Cloth Diapering 101

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Cloth Diapering 101
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FAQ's

Why should I use cloth diapers? TOP

The average American baby will use around 6,500 disposables. More than 20 billion of these go into our landfills each year.
Disposable diapers can take up to 500 years to decompose.
Each baby in disposable diapers consumes 4.5 trees (Based on only 2 years in diapers.)
There is a threat of contamination from disposable diapers because of human sewage going into landfills.
Disposable diapers are the third largest contributor to municipal solid waste systems:
when you use cloth, you avoid adding to this serious environmental problem.
Environmentally, cloth diapers are a better choice, even after the energy required for washing and drying is factored.
Cloth diapering is the very best way to reduce, re-use and recycle!
After all, our babies inherit the world from us …

Are cloth diapers expensive? TOP
The good news is that cloth diapers actually save you money in the long run. Economically, using cloth diapers is like buying a home, using disposables is like renting: you are simply putting your dollars into corporate pockets. If you've invested in cloth diapers they are yours. You have equity! Your net worth has increased! You can use the cloth diapers again and again AND THEN you can recycle them as rags, pass them along to other parents or donate them to a shelter. Also, think of small yet important contribution you are making to the environment!
See our Cloth vs. Disposables section.

How many diapers will I need? TOP

Newborns typically use about 10 to 12 diapers per day
Infants may use 8 to 10 diapers a day
Toddlers use about 6 to 8 diapers per day

The actual number of diapers you will need depends on your child, how often you change, and how often you will wash the diapers. Remember, you will need some diapers to use on wash day!

Use the following checklist to stock your nursery:

Diapers of your choice to last at least two days
If using prefolds or fitteds you will need: 6-8 covers for newborn/infants, 4-6 covers for larger sizes
If using pocket diapers remember to buy the same amount or more of inserts as the number of pocket diapers
6 extra Hemp Inserts or Doublers for overnight or extended wear
2 Doorknob Diaper Pails (one for use while the other is in the wash)
2 Wet Bags for your diaper bag (one for use while the other is in the wash)
Fluff Dust

How do I know if my diapers and covers fit properly? TOP
Easy. Try the diaper/cover on your baby.

Draw your baby's legs down and straight - make sure there is no gap at the top of the diaper and is not too tight.
Next, with your baby's knees bent be sure there is no gap at the leg gathers.

If there are gaps the diaper is most likely too large and you may need to size down or consider a different system. It is best to go by your baby's measurements - especially the rise - for the best fit/performance. The weight ranges are approximations and we cannot guarantee that the diaper will fit all babies that are within the weight ranges.

I have used disposables all along and now my baby is a toddler. Am I too late to switch? TOP

Whether you decide to cloth diaper full or part-time, it's never too late to begin using cloth. In fact, many cloth diapering parents find their toddlers potty learn sooner because they are able to feel some wetness, especially if using a natural fiber diaper. Also, what fun it is for your tot to choose their favorite colors!

I am able to cloth diaper only part time. How many diapers should I get? TOP
If you are going with our hemp prefolds or fitteds consider about 12 diapers and four covers. If you choose All-in-Ones choose 12 diapers and a few doublers or extra inserts for the times you will want to add extra-absorbency. If you go with pocket diapers get 12 diapers and 12 inserts.

How often should I change my baby when in cloth? TOP
This depends on the absorbency in the diaper you are using, and how much fluid you child intakes. When extra absorbency is needed during longer trips out and overnight, consider using hemp doublers or inserts as it is the most absorbent fabric.

What should I do with poopy diapers? TOP
Dump solids into toilet and place dirty diaper right into pail. On wash day, allow the washing machine to remove any remaining mess.

May I use diaper creams if my baby develops a rash? TOP
Luckily babies that use cloth diapers experience very little to no diaper rash. Remember, sometimes diaper rash can occur when new foods are introduced. If your baby does encounter a rash use only a cloth with water to gently wipe your baby; baby wipes may irritate a rash. Give baby's bummie a good airing out whenever possible by removing the diaper and placing baby on a washable surface where accidents won't matter. If you need to use a diaper cream or powder, use a fleece or hemp doubler so that that the diaper won't end up repelling. Diaper creams can build up on diapers and cause liquid to repel off of them therefore, it is best to avoid them when possible.

How do I prevent leaks? TOP

Before first use, wash two times in hot and dry in the dryer: All-in-One diapers, hemp diapers, inserts and doublers. They become more absorbent the more they are washed.
Make sure the diaper fits properly (see above)
Tuck all fabric inside the cover
Consider how long your baby/tot will be in the diaper and add absorbency with inserts or doubler accordingly.

Should I diaper my baby differently at night? TOP
When it comes to overnight diapering, experiment, and use extra absorbency by adding inserts or doublers to your diaper accordingly. Hemp is a great fabric for overnight as it is very absorbent yet quite trim. Every child is different and their overnight absorbency needs change along with their age.

Can I use cloth diapers when I'm out and about? TOP
Cloth diapers are convenient everywhere you go. Before you head out, pack your diaper bag with diapers (with inserts or doublers already inside the diapers), covers (if needed for your diapering system) wipes and wet bags as you normally would. For extra convenience and longer outings use our hemp inserts and doublers for added absorbency.

You're ready to go! No need to use disposables when you are out and about. It really can be done easily and think of all the people that you will meet that you can show off your cloth diapers to!