Cloth Diapers FAQ

Why should I cloth diaper my baby? TOP

a. Financial - It is estimated that disposable diapers & wipes cost approximately $2500 - $3000 per child. This estimate can be even higher, depending upon when he/she potty learns. You can cloth diaper a child from birth to potty learning for under $400. That is a difference of $1900! And this is not just a one-time savings, this is $2100 per child or perhaps even more if you consider that cloth diapers can typically be used for your first child, second child and so on (depending on your wash routine; number of diapers in your stash; etc). In addition to the amazing upfront cost savings, you can sell your cloth diapers when your little one has learned to use the potty; recouping a good portion of your initial investment. The total investment in cloth diapering will of course vary for each family, depending upon which diapers you choose, how many you purchase, etc. But in almost any scenario, you will save money cloth diapering and lots of it!

b. Better for Baby - Cloth diapers are better for your baby for a number of reasons. Cloth diapers are made of soft, non-chemical materials such as cotton, hemp or bamboo while disposable diapers contain potentially harmful chemicals like dioxin, which has been linked to cancer, birth defects, liver damage, genetic disorders and skin diseases. Disposable diapers also contain chemicals like TBT, a toxin and absorbent polymer like that found in tampons, which has been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Studies have also shown that disposable diapers may be linked to male infertility and asthma in children. We encourage you to reference the “Articles & Information” section on our home page for more information, in addition to doing your own research, to learn more about the benefits of cloth diapering and the potential concerns and negative impacts of disposable diapers.

c. Better for the Environment - It is estimated that nearly 20 billion disposable diapers are tossed into our landfills each year where they sit undegraded for several hundred years! The majority of these diapers that consume our landfills contain human waste, which in most states, is illegal to dispose of in our landfills (the law is unenforced as it relates to diapers). There is concern that this human waste could leach out and infest our water with bacteria and diseases.

As you research the impact of disposable diapers on our environment, you will find several studies, typically funded by cloth diapering companies, which state that disposable diapers do not negatively impact the environment, or at least do not do so more than cloth diapers. Independent research of the same data states otherwise. Some argue that cloth diapering families use large amounts of water to wash their diapers which has a negative impact on the environment as well; however, they neglect to mention that the manufacturing of disposable diapers uses far more water. It is true that your household will use more water when cloth diapering but there are many important things to consider. First and foremost, your family will wash far less clothing than a disposable diapering family as cloth diapered babies have few to no “diaper explosions” from birth to potty learning. Disposable diapers are well-known for their poo escapes which make a terrible mess of several outfits, sometimes 2-3 or more times a day! Again, one of the biggest considerations to remember, nearly 20 billion diapers per year! We again encourage you to reference the “Articles & Information” section on our home page for more information, as well as do your own research, to learn more about the benefits of cloth diapering and the potential concerns and negative impacts of disposable diapers on our environment.

d. Cloth Diapers look adorable and are so much fun! - Yes, we used the word fun to describe diapering. Cloth diapering your baby today is very different from the way cloth diapering was done years ago. There are so many fun colors and prints available to choose from and a variety of different fabrics and types of diapers; the possibilities for an adorable, eco-friendly bum are endless!

What are the different types of diapers & covers? TOP

a. Flat Diapers are the least expensive diaper choice available in today's market. These diapers can easily be used from birth to potty learning so the savings with Flat diapers cannot be beat! Flat diapers are typically a single layer of square fabric (cotton, hemp or bamboo), typically 27 x 27, although they can be smaller or larger. Flat diapers must be folded to fit your baby and then fastened with diaper pins or a Snappi fastener, although some people simply just lay the flat diaper in a snug fitting cover and do not use any diaper fastener.

Flat diapers are not waterproof; therefore require a PUL, fleece or wool cover. Flat diapers are a 3 part diapering system in that you have the diaper, a fastener and a waterproof cover. Flat diapers wash up very easily and dry very quickly. If you want to save a lot of money cloth diapering, Flats are your best bet! As a plus, many Flat diaper users find other uses for their diapers such as inserts for pocket diapers, changing pads, burp cloths, or even as a household cleaning rag when your diapering days are over.

b. Prefold Diapers are also a very economical diapering choice. Prefolds are rectangular diapers which are divided into three sections (left, center and right). The center section typically has two more layers than the left or right. Prefolds are typically referred to by their size (actual dimensions) and their fabric layer as well, such as 4-8-4 (4 layers on the left, 8 in the center and 4 layers on the right).

Like Flat diapers, prefolds diapers must be folded to fit your baby and then fastened with either diaper pins, a Snappi or no fastener but rather a snug fitting cover to hold the diaper in place. Prefolds are not waterproof and like Flats are a 3 part diapering system requiring the diaper, fastener and waterproof cover. Prefolds wash up very easily and dry quickly. They can be used as diaper inserts, burp cloths, changing pads or when your diapering days are over, as a household cleaning rag.

c. Contours are diapers that are contour shaped and easy to use. They are a cross between a flat, prefold, and fitted diaper. They can be used with a diaper fastener such as diaper pins or a Snappi to keep them secure or can be used without fasteners when using a snug fitting diaper cover. A diaper cover is needed when using contour diapers as they are not waterproof. Contour diapers are a 3 part diapering system which requires a diaper, fastener and waterproof cover.

d. Fitteds are pre-shaped; therefore will resemble the shape and style of a disposable diaper. Fitted diapers have elastic or some other type of gathering at the legs and typically have snap or aplix closure although some have no closure and require pins, a Snappi or a snug fitting cover. Fitteds are a very absorbent diapering choice; however, they are not waterproof and do require a PUL, fleece or wool cover. Although some people do "go coverless" with fitted diapers when at home. Fitted diapers are a favorite of many cloth diapering families for nighttime diapering.

e. Pockets are pre-shaped liked fitteds; however, do not have any absorbent material but rather a pocket where you can adjust your absorbency needs with various diaper inserts which come in different shapes, fabrics and sizes. The outside of a pocket diaper is made of a waterproof material; thereofore no cover is needed. Pocket diapers have either snap or aplix closure. The inner layer of a pocket diaper, that which touches the baby, is typically made of a "stay-dry" fabric such as suedecloth or microfleece which wicks the moisture away from baby's bottom, although there are a select few that have an inner fabric of bamboo or cotton which will "feel wet" and not wick the moisture. Some people are partical to stay-dry inners while others prefer fabrics like cotton or bamboo - it is truly an individual decision. Although, some babies can have a sensitivity to stay-dry inners and/or "feel wet" inners like bamboo or cotton. This is something you will not know until you have tried different diapers.

f. All-In-Ones / All-In-Twos are the most convenient and typically the most expensive type of diaper available today. All-In-One diapers are just that; all of the diaper componenets put into one. There is no need for diaper pins or a Snappi to close the diaper, no need to stuff a pocket for absorbency, and the outer layer is waterproof so there is no need for a cover. All-In-One diapers have either snap or aplix closure.

These diapers wash up fairly easily; however, because the absorbent material of an All-In-One diaper is sewn-in, these diapers take longer to dry due to the sewn in absorbent layer. Because of this, All-In-Two diapers are quite popular among many cloth diapering families. An All-In-Two diaper is just like an All-In-One except that the absorbent inner is not sewn-in but rather snaps into the diaper and/or simply lays in the center of the diaper. This two-part diapering system allows for easier washing and quicker drying time. It is important to note that some diapers on the market are referred to as All-In-Ones when in fact they are really an All-In-Two, 2 part diapering system. Be sure to read descriptions closely so you know what type of diaper you are purchasing.

g. One-Size diapers are usually adjustable from newborn to potty learning depending on the size of your child and when he/she learns to use the potty. Contours, Fitteds, Pockets and AIO’s/AI2’s are all available in a One-Size option; therefore, some One-Size diapers require a cover and some do not. Some families only use One-Size diapers as they work very well for their diapering needs from birth to potty learning while others prefer sized diapers or a combination of both in their diaper stash.

h. Diaper Covers are typically made of either PUL, Fleece or Wool and have velcro or snap closures or simply pull-on like shorts or pants. Diaper covers serve as the waterproof part of your diapering system when using flat, prefold, contour or fitted diapers. Diaper covers are available in several vivid color combinations and fun prints! Fleece and wool diaper covers are available in soaker style, skirts, shorts and pants (aka longies); eliminating the need for everyday pants/shorts. Diaper covers can truly be a part of your child's "wardrobe".

What are the differences between the many diaper fabrics & closures? TOP

Today's cloth diapers are made from several different types of fabrics and closures; fully understanding each of these can be fairly confusing, especially when you first begin your cloth diaper journey. Click Here to learn more about the many fabric and closure options available.

What do I need to start cloth diapering my baby today? TOP

The answer to this question can vary greatly depending upon the age of your child, how often he/she needs diaper changing and how often you plan to do laundry. Most cloth diapering families do diaper laundry at least every 2-3 days.

If you are starting with a newborn, you should be prepared for an average of 10-12 changes a day. We recommend having a minimum of 36 diapers when diapering a newborn in addition to 6-8 covers if using prefolds, flats or fitted diapers.

If you are diapering a child 6 months or older, we recommend a minimum of 24 diapers in your stash. If you estimate the number of diaper changes you think you will make in a day times 3, that should give you a good estimate of the total number of diapers you will need in your diaper stash. An older child will need approx 4-6 diaper covers if using prefolds, flats or fitted diapers.

If you plan to use cloth wipes, we recommend a minimum of 36. More often than not you will only need 1 wipe per diaper change but there are times that one change may require 2-3 wipes, because of this, 36 seems to be a good minimum for most families. Cloth wipes are much easier and nicer to use when cloth diapering. You can use your cloth wipes using a wipes solution from our store, a homemade solution or just plain water.

We also recommend having 2 pail liners or hanging pails/wetbags. A pail liner is a washable, reusable liner for your diaper pail (you can use a waste basket as well). A hanging pail/wetbag is also a washable, reusable liner which can be used in lieu of a diaper pail/waste basket + liner set-up. We recommend having 2 total so that one can be used while the other is in the wash.

We also recommend that you have 2 wetbags. Most families use their wetbags to store dirty diapers while they are running errands, visiting friends for the day, at daycare, etc. Some families buy 1 smaller sized wetbag and 1 larger sized bag or 2 medium sized bags; this decision should be made based on your individual needs. A larger wetbag is nice to have for daytrips to grandma’s where you may need to store more than a few diapers. A small or medium sized bag is great for the diaper bag.

Lastly we recommend having a diaper sprayer. A diaper sprayer is not a required item for cloth diapering but it certainly does make things quicker and much easier with less mess. When cleaning poop for an exclusively breastfed baby you do not need to rinse the diapers, you can simply put them in the washing machine. Once a baby starts solid foods; however, the poop needs to be put in the toilet and the diaper rinsed. Families with diaper sprayers tend to have a lot less stains on their diapers and find washing much easier.

Which detergent should I use to wash my diapers? TOP

It is truly an individual decision as to which laundry detergent will work best for your family when it comes to washing your diapers. A specific laundry detergent may work really well for one family and not for another. Wash routine, type of diapers you own, quality of water, and washing machine type/brand are just some of the many factors which can impact your laundry detergent purchase.

Whichever detergent you do select, ensure that it does NOT contain enzymes, dyes, perfumes, fabric softeners, or optical brighteners. If you wash your diapers with a detergent that contains any of these ingredients you will eventually have residue issues which can lead to: leaking, uncontrollable odors, rash and redness issues for your baby, etc. Also important to note that all manufacturer warranties are void if you wash your diapers with such detergents. The "Detergent Determinator" can assist you in finding the best cloth diaper detergent for your family.

How do I wash my new cloth diapers for the first time? TOP

Washing your diapers for the first time is often referred to as “prepping”. Synthetic fibers, including pocket diapers with microfleece or suedecloth, most AIO diapers, diaper covers made of PUL, and microfiber inserts, only need to be washed and dried one time. Note: drying once on high heat seals any pin holes from the manufacturing process.

Natural fiber diapers like cotton and hemp or even bamboo need to be washed anywhere from 4-6 times or more to remove the natural oils and to become absorbent. Most natural fiber diapers are not considered “fully prepped” until after they have been washed 6-8 times. We recommend 2-3 hot washes with a very small amount of detergent (you can dry in between but it is not necessary). Natural fibers will get more absorbent the more you wash. If you only have a few natural fiber items to wash and do not want to do small loads of laundry just for prepping, you can throw your natural fiber diapers in with your towels or any other regular laundry.

Important: Do not initially wash your natural fiber diapers and your synthetic diapers together. You can wash them together after your natural fiber diapers have been washed at least 2-3 times.

What is a good wash routine for my diapers? TOP

Diaper washing routines are truly an individual thing. It may take several different tries before you find a wash routine that works well for you. What “works” depends on the detergent you use, your washing machine, and your water (hard water, soft water, etc). Don’t get frustrated with washing, just take your time, do a little research on different detergents and you will soon find something that works for you! We recommended starting with a very simple washing method; washing your diapers every 1-2 days. You can then make changes to it as you see needed the more often you wash your diapers.

Important Notes: Use a detergent free of additives, brighteners, fabric softeners, perfumes, and dyes. Our favorite detergents are Allen’s Naturally, Country Save and Rockin' Green (unscented works best for us). There are several detergents on the market that are “cloth diaper friendly”. As stated above, which one works for you will depend on your washing machine, wash routine, and your water. The "Detergent Determinator" can assist you in finding the best cloth diaper detergent for your family.

How can I control the diaper odor? TOP

Odors from your diaper pail, pail liner or wetbag can easily be controlled by one of many diaper pail freshners.

Controlling odors in your diapers such as strong urine or ammonia smell, or lingering odors that occur even just after washing your diapers, typically goes back to your wash routine, diaper detergent and more specifically, residue build-up. A solid wash routine and continued focus and awareness of residue build-up is certain to help control diaper odor.

Why are my diapers leaking? TOP

There are many different reasons why cloth diapers may leak and typically the solution is quite simple. Here are a few things to consider if you are having problems with your diapers leaking.

Some diaper materials (i.e. cotton, hemp, bamboo) require that you wash or “prep” your diaper 2- 3 times or more before the first use. This ensures the diaper has reached its full absorbency.
The fit of the diaper can impact absorbency and may cause leaking. A diaper should not gap around the legs; it should fit snugly without being too tight.
If a diaper is completely saturated it may not have enough absorbency for your needs or may need to be changed more frequently.
The needle holes in Pocket and AIO/AI2 diapers and PUL covers can open up over time causing wicking and leaking. Simply placing your diapers/covers on high in the dryer can seal these holes.
If your Pocket or AIO/AI2 diaper is wicking around the legs, ensure that the microfleece or suedecloth inner is rolling to the outside. Do not tuck this inner fabric back in.
Overstuffing a Pocket diaper can cause a diaper to fit awkwardly, causing the leg openings to slightly open, resulting in urine running down baby's leg rather than being absorbed by the diaper insert.
If the leaking is mostly at night it is typically because baby is sleeping longer and going longer between changes. You will need to increase the absorbency of your nighttime diaper and/or try a wool or fleece cover.
Lastly, your diapers could be leaking because of a repelling issue. Repelling happens when you have some sort of build-up/reside on your diapers which is causing urine to leak out of the diaper before it is absorbed. This build-up is typically caused from detergent, fabric softener or diaper rash cream. Most manufacturers do not recommend certain detergents, fabric softeners and/or rash creams and all warranties will be void if any such products are used on your diapers. The "Detergent Determinator" can assist you in finding the best cloth diaper detergent for your family.

What is the best nighttime diaper? TOP

Finding a nighttime diaper which works well for you may take a little time. Like most everything with cloth diapering, nighttime diaper preference is an individual thing. Some people prefer Pocket or All-in-One diapers for nighttime, while others prefer using Prefolds, Flats or Fitteds with a Wool or Fleece cover. There are a number of different diapering systems which work well for nighttime. A few that we have come across which have been recommended by many families are:

1. Pocket Diapers (stuffed with either microfiber inserts, cotton, hemp or bamboo prefolds, flats or inserts or a combination of them all):

Drybees Nighttime Fleece
Bum Genius 3.0 One-Size
FuzziBunz One-Size or Perfect Size
Green Acre Designs Fleece
Ariana's Clothesline Fleece

2. All-In-Ones/All-in-Twos (cotton, bamboo or hemp doublers, inserts and/or prefolds for added absorbency):

Drybees Pocket All-In-Ones
Piddle Poddles
Dream-Eze
Fishnoodles

3. Fitted Diapers (with an added hemp, cotton or bamboo doubler) and a wool or fleece cover (or PUL if you prefer):

Mother-ease Sandy's
Mother-ease One-Size
Little Beetle
Piddle Poddles
Crickett's
Sustainablebabyish
Tiny Tush Trim Hemp One-Size
Scuttlebutts
Bagshot Row Bamboo
GoodMama
Very Baby Simply Nights
Bubu Bebe
Sun Seedlings Heavy Wetter

4. Prefolds/Flats (with added cotton, hemp or bamboo doublers) and a wool or fleece cover (or PUL if you prefer):

Cotton Prefolds/Flats
Bamboo Prefolds/Flats
Hemp Prefolds/Flats

5. Wool or Fleece Covers:

Disana Wool
Royal Buns Wool
Wild Child Woolies Wool
Twee Baby Wool
Clover Wool
Dancing Bears Nighttime Fleece
Little Beetle Wool
Imse Vimse Bumpy Wool
Aristocrats Wool
Babyology Wool
Loveybums Wool
Baby Beehinds Wool
Wallypop Fleece

Many other fleece and wool covers work very well for nighttime, including many made by Work-At-Home-Moms.

6. PUL Covers (these are not breathable like wool or fleece):

Thirsties
Totwraps
Fishnoodles
Mother-ease Air Flow
Imse Vimse
Bummis

Check out these great recommendations for other nighttime options!

Nighttime Covers

Fitteds, Prefolds & Wool

How many cloth trainers does my child need for potty learning? TOP

The answer to this question varies greatly depending upon how old your child is when he/she begins potty learning and how many accidents he/she is having on a daily basis. For the "average" potty learning child, the following would fit the needs of most:

4-6 daytime "at home" trainers - this would include any trainer that does not have a waterproof outer and/or very little absorbency. These trainers typically hold one small accident and need changing quickly or you will have a wet floor. Accidents in these trainers will most certainly cause your child's clothing to get wet.
6-8 daytime "out and about" waterproof trainers - this would include trainers that have a waterproof outer and have greater absorbency. Most of these trainers will easily hold one accident, sometimes two, but as with most trainers, should be changed quickly. Once your little one is having very few accidents at nighttime, these can also be a great choice for nighttime potty learning.
2-3 nighttime trainers - stuffable trainers are typically the best option for nighttime potty learning so that you can adjust the absorbency to fit your needs. As stated above, if your little is having very few accidents at night, you could use a traditional daytime, waterproof trainer as well. Many people prefer a nighttime trainer that is breathable such as a fleece pocket although any pocket trainer should serve you well. You could also consider putting your child in a diaper at night and not purchase any nighttime trainers - this usually works for younger children as many older potty learning children do not like the idea of a diaper. If you do use diapers at night for your potty learning child, it is recommended by most that you select a diaper which can easily be pulled up/down for easy potty access (i.e. side-snapping pocket, All-In-One, etc).