FAQ's
But what about laundry?
Many would-be cloth diaperers are scared off by the prospect of laundry. Even my husband said to me when I suggested cloth diapers, "Well, um, I don't think you are THAT kind of mom" as delicately as he could. It's true. I'm not that kind of mom. I don't like laundry. But what is it that I don't like? I don't like sorting it, checking pockets, pretreating stains, folding it, hanging it up and putting it away. Actually putting it into the washer or dryer... piece of cake. The beauty of cloth diaper laundry is that it's already sorted, you just turn your pail over into the wash (you don't even need to touch it!). You run it through the wash a couple of times,* throw it in the dryer or hang to dry, and you are done. No pretreating it or anything. You can fold it if you want, it's like folding towels, or you can be like many moms and throw it in a basket on the shelf on your changing table.
But what about traveling... what do I do with my dirty diapers?
Well, you have a couple of options. One is a wet bag. This is a smaller version of your pail liner that you put in your diaper bag to carry your wet or dirty diapers. This can get thrown in the wash along with your diapers. Some people use a ziploc bag. It's much simpler than most people expect, but if you find it's truly not convenient for you, your other option is to use disposables when you are out. Cloth diapering does not have to be an all or nothing endeavor. The more you do it the more money and landfill space you'll save, but every family and situation is different so you find a system that works for you.
But aren't cloth diapers bulky?
Well, yes. It's the truth. Some have trimmer fits than others so if its a concern of yours let us know and we can direct you to the trimmer diaper choices. But we do promise you that they won't be asking you if their butt looks big in it (and hopefully not for another 12 years, at least and by then, maybe bigger butts will be a good thing!).
But aren't you wasting water?
True, you do use water, but so does the manufacturing of disposable diapers. Did you know it takes more than 2 times the amount of water to manufacture disposable diapers as it does to launder cloth diapers? And that in all liklihood YOU use more water to take care of your toileting needs?
What do I need?
Your diapering needs will depend on what is important to you.
Newborns and infants will need 10 to 12 changes a day. Toddlers will need 8 to 10. Most cloth diaperers wash diapers every 2 or 3 days.
I personally recommend a minimum of 24 diapers (up to 36 for a young baby), but if you have an older baby or on a tight budget you may be able to get away with about 12 (as long as you don't mind washing frequently).
How do covers work?
If you choose fitted diapers or prefolds, you will need a diaper cover to prevent leaks. Diaper covers can be rotated so that they get a chance to air out between diaper changes. If a diaper cover gets soiled, it goes into your hamper to be washed. Then on wash day, wash all your diaper covers that you've used. You will need more diaper covers the younger your baby is since they tend to poop more then. Check out our Proraps and Thirsties covers. The usual recommendation is about one cover for every 6 diapers.
How does an AIO (All-In-One) work?
All-In-One diapers go on as easy as disposables. They come with absorbant material inside with a leakproof cover attached. Check out our Thirsties Pocket AIO.
How do one-size diapers work?
One-size diapers are pocket diapers that adjust to size and fit babies from 7-35lbs so that you can use one diaper for all sizes. They come with inserts to stuff in the pocket. Check out BumGenius One-Size Cloth Diapers.
How do pocket diapers work?
A pocket diaper is a diaper that has an opening in it to allow for adding inserts in it. Some are simply a cover attached to a stay dry liner like BumGenius One-Size Cloth Diapers, while the Thirsties Pocket AIO has an absorbent microfiber built in and you need only add an insert for additional absorbency for heavy wetters or for bedtime. Pocket diapers by themselves tend to be quick drying, while the AIO's take a bit more time (but here in Tucson, they all dry pretty fast!)
How do fitted diapers work?
Fitted diapers go on similar to a disposable diaper. They go on easily with velcro closures to get a snug fit which prevents leakages onto your diaper cover and are a trimmer fit than prefolds. Must be paired with a diaper cover. They tend to be relatively quick drying. Check out the Thirsties fab fitted diapers
How do prefolds work?
Prefolds are the old standby (but quite reliable and a great option for economy shoppers). They are called prefolds (as opposed to flat diapers) since they are sewn with varying layers for greater absorbancies. The name can be a bit misleading since you do still need to fold them. Most people do the trifold where you fold the diaper into thirds. The front and back can be winged out if desired. No pinning is required when using a diaper cover with velcro or aplix closures. For a trimmer fit with bigger sized prefolds the bikini twist is a great option. Just twist the diaper like you are wringing it out and fold the front down. Cover with a diaper cover. See prefolds here
What are doublers?
Doublers are used for a baby that is a heavy wetter or for naps or bedtime. They provide extra absorbency with minimal added bulk. Check out our regular doublers and our hemp doublers. The amount you may need of these will depend on your situation and your baby.
What are flushable liners?
Flushable liners are biodegradable liners that you can place inside your diaper to catch the mess. Then simply remove, flush and launder as usual... no need to rinse or dunk your diapers.
What are wet bags?
Wet bags are reusable bags to take with you when traveling to keep your wet and dirty diapers in. They have a PUL layer for waterproofing and a zipper to close. See wet bags here.
What else do I need?
This is a matter of personal preferance, BUT this is what I do. I use an 8 gallon trash can lined with a nylon laundry bag. On laundry day, I turn it upside down and wash the bag as well (its nice to have 2 liners so that you can have a place to store wet and dirty diapers while laundering). I use a wet bag for my diapers while out and wash that at the same time as well. Wipes are great. You may be tempted to just use washclothes... I was too. However, my poor baby sacrificed for my mistake with a very chafed little behind. Washclothes may work for an older baby, but for a newborn you'll need something much softer... check out our Thirsties wipes. Most people buy about 24 wipes for a newborn. With wipes, I get a small water bottle and a container to wet my wipes as I am changing diapers. Some people use a spray bottle and spray the baby's behind and then wipe. There are many other options so you can find something that works for you.
How do I care for my cloth diapers?
You will want to wash your new prefolds at least 3 times in hot water to prepare them. Prefolds should be expected to shrink. All diapers should be washed at least once before use. Most diapers actually become more absorbant the more you wash them. Follow washing directions for your particular diaper choices found in the product section of the shopping cart. The important thing to notice is to only use 1/2 the recommended amount of additive free detergent and to NOT use fabric softeners or bleach. Be sure to fold velcro to avoid snagging. Do NOT use rash creams with cloth diapers (you are unlikely to need them anyway)
There are a variety of recommendations for how to wash prefolds. I think it just depends on your water quality and your child. What works for me is to run a prewash in cold (I do this for all my diapers to help prevent staining) than a hot cycle with 1/2 the additive free detergent and then an extra cold rinse. Detergent build up can decrease the absorbancy of your diapers. Some people also use baking soda in the wash and vinegar in the rinse.. this may not be a good idea to include with other diapers or covers though... check labels first.
What's the scoop on poop?
Before your baby is on baby food, there is nothing you need to do with your diaper. Newborn poop washes out just like yogurt. So, you just throw it in your hamper and wash as is.
After your baby starts baby food you'll go through a transistional stage where the poop isn't runny like newborn poop but also won't just shake off like an older baby's poop. There are a variety of options for this stage. For me, I have a shower attachment that I use to spray off my diaper into the toilet. Some people use biodegradable liners and just peel off and flush. Some people scrape the poop off with a spatula type instrument and although I haven't tried it myself, I've heard that some people just wash as is. The good news is that they usually don't poop that often at this point, mine only once a day at most.
After your baby is on mostly table food, the poop will just shake off into the toilet. Then you just wash diaper as is.
There is also elimination communication... "Are you crazy?" you ask. I know, I know, it sounds that way, but I decided to give it a shot with my third baby. Afterall, everytime I took her diaper off she peed all over the place, why not try to make it in the potty? So, at the tender age of 3 weeks we tried out the Baby Bjorn little potty and we haven't looked back. There are books out there you can read for "expert" advice. I didn't read them. I just put the potty on my changing table and set her on the potty when I changed her diaper. Sometimes she went, sometimes she didn't, but it wasn't much work... she was already undiapered and it saved me an extra diaper change when she did. Now move forward to 7 months and the transitional poop stage... I can't claim it ALL goes in the potty, but a good amount of it does. How cool is that? You start to tune into their little cues so that you can kind of predict when they are going to do the deed. Is it potty training? NO! Its mom (or dad) training!
Still not sure? Take this test. (I mean it, please try it, its MUCH simpler than most people expect)
Test for newborn babies until solid foods- Place a hand towel under your baby while changing him or her. Now take it off and throw it in the hamper. Good. Now, after you have accumulated 24 or so towels, throw them all in the washing machine. Wash one cold rinse, then one hot cycle.* Now, throw it in the dryer. Take out and put them under your changing table. How was it? Do you think you can do it every 2-3 days?
Test for older baby on solids-There are a few extra steps when your baby is on solid foods. In addition to putting a hand towel under your baby, place a strip of toilet paper on top of it. Now, take the piece of toilet paper, throw it in the toilet (its biodegradable just like diaper liners are) and proceed like you do above. At this age, they don't poop nearly as much (mine only about once a day). Can you do this every 2-3 days?
Can I use cloth diapers at Daycare?
It depends on the daycare. Many family daycare providers are happy to do it if asked and you demonstrate how simple it is (and you provide the diapers and launder them). Larger daycare providers also do it, but its best to speak directly to the director about it to find out. I've been putting together this list of providers that ARE cloth diaper friendly. If you find that your daycare does not immediately respond favorably, a simple demonstration can change minds quickly. Know of a cloth friendly provider? Let us know so we can help other cloth diaperers find them!
Can you order other types of diapers that aren't listed on your site?
Yes, I have accounts with quite a few different distributors, but since I am a home based business (for now!) I can only stock so many different sizes, colors and choices. HOWEVER, if you want to order some (minimum orders may apply) there is a good chance that I can get it for you and in most cases within 2 weeks or so. Just call or e-mail me to find out more.
Do you offer package deals?
Yes, we do. Check out our packages here. You can find discounts on buying in bulk or a sampler package to try them out.
Do you use recycled packaging?
Yes, I use recycled boxes and shipping materials whenever possible. I've very aware of the waste produced in shipping and try to minimize it. So, I apologize if my shipping materials are not pretty, but we're helping to eliminate waste! I hope you'll reuse or recycle them too!
Can you ship internationally?
In some cases, yes. Certain brands prohibit the sale of their line in other countries by a US retailer, so its best to e-mail me with specifics. There may also be some additional shipping costs, but e-mail me and I can let you know for sure.
Do you price match?
I will certainly try! Just e-mail me with the details and the link and I'll do my best.
Now how about seeing it in action?
If you live in Tucson, join us for one of our monthly diaper classes. Click here for schedule.
What is your return policy?
My return policy can be viewed here. If you are new to cloth diapering, you may want to try out the sampler pack or one or two diapers at a time to make sure they are a good match for you and your baby as I cannot accept returns on used products. Have any questions or concerns, please e-mail me!
Any other questions... PLEASE call or e-mail me!
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