Cloth Diaper Support
To cloth diaper or not?
Prior to the birth of my first child I had already made the decision that I wanted to cloth diaper my future children. This was an easy choice and it came naturally to me being the scrunchy person that I am.
Initially I found it a little intimidating with the amount of diaper variables possible.
Did I want to use flats and covers or all-in-ones?
How many do I need?
How much is this going to cost me?
Should I use a diaper services?
To make your journey a little easier I complied some information that can make the process a little less intimidating on you.
There are generally 5 different diaper types:
All-In-One/All-In-Two - This type is great for convince. The whole diaper, insert and cover are all included. -$$$
Pocket - This type has a pocket attached to the cover; you can “stuff” it with any absorbing textile for your specific need. - $$
Prefolds - Just as it sounds - the diaper material is manufactured “prefolded”. This is used with a traditional diaper cover to prevent wetting clothing. - $
Flats - Also just as it sounds - the diaper material is manufactured “flat”. This type is usually folded and covered with a traditional diaper cover. -$
Fitted - Fitted diapers are shaped to fit a baby’s body. This does not include a waterproof cover so one usually uses either a traditional diaper cover or a wool cover to prevent leaking. -$$
There are generally two types of diaper covers:
Traditional Covers - Most commonly used cover - made of a polyester daberic with a laminate layer that allows the diaper to be “water proof”. These are normally used to cover flats, prefolds and fitted diapers.
Wool Covers - Made of a wool this natural fiber is water repelling. The wool acts as a barrier to repel the moisture back to the absorbing layer such as flats, prefolds and fitted diapers.
Diaper Insert Textile Types
Cotton - Natural woven fiber - high absorbency -High/Slower absorbency $$
Microfiber - Synthetic materials woven together - High/Fast - Can leak)absorbency - $
Bamboo - Woven natural fibers that undergo a chemical processing. -Very High/Slow absorbency - $$
Hemp - Natural woven fiber - Very High/Slowest absorbency - $$$
Cloth Diaper Accessories:
Cloth diapers have tons of accessories that can make your journey easier. This can include bags to place the diapers in, fasteners and creams.
Diaper Pins/Snappi/Fasteners - Used to hold flats, prefolds and fitted diapers together.
Wet Bags - Come in all shapes and sizes - used to hold minimal soiled diapers.
Diaper Pail - Used to hold a larger amount of soiled cloth diapers.
Diaper Sprayer/Spray Shield - Used to spray solids off of diapers. The shields are used to prevent overspray.
Diaper Liners - Disposable liners are used to line the diper to collect solids or prevent direct contact with diaper.
Stain Remover/ Natural Sun Light - Both are used to assist with stain removal on diapers.
Clothes Line/Drying Rack - Methods used to air dry cloth diapers.
Wool Dryer Balls - Round shaped wool balls used for shortening drying time/more even drying in a traditional clothes dryer.
Now to answer the question that is most asked when starting off…. How many will I need?
Well this really depends on what type you plan to use and how often you plan to wash your cloth diapers.
On average you will be changing your baby 8-12 times in a day (give or take a change). This could mean you would need 12 AIO diapers being washed daily or maybe 8-12 prefolds and 2-3 traditional covers. What if your only planning on washing every third day? This could mean that your going to want up twoards 36 AIO or maybe 24-36 prefolds or flats with 6-10 covers.
Cloth Diapering does not have to be all in or not at all either. Some find it easiest to cloth diaper while they are home and use disposables while they are out and about for convenience. There is no right or wrong way. - Ashley Beckwith
If you would like more information about cloth diapering I do offer a Cloth Diaper 101 class for those interested. Please see https://monadnockperinatal.com/education for more information.
