Ten Tiny Cloth Diaper Tips

Today’s guest post is from BC reader Dare, who’s launching her blog Give Them Roots this week and celebrating with a gDiaper coupon giveaway.

“Cloth diapers? Are you kidding me?” I vividly remember the days when I would turn my nose up to the idea of cloth diapering, thinking anyone who used cloth diapers was stuck in the stone ages. Pins, prefolds, and swishing poop in the potty… umm, no thank you. Guess what girls? Cloth diapering isn’t like that anymore. Not even close. Sure you can still buy the “old school” diapers with pins but you can also buy diapers that put disposables to shame! No folding, pinning, or stuffing required. Just Velcro and go!

On my cloth diapering journey I’ve learned a few secrets and tricks of the trade. I hope these tips will help ease the transition into cloth diapering for anyone just starting out!

Use Cloth Wipes
And don’t buy them! Some of the best cloth wipes are old flannel receiving blankets. Cut them into squares and voila, you have cloth wipes for a fraction of the price of buying them. Not only do cloth wipes save money but they are more convenient to use than disposable wipes. Just toss them straight into the pail to be washed along with your diapers. Save even more by making your own wipe solution and storing it in a spray bottle. Then just spray each wipe as you need it.

48 hours, don’t let them sour!
To help reduce any chance of “stink” residue in your diapers, wash the diapers within 48 hours of soiling. If you forget or don’t have time, don’t worry! Just run your diapers through an extra rinse cycle before the wash cycle. This will help rid any ammonia smell in your diapers. Still have a hard to beat odor? Be sure you are following the manufacturer’s directions precisely. Soap build-up is usually the culprit of a stinky situation. Do not try “online suggestions” such as, vinegar, baking soda, etc. without calling the manufacturer first. Some of these suggestions will void your diaper warranty and ruin your investment.

Shower Power
Invest in a diaper sprayer! It’s 2008 ladies, don’t be caught “swishing” diapers in the toilet bowl. A diaper sprayer attaches directly to your toilet and can be used for spraying stubborn solid waste into the potty. Most sprayers install in less than 5 minutes and many have a money-back guarantee if they leak!

I heart Bumkins!
If you haven’t already fallen in love, here’s a new reason to love Bumkins products! Fabulous waterproof totes for outings with your cloth wearing cutie. Bumkins bags are the perfect size to toss in your diaper bag. They easily hold 3-4 toddler size dirty diapers and the bags are waterproof! You can even use them for wet swimsuits, soiled clothing, pool toys, the list is endless! Did I mention how adorable these bags are?

If at first you don’t succeed…
TRY, TRY AGAIN! This rule applies to everything in life, even cloth diapering. There are so many brands to choose from that the chances are you’ll find one that works perfectly for your family. If one brand leaks, try another. If the diaper is too bulky, try a slimmer fitting style of diaper. Don’t invest in multiple diapers of just one brand until you’ve tested it on your child. Each brand is unique in fit, style, comfort, and absorbency. Test the waters before you dive in.

Twice as nice.
Eager to go green with your baby? Check out some of the cloth diaper consigning and swapping websites. You can buy gently used cloth diapers and sale any that your baby has outgrown. Not only are you being “green” by using cloth diapers but now you are following the three R’s: reuse, reduce, and recycle! Here’s a few site suggestions, Diaper Swappers , Diaper Jungle , Baby Cotton Bottoms .

Butt Paste
If you currently use disposables, I’m sure you’ve invested in a few tubes of handy dandy diaper ointment. Check your labels. Diaper ointments containing petroleum cannot be used directly on a cloth diaper. These ointments create a barrier to repel moisture. If you repel moisture in your cloth diaper, you’re sure to get leaks and lots of them. The good news, most babies have fewer diaper rashes when using cloth diapers! But, if your angel’s bottom is not so soft, try a petroleum-free cream; Burt’s Bees makes a fantastic one. For extra precaution use a diaper liner such as, Stay Dry Liners .

Go Speed Go!
Do you travel frequently? Try gDiapers , a flushable diaper. gDiapers are great alternative to buying disposables when you are on the go, without your washer! These eco-friendly diapers are adorable and easy to use. gDiapers are available online and at many natural food stores such as Whole Foods, Earth Fare, etc. You can also use these diapers with cloth prefolds when you’re not cruising the countryside!

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
The detergent you use is vital in cloth diapering success. To avoid problems with your diapers it is recommended to use detergents free of fillers, perfumes and dyes. A few detergents that are free of those ingredients are Allens Naturally, Charlie’s Soap (my personal favorite), Ecover, and 7th Generation . A quick personal experience, I have mischievous twin boys, a 7 month old baby and a husband who is restoring a 31 year old car. Charlie’s Soap is gentle enough for my sensitive skinned 7 month old, tough enough for the twins’ grass stains, and a miracle worker on my husband’s grease covered clothing! I have been amazed time and again with this soap.

Knowledge is Power
Getting started can be overwhelming. There are oodles of websites containing enough information to receive a PhD in cloth diapering. This website is a great one to break down the basics and give the low down on what all that diaper lingo means, it explains CDing, AIOs, PFs and so much more! Short, sweet and to the point! Welcome to Cloth Diapering 101 . Once you learn the basics, let Google be your guide.