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Get Started in Cloth Diapers
When we got into cloth diapering, we spent countless hours on the internet looking at every possible website and FAQ page there was to read. It was completely overwhelming and I feel that we really 'over' researched something that is very simple. You'll do a lot of your own research on cloth diapering. What I hope to do here on our 'Getting Started in Cloth Diapering' page is to give you the basic and simple explanations and information on cloth diapering. Sometimes too much information can be confusing - my goal here is to make it as easy as possible for you to start cloth diapering! Check out our definitions page here to read about common cloth diapering terms.
There are a few different diapering systems depending on what you feel you and your baby need. You can purchase all AIO's and Pocket Diapers, which is one of the more expensive cloth diapering methods, but the easiest. The AIO's and Pocket Diapers go on your baby just like a disposable. They are easy for day care, caregivers, dads and family members to use.
You can purchase all pre-folds and diaper covers, which is the least expensive method of cloth diapering but requires a little bit more work since you need to fold the diaper, pin/snappi together and place a cover over the pre-fold. It really isn't much more work, but some people really like the convenience of an AIO or Pocket.
You can purchase a mix of pre-folds, diaper covers and AIO's/Pockets. This is personally what we do at our home. We use pre-folds during the day when we're home, we prefer the Babykicks Hemparoo Pre-Folds (they keep our baby dry) and use Bummis and Bumkins diaper covers. We also like to put a Babykicks Joey-Bunz in with the pre-fold for extra absorbency. Then overnight and on day trips, we use AIO's/Pockets like Happy Heiny's, Bumkins or BumGenius.
What do you need to get started?
This all depends on the age of your child(ren) and how often you plan to wash.
If you are just starting out in cloth diapering, I advise that you don't buy your complete diaper system with one brand/type. What you may find works for others, may not work for you and your family. Some babies leak through certain diapers while others never have a problem. I suggest trying a mix of different pre-folds/covers and pockets. Once you find a system that works for you, then you can come back and finish up purchasing the rest of the system! We hope to offer our own sample starter packs. For now, we do offer the Bummi's starter pack.
The chart below offers some basic recommendations on cloth diapering systems and is based on washing every 3rd day.
|
Age |
Pocket/AIO's
(most expensive method) |
Prefolds/Diaper Covers**
(most economical method) |
Mix of both Pockets & Prefolds** |
|
Newborn |
36-40 Diapers/Inserts |
36-40 Pre-Folds/6-10 diaper covers |
12 Pockets/AIO's, 12 Pre-folds, 12 Fitted Diapers/4-6 diaper covers |
|
Infant |
26-30 Diapers/Inserts |
26-30 Pre-Folds/6-8 diaper covers |
12 Pockets/AIO's, 6-8 Pre-folds, 6-8 Fitted/2-4 diaper covers |
|
Toddler |
20-24 Diapers/Inserts |
20-24 Pre-Folds/4-6 diaper covers |
8 Pockets/AIO's, 6-8 Pre-Folds, 6-8 Fitted/2-4 diaper covers |
**You can substitute fitted/contoured diapers for prefolds**
I would also recommend the following for all diaper systems:
2-3 dozen cloth wipes
2-4 Snappis or Diaper Pins
1-2 Diaper pails (kitchen trash cans)
1-2 large nylon pail liners
1-2 small/medium wet bags for outings/traveling
6-12 doublers or extra inserts, even if you're using pre-folds/fitted diapers. These are wonderful for using at nap and bed time.
Wool wash ( check out Eucalan) if you're using wool covers (which sound odd, but believe us - they're as soft as a t-shirt!)
With all the diaper systems - you can get away with a little less or a little more. It all depends on how often you want to wash (and if your babe is anything like mine, he loves to go poopy as soon as we change him into a fresh one : ). It's best to start off with a minimum and adjust according to the schedule and routine you and your baby naturally find.
Some tips... There are a few more things you'll need to complete your cloth diapering system and it's really to make cloth diapering even easier for you and your famly.
Remember to wet your wipes before you take off the diaper (learned this the hard way!) or you can check out the many recipes for wipes solutions online and keep the wipes in a wipes warmer with the solution. Check out our selection of cloth wipes here.
You will need a diaper pail (or two) depending on your method (wet vs dry). I use regular kitchen trash cans. I have two set up in our bathroom right next to the toilet. We keep one 1/2 full with cold water and baking soda for the soiled diapers and an empty can with a deo-disk (for odor) for the wet ones. You can use a diaper liner for the dry pails (check out Wahmies and Bummis pail liners here) which can be thrown in the laundry along with the diapers. I personally do not use the lids to the pails. The odor really isn't bad and I wash every 3rd day. You'll find a method that works well for you and your family.
A wet bag or two for travel. I carry one in the diaper bag and have another on the first level of our house. You can use these to store the wet/soiled diapers when on the go. They're waterproof and convenient! Check out some of our wet bags here.
You may read that Snappis do not work with hemp diapers - I have used Snappis with our Hemparoo pre-folds and while the 'teeth' don't sink in as well in Hemp as they do in Cotton, they do work and keep the diaper secure.
Some extras -
Diaper Wash Spray - a convenient tool to clean the soiled diapers in the toilet. Very handy.
Deoderizing Sprays - I personally use BumGenius' version of a deoderizing spray on the wet diapers as I throw them into the dry pail. It does help with odors.
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