So what is it really like to cloth diaper your baby? by William Smith
So what is it really like to cloth diaper your baby? Is it smelly, do I have to touch poop? Where does the poop go in the washing machine? What if he needs a change when I am away from home?
All valid questions, that deserve to be answered. Keep reading to find a no-holds bar look at what it’s like to have a kid in cloth.
New Diapers
Always try them on before washing, and then put them through a wash/dry cycle with detergent as directed below before wearing. They become more absorbent the more they are washed.
If you have hemp inserts or doublers, then they need to be primed prior to use. You can prime your hemp by washing it in Hot water without drying it about 10 times or you can boil it. The Hemp insert can be used before it’s been primed, but remember that it may not hold as much liquid as your other inserts, after it’s been washed about 10 times, it should be fully primed and work just as well as your other inserts.
When to Change
Change just like you would a disposable diaper, every 2-3 hours. The fleece inside wicks moisture away, so they will feel dry even if their liner is soaked.
Storage:
I use just a regular diaper pail with a PUL (laminated polyester) liner in it. You can sprinkle some baking soda in it ever so often if it starts to smell, but if you are washing every other day this shouldn’t be an issue.
Dealing with Dirty Diapers
When you put the diaper in the pail, pull out the insert and put it in the pail separately. The end of the liner won’t be wet, so you don’t have to get dirty.
If it’s a poopy diaper, shake the poop into the toilet if you can. If it’s like peanut butter, don’t stress over it. Just put get as much off as you can, and put the diaper in the pail. They also have sprayers that you can hook up to your toilet to wash the poo away. For particulary nasty ones I have been known to throw it in the washer for a cold rinse with no soap, but it’s not necessary.
As far as wipes are concerned, you can either use flushable disposable wipes like Kandoo wipes, or try your hand at cloth ones.
*If your baby is exclusively breast fed, you don’t have to even rinse the diaper. Just throw it in the wash as is.*
Out and About:
Get a small wetbag to carry in your diaper bag. When you change them in public, just throw it in the wetbag (still put together) and deal with it when you get home. It’s made out of PUL, so it shouldn’t stink up your diaper bag.
Good luck with your cloth diapering adventure! It really is simple, and so much better for your baby! If you want to know more about cloth diapering, check out http://www.gadbaby.com for more information.
Add comment September 21, 2008
