Cloth Diapering can be easier than you think.
Here we share some tips and tools to get you started:
Before we jump into the logistics of cloth, lets talk about some things to consider as you're explore diapering solutions.
BENEFITS
Overall Cost-Savings:
According to diaperdecisions.com, cloth diapering from birth to age 2.5 can run from a total of $1,468 (for hybrids, including washing), while disposables would cost about $2,577.
Environmental Impact:
Did you know disposable diapers take about 500 years to decompose?
Less chemical exposure:
Chemicals found in disposable diapers can cause irritation and rashes for some babies.
WASHING
Do not be intimidated! With the right tools and a routine, cloth diapering laundry can be managed.
For a newborn, 24 diapers would require every other day washing. If you want more days between washings, you will need more diapers.
Of note: Breastfed babies will have water-soluble dirty diapers until they are intorduced to solids.
MINDSET
Your decision doesn't have to be all or nothing.
You can incorporate modern cloth options into your diaper routine the way that works your family.
If you need a break from doing laundry, don't want to mess with overnight changes or you don't want to travel with dirty diapers, that's ok!
TERMINOLOGY
Now let's unpack some the of the lingo you may see as you are doing your research.
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AIO
An abbreviation for All-In-One diapers, or a cloth diaper that is one piece. The cover and insert are all sewn together.
AI2
An abbreviation for All-in-Twos, a cover that allows you to snap in your insert (essentially an AIO, but also can be used as a plain cover as well).
Aplix
Aplix is another word for Velcro diaper closure, also called 'hook and loop'.
Cloth Wipes
Usually an 8×8 square of fabric (terry, flannel, or fleece are common) used to wipe your baby’s bum clean.
Cloth Wipe Solution
You can either make your own, or purchase some. Water works fine as well.
CO
An abbreviation for Coconut Oil, used for preventing diaper rash and is cloth safe.
Diaper Cover
Cover is the outer shell needed to make a cloth diaper water resistant.
Diaper Sprayer
An attachment for your toilet to spray off solid waste.
Double Gussets
A second set of elastic slightly inside the leg elastic.
Doubler
A doubler is another liner that can be added to the diaper and that can “double” the absorbency of the diaper.
Fitted Diaper
Much like an insert, but looks like a diaper, requires a cover.
Flat
The cloth diapers your grandma used; A giant square of cotton fabric, fold it up and fold around your baby or you can pad fold them and stuff them into a pocket cover.
Hybrid
Diapers in which the inner lining can be thrown away or reusable and the cover is washed between uses.
Insert
An insert is a rectangular-shaped cloth that is inserted into a cover; commonly made of microfiber, bamboo, hemp, or cotton.
Liner
A disposable insert that is placed on top of the cover for easy clean up of solid waste. Also, used for diaper protection when a non-safe cream is being used.
OS
An abbreviation for one size cloth diaper
Diaper pail:
Used to hold dirty diapers. Pail liners are made from PUL and water resistant, washed with every load.
Prefold
A flat that has been prefolded and sewn.
Pocket Diaper
A cover and a fleece lining that has an opening to stuff with your insert of choice, allow you to chose the absorbency.
PUL
An abbreviation for polyurethane laminate. It’s a water-resistant material used to make diaper covers. It is made to withstand high temperatures and frequent washes.
Wet Bag
A portable bag made from PUL to store dirty diapers.
LET'S DIAPER
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1:1 session with our learning library!