Cloth Diapering 101

This page provides answers to many of your questions about choosing and caring for cloth diapers. Like many families, we were hesitant to use cloth - mostly due to misinformation we heard from friends and family. We spent months researching, but once we made the choice to use cloth diapers, we never looked back! In fact, we were so convinced that cloth diapers are the best choice for babies, we opened a whole store dedicated to providing the finest cloth diaper systems available! Plus, we want to share some of the research we found most helpful and to give you a feel for the real-life cloth diaper experience. And remember, you can always call (877.222.9230) or email us with any questions.

Introduction to Cloth Diapers
8 Reasons to Choose Cloth
Types of Cloth Diapers
Cloth Diaper Savings Calculator
Getting Started
Accessories
Washing Recommendations
Using Cloth Diapers in Daycare

Introduction to Cloth Diapers

Like many parents, you have probably contemplated whether to use cloth diapers or disposables. In our conversations with many new and busy parents, we have learned most of the parents who chose disposable diapers did so because they were unaware just how much cloth diapers have changed since our parents used them. Today’s modern cloth diaper systems and cloth diaper covers bear no resemblance to the cloth diapers of yesteryear. Modern cloth diapers are durable, waterproof, stain resistant, and most importantly, exceedingly easy to use and clean. Not only will your baby feel better, but you will also minimize your impact on the environment! Several cloth diaper manufacturers have taken green and sustainability even further by offering choices including organic cotton and hemp cloth diapers for your natural baby. After making the switch to cloth diapers, most parents are astonished at how easily both they and their babies adapted to these unique cloth diaper systems. Best of all, your baby's bottom will thank you for surrounding it in the softness of a cloth diaper.

At The Natural Baby, we offer one of the widest selections of cloth diapers and cloth diapering systems. We carry top-rated, real life and time-tested brands including bumGenius, FuzziBunz, Happy Heinys, Imse Vimse, Kissaluvs and Thirsties. With such a wide selection of cloth diapers available, we know the decision as to which cloth diaper system to choose can be daunting. No matter which cloth diaper system you choose, be assured The Natural Baby will be here to support you every step of the way with expert advice based upon experience.

In fulfilling our commitment to support moms, nurture babies and respect the environment, we not only carry a broad selection of the highest quality cloth diapers, but we also endeavor to always have sufficient numbers of each size and color on hand (in both our physical store and on-line) so you do not have to wait for your cloth diapers. Most importantly, you will find our dedication to offering the best customer service and knowledgeable, practical advice is without comparison in the cloth diaper industry. Thank you for choosing The Natural Baby for all your cloth diapering needs!

8 Reasons to Choose Cloth Diapers

Lower cost. The significant cost savings is one of the main reasons many parents choose cloth diapers. You can save $1500-$2000 just in the first 2 years of cloth diapering compared to using disposable diapers. Better yet, if you decide to use the same cloth diapers for a second child, you have just doubled your savings! Want to see exactly how much you can save using cloth diapers instead of disposables? Try this cloth diaper savings calculator.
A healthier baby. The chemicals in the plastic liners, the ultra-absorbent gels, and the formation of ammonia are among the health concerns associated with disposable diapers. Claims of a higher incidence of diaper rash in babies who wear cloth diapers are completely unfounded. Research has shown it is the length of time the skin is in contact with urine as the most important factor associated with diaper or “nappy rash”. In fact, it may be that a baby in a disposable diaper has a greater chance of developing diaper rash as they are often changed less frequently than a baby in cloth diapers. We have met many moms who finally switched to cloth diapers expressly to help restore their baby's bottom to health. We recommend changing your baby's cloth diapers every 2 hours when awake. Following are just a few of the articles regarding health concerns and disposable diapers:
Diaper Dermatitis: A Review
Implications of Disposable Nappies
Scrotal Temperatures Increased in Disposable Plastic Lined Nappies
Acute Respiratory Effects of Diaper Emissions
Better for the environment. We are aware of some earlier studies indicating cloth diapers were no better for the environment than disposables. However, most of those studies were funded by disposable diaper manufacturers. One of the most common arguments we here against the use of cloth diapers is the high amount of water and energy needed to launder them. Recent independent studies address this misconception specifically and unequivocally support the fact that cloth diapers are better for the environment, even when accounting for the cost and impact of washing and drying. For further reading, you’ll find these articles and links of interest:
Disposable Nappies: A Case Study in Waste Prevention
Real Diaper Association Diaper Facts
Cloth Diapering and Waste Water Treatment
Less leakage. Yes, it’s true, the old style cloth diapers and poorly designed covers leaked. The rubberized plastic covers were uncomfortable, too! But today’s cloth diapers actually leak less than disposables and modern covers are nothing like their predecessors! We know moms who actually switched to cloth diapers because they were fed up with disposables leaking. We can also speak from direct experience since our own little one started off with disposables that frequently leaked. Once we switched to cloth diapers, leaks became a thing of the past!
Easy to clean. Due to two fairly recent innovations, the diaper sprayer and flushable liners, cloth diapers are now easier than ever to clean. Exclusively breastfed babies have water-soluble poop that is easily removed during an initial rinse cycle in your washer. That means you can just drop your baby’s soiled diapers in a dry pail and let your washer do all the work for you! After your baby starts solid foods, flushable liners can be placed between the diaper and your baby's bottom. These liners will allow moisture to pass through to the diaper, but prevent solids from soaking into and sticking to the diaper itself. By just flushing away the soiled liners, it takes the mess out of washing your cloth diapers. An equally great alternative to liners is using a diaper sprayer that connects to your toilet’s water supply to pre-rinse the diapers. No dunking of diapers is required with one these sprayers.
No pins needed. None of the modern cloth diapers we offer require the use of safety pins. Modern cloth diapers use snaps, Velcro, Aplix or a combination of snaps and Velcro closures. For prefold cloth diapers, there is an ingenious pinless diaper fastener invented by a father who, himself, was frustrated by conventional pins – the Snappi.
Easy care. Granted, cloth diapers require slightly more work than disposables, but modern diapers are actually a breeze to care for. We recommend washing every 2-3 days. Using a dry pail and waterproof pail liner such as Wahmies to store wet and soiled diapers until wash day simplifies the process. Here is how easy it is: Just lift the bag out of the pail, invert the bag into the washer, run a rinse without detergent and then a full wash cycle with a small amount of detergent, toss them in the dryer and that’s it! No more running to the store in the middle of the night after realizing you only have 1 disposable left!
Earlier and Easier Potty Learning. Many families believe that using cloth diapers rather than disposables means less struggling with potty learning. Because babies are familiar with the sensation of being wet after eliminating, they tend to be more aware of their need to use the bathroom - and attempt to communicate that need earlier than their disposable-diapered companions.

Types of Cloth Diapers

Prefold Diapers Long considered the work-horse of the cloth diapering world, “prefolds” are the diapers you remember from childhood. Gone, however, are the scary diaper pins, so fear not - you needn't jab your little one unexpectedly! Prefold diapers are available in various sizes to accommodate babies from birth to potty training, and at less than $4 per diaper, are easily replaced when soiled or lost. The most economical of the cloth diapering choices, they also make great burp cloths and dusting rags when your little one moves on to the big potty!
Contour Diapers One step up from prefold diapers, contour diapers still require securing within the diaper cover but instead of being rectangular in shape, they are contoured to fit the baby, with wings in front and back. They are available in a range of sizes and fabrics from organic cotton to hemp to microterry and fleece.
Fitted Diapers Fitted diapers are the most technically advanced diaper available without a built-in cover. Snaps and/or velcro make securing these diapers to your baby a breeze. Fitted diapers are especially known for their ability to contain even the runniest poops, so with a well-fitting cover, your little one's clothing should stay clean and fresh all day.
Pocket Diapers Pocket diapers are designed for flexibility in absorbency while still maintaining a trim fit. These diapers are great for overnight because they can be stuffed with two- or three-times what your baby needs during the day, and with a stay-dry layer of soft fleece against your baby's skin, can significantly extend the (much-needed) sleep time between diaper changes. When the stuffing is removed, drying time is reduced dramatically.
All-In-One Diapers The name says it all! All-in-One diapers (AIOs) are designed to go from the wash to baby's bum and back to the pail with no muss and no fuss. The outer layer of waterproof laminated polyester fabric (PUL) is soft and quiet, the inner layers of cotton or hemp absorb whatever your little one can dish up, and a layer of ultra-soft fleece keeps the baby's skin nice and dry. All-in-One diapers are great for daycare, Daddies, and even the occasional weekend at Grandma's!

Cloth Diaper Savings Calculator

Click here for an easy-to-use automated calculator to illustrate your potential savings when using cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers.

Getting Started

Okay, so you have decided what style or combination of styles you want to use for your little one. Now what?

Newborns go through approximately 12 diapers/day. Depending on how many days you want to go between washing, that means anywhere from 12-36 diapers total. We can tell you from experience, that after two days, your diaper pail will begin to...well...to stink a little. AND, your washing machine will do a much better job cleaning 24 diapers than it will 36. So we generally recommend one or two day's worth of diapers.

As your baby grows, he will need fewer and fewer diaper changes each day, so you may be comforted to know that by the time he is outgrowing those newborn diapers, around 6 months or so, you will most likely need only about 8-10 diapers per day.

One-Size Diapers are a great option for folks who would prefer one thing from newborn to potty learning. Rather than buying X number of small diapers + X number of medium diapers + X number of large diapers, you can buy just one batch and use them from start to finish. Remember, though, that means 24+ months of constant use, rather than just 6-8 months - at the end of your child's diapering career, you may need a whole new stash of diapers if you are planning to cloth diaper more children.

"Did you say combination of diaper styles? But I've barely begun to understand one system!"

Depending on your daily routine - at home full-time, part-time, day-care, etc. - you may find a combination system works best for you and your family. In our home, we elected to use fitted diapers and wool covers ($$) during the day (I am with our children full-time) and pocket diapers ($$$) for naps, night-time and for trips outside the home. We like the flexibility, not to mention the reduced out-of-pocket expense over doing a full stash of pockets. Of course, if pocket diapers are the only way you will consider using cloth but money is still a concern, consider just one day's worth instead of two. You will save money but you will be washing diapers every night.

Accessories

There are many products out there that make choosing cloth much easier. Here are our top recommendations:

Cloth Wipes Why complicate your cloth diapering system with disposable baby wipes? Not only are they the clear green alternative to disposables, but cloth wipes are easy to care for and out-perform disposables hands down. All you need to decide is whether you would like to store them wet or dry. Storing wet wipes means being diligent about changing their water/solution every day or every other day to prevent mildew. Storing them dry means having something nearby to wet them before use. Sink? Spray bottle? Peri bottle? Use whatever works for you but if you plan to travel, make sure you have a road-ready alternative. Toss used wipes in with the dirty diapers and wash them all together.

Pail Liner I consider reusable pail liners a must-have item for any cloth diapering system. They are large enough to fit in a standard garbage can/diaper pail and make transporting dirty diapers to the washing machine a breeze. Just remove the bag and carry everything to the machine, invert the bag, dumping its contents and throw the bag in after. Wash it all together and put a clean liner in your diaper pail, ready for the next diaper change. Yes, we do recommend two pail liners. We've had many people purchase one to start with only to come back in a week or two for the second one so save yourself some time and get two.

Wet Bag If you are planning to leave the house with a baby in cloth diapers, you will need at least one wet bag. Bags range in size from 2-4 diaper capacity up to 18+. For quick trips to the store or baby's play dates, a medium-sized bag will generally be all you need. If baby is going to daycare for the day, consider the largest size available. And remember, these bags can be re-purposed after your little ones are out of diapers - wet clothes, swimsuits, lunch bags - the possibilities are endless.

Diaper Sprayer Although newborn/breastfed poop is water soluble and washes out in the machine, solid food poop does not, so you will need to remove as much before washing as possible. Many diapers, especially those lined with fleece, make this a pretty easy task, but even the best liner can't prevent stuck-on poop 100% of the time. That's where the diaper sprayer comes in. 5-10 minute installation means no dunking, swishing, flushing or swirling. Just a few sprays from with The Diaper Sprayer and the poop ends up where it belongs, and not in your washing machine.

Diaper Liners If you are using diapers that do NOT have a fleece liner, consider using a diaper liner to aid poop removal. The moisture from the poop will pass into the absorbent layers of the diaper, leaving a more solid poop for shaking into the toilet, and spraying a diaper liner is much easier and absorbs far less water than spraying the entire absorbent diaper. Liners are available in reusable fleece, raw silk, and even come in flushable form - talk about easy!

Hemp Products made with hemp are perfect for cloth diapering because hemp is a natural fiber which is extremely absorbent but trimmer than cotton or other materials. With hemp you can add extra absorbency where your baby needs it without increasing the diaper's bulk. We recommend using hemp in addition to your cotton layers or pocket diaper inserts because while hemp absorbs a lot it tends to absorb slowly, and so performs better under a few layers of quick-absorbing material.

Garment Extenders You may notice that when wearing a cloth diaper, your child has a significantly fluffier behind. While t-shirts and stretchy pants fit just fine, Onesies® and other bodysuits tend to be a little short, even though they fit in the upper body. Garment Extenders go a long way to help get plenty of wear out of those outfits. After testing a few different sets available on the market, we have found the 10-pack from One Step Ahead to have the best range of snap sizes, fitting the most clothing in our closet.

Washing Recommendations

As you browse through our shop or talk with friends, you will quickly find that everyone has a different system for washing cloth diapers. We have washed our diapers for over a year and have had good results with the following:

Remove solids by shaking them into the toilet, using a diaper sprayer when necessary.
Store soiled diapers in a dry pail.
Place diapers, wipes, pail liner and wet bags in machine and start a cold rinse. If the load is especially smelly, we will put some vinegar in the "bleach" compartment of our washer - you can use a Downy ball for the same result.
Set the machine to run a hot wash with an extra rinse (approximately 1 hour). We use a "small amount" of Tide HE Free (liquid), filling to the #1 line in the measuring cup that comes with the detergent.
Place the entire load in the dryer and run for approximately one hour on high. Some manufacturers say never dry on high so we remove all PUL-containing items - pail liners, wet bags, pocket diapers, PUL diaper covers - after one hour and dry for an extra 30 minutes.
Fold and re-stuff your diapers.

Troubleshooting Tips

★ How many diapers to wash at a time depends on your washer, your washing routine, your philosophy, and your diapers. As a general rule of thumb, wash no more than 18 fitted diapers or 24 prefolds at a time. You may be able to do more or less, so do a little experimenting to find what works best for you and your washer.

★ Like towels and t-shirts, diapers become more absorbent over time. This is especially true for cotton fleece and unbleached fabrics, which require some initial "roughing up" in the washing machine.

★ Most detergents suggest using an obscene amount of detergent. Use just enough to clean, but not so much that is leaves a residue. If you see suds at the end of your second rinse cycle, do an extra rinse and use a little less detergent next time.

★ Line drying will significantly reduce the wear and tear on your diapers and extend their useful life.

★ OxyClean® really is a great stain fighter. If sunning your wet diapers doesn't help, put a small amount of OxyClean® in every load or mix it with a small amount of water to make a paste and apply directly to tough stains. *Re-wash OxyClean®-treated diapers.