughout your child's diapered life – and beyond. They can be used as diapers, liners, and soakers, as well as baby bibs (or mainly burp cloths) when thoroughly cleaned.
- Pocket diapers. These have a waterproof outer layer and then a layer of suede cloth or microfleece inside. In between the layers, in the pocket, you can put whatever you want for lining and increase absorbency if you need to.
- Fitted diapers. These have elastic and fasteners built in so you do not need snaps or Snappis. You will need a separate cover. These are like a combination of prefolds and pockets.
Most parents use a combination of these options. For instance, they may use prefolds at home and then use AIOs, AI2s, or pocket diapers for going out or when a babysitter or less experienced diaperer is watching the baby. ClothDiapersMadeEasy has a convenient chart to help you determine how many diapers you need, depending on which option(s) you choose.
The “how” is slightly different with each type of diaper. AIOs, for instance, work just like regular disposables. Prefolds are probably the most intimidating at first, but you just need to practice – and invest in a few great covers and a diaper pail with liners. You can find some great video tutorials on YouTube, like the one shown below.
The most important tip is do not be intimidated. You will soon find that it is easy to use cloth diapers, even prefolds. You may have some new parent mishaps at first, but everyone does – even those who use disposable diapers!
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The Diaper Debate - Cloth or Disposable?
- Pink Little Lamb Diaper Cake
The debate has long raged on between families who use cloth diapers versus families who use disposable diapers. Both sides have a good argument. Before you decide which you’ll use, check out some of the features and benefits of both.
Cloth Diapers
When you choose cloth diapers, first and foremost you are helping the environment because you are creating less waste that will sit in landfills. You are also using fewer diapers, as cloth diapers are washable and reusable. You can toss them in the washing machine, or you can hire a diaper service. With cloth diapers, there’s no chemical or manufacturing process that could harm the environment. The cloth is a natural cotton fiber that is wonderfully soft against baby’s delicate skin. You can also reuse them later as rags for washing the car and other odd jobs.
But…
Cloth diapers are definitely more work. You’ll need to master the art of safety pinning a diaper onto a baby whose legs are flailing in the air. You will need a diaper pail for the sole purpose of storing dirty diapers until you can wash them or they are picked up by the service. Do you really want a pail full of soiled diapers sitting around? Also, you will have to put a plastic waterproof liner on your baby outside the diaper as leaks are plentiful. Cloth can’t hold nearly as much fluid as high-tech modern disposables. So you’ll be changing your baby more often, and there’s also a fairly good chance that leaks will happen.
Disposable Diapers
Today’s disposables are so technologically advanced that they can hold cups and cups of fluid and never leak. They’ve gotten so good that you won’t even know baby is wet. The protective fibers wick moisture away from baby’s tender skin so he are not sitting in wetness between diaper changes. Disposable diapers are also convenient to carry along with you on outings, and once they’re used you toss them and forget about them. They’re easy for novices to get the hang of and require no pins. Plus, you don’t have to carve out time in an already hectic schedule to wash a pail of diapers. When the traffic is unexpectedly delayed or you’re at a place where there’s no changing area, you’ll be glad that the disposable will go the extra mile and hold many times its weight.
But…
Disposables have to go somewhere and that somewhere is the landfill. Yes, they do biodegrade over time, but for now they’re adding to the trash piles. You’ll use lots of diapers over the years and will have to keep buying new one, so you’re using more resources both in the money you spend and in the materials needed to make them. The diapers are made to wick moisture away from baby’s bottom, but baby is still wrapped essentially in a plastic covering, so some diaper rash will likely occur from time to time.
The choice between cloth or disposable diapers is personal. Either method works just fine. Weigh all the facts and then stick to your guns when a mom scrunches up her nose in judgment at your choice. Both sides think they’ve made the better choice; however, when it comes to your baby, the choice is yours. Just be ready for the occasional debate!
If you know Mom will be using disposable diapers, then one of the all-time best shower gifts is a baby diaper cake. They can do double duty as the baby shower centerpiece and as a gift for the mom-to-be. Every new parent can utilize diapers so this is one gift you know won't be returned!
