I LOVE my cloth diapers. I even love to wash them. Call me crazy, but I look forward to diaper laundry days. I wouldn't mind doing it every day. It is very gratifying to me!
My intention here is not to go into go into details about why to cloth diaper. There are many sites that have that covered very well. What I want to discuss is how to start SUCCESSFULLY and how to stick with it! To do this, you must understand the different options. They will not all work for everyone. Expect to experiment!
I started when my little one was just two weeks old. It didn't go so well. To that point, she had never experienced diaper rash. From the first prefold, we had rash. So she hated cloth. She would scream even when I put a dry diaper on her. We took a break for a while. After about a month, we decided to try pocket diapers. This time (thanks to oh so soft fleece), she did not scream about wearing cloth, but she pooped out of the legs. So, I looked for another option. I then tried Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts paired with a Thirsties Duo cover. Ahh. They worked. Happy Baby. Happy Mama.
First, you must understand the different types of cloth diapers.
Flats - a very traditional diaper. Flats are large one ply pieces of fabric that must be folded into a diaper. They allow you to customize where you want the extra absorbency. You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin around baby. Snappi's are a great alternative to pins! This diaper does require a cover. Example: Flats
Prefolds - traditional, standard diapers. They are made of multiple layers of fabric that you then fold to fit your baby. Buy good ones and they will last you through multiple children. Each company has different sizes. You will find manufacturers that have only one size requiring you to fold the extra down in either the front or the back. Other manufacturers have multiple sizes that are made to fit baby at a particular time - no excess fabric here! You can simply fold and place inside a cover, or pin or snappi around baby. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Prefolds
Inserts - rectangles of fabric. These are simply placed inside a diaper cover. There is no need (or ability) to pin to baby. This is a low cost option to have stay dry fabrics against baby's skin. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Inserts, Flip Hybrid Diaper System
Contours - the in-between diaper. They are shaped like a diaper. Extra fabric is folded down in the front, then the tabs are secured with pins or a snappi. This is an economical way to get the leak protection of a fitted. This diaper requires a cover. Example: Imse Vimse
Fitteds - the ultimate protection. Fitteds are like contours, fitting baby just like a disposable diaper. The difference is in the closure. Fitteds are closed with Aplix or snaps instead of pins or snappis. Fitteds (and really contours, too) do the best job at containing leaks. You have the elastic leg of the fitted diaper as well as the protection of the cover keeping everything inside. This diaper requires a cover. Examples: Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted, Kissaluvs
Pockets - closer to a disposable. Pockets are the first diaper we've discussed that DO NOT require a cover. The cover is built into the diaper. The diaper has an outside shell and an insert (which is almost identical to the insert of the insert diaper above). You stuff the diaper with the amount of absorbency your baby needs. This is perhaps one of the most popular diapers. They are very customizable and easy to use. Like a fitted, you will have the choice between Aplix closures and snaps. This diaper does not require a cover. Examples: bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Stay-Dry Cloth Diaper, Happy Heinys One for All
All-in-Ones - the closest thing to a disposable diaper. All-in-Ones are a one piece diapering solution. There are no pockets to stuff or covers to add. The diaper is simply secured to baby with Aplix or snap closures. This diaper does not require a cover. Example - bumGenius Elemental
Now that you know about the types of cloth diapers, it is time to learn about the differences in diaper covers.
Standard diaper covers are waterproof shells (usually made from PUL) that secure around your baby like a disposable. They close with Aplix or snaps.
All of the following choices are represented by Thirsties and Flip diaper covers. Please reference these links.
The first choice to consider is the edging. Some companies like Thirsties use fold-over elastic. Others like Flip use the same fabric as the rest of the cover with elastic in a casing. The fold-over elastic does have more potential for wicking. Wicking can also occur with the PUL lined fabric by the leg opening, though it is likely to be much slower.
Gussets are another thing to consider. Thirsties essentially have an inner and outer leg casing. They feel that this provides the ultimate leak protection. Flip does not have gussets. Gussets generally mean a smaller leg opening, which could make them a good choice for a skinnier baby.
Finally, think about sizing. Thirsties offers sized covers (four sizes from birth to potty) and two size covers. Flip would be an example of a one size cover.
There are other fabric options besides PUL. Fleece would be the first. It offers excellent leak protection. Example: Happy Heinys
Wool is a great natural fiber to consider. Wool soakers have been used for many, many years. They are a fantastic option that allows baby's skin to breathe - perfect for a rashy baby. They can also be used as a traning pant cover. Example - Kissaluvs
So, how should you get started? I recommend buying prefolds and a few covers. This requires little investment. Plan to buy about a dozen prefolds and a few covers. You can do this for around $50. Then, buy other styles and brands to try while you decide what works best for you. Remember to think about the fabric you want touching your baby. Is a natural fiber important to you? Use hemp, cotton, or bamboo. Do you want baby to feel dry? Use microfiber or fleece by baby's skin.
Diaper Swappers (www.diaperswappers.com) is a great place to buy and sell used cloth diapers. You can sometimes even find deals on new ones! Your local cloth diaper store may also offer used. Once you've discovered the best combination for you and your baby, you can sell what hasn't worked for you.
Brands of cloth diapers are like brands of clothes - they all fit differently. One brand may fit one baby perfectly and be awful on another. Don't choose a brand because YOU like it or you like what they stand for. This was one of my early mistakes. You have to test it to see if it really works on your baby.
Washing diapers is EASY! You can find recommended detergents here.
Regular machines
HE machines
Wash your diapers with a pre-wash (use warm water or skip it), hot wash, and an extra rinse. That's it! Do not use additives like vinegar or baking soda. Find a detergent that works instead! To extend the life of your diapers, line or rack dry. You can fluff in the dryer at the end to soften them up. If you do choose to use the dryer, check the label of your diapers. Using the dryer can void the warranty of many brands. DO NOT dry covers in the dryer. The heat can warp snaps.
One more option - there are wonderful businesses called diaper services that do everything but change your baby! They drop off clean diapers and leave with your soiled ones. How easy is that?!?
And there you have it. The (very) basics of cloth diapering!
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