Cloth diapers have come a long way in the past few years. There are many brands to choose from and most online stores have all the supplies you need to be a cloth diaper parent. Cloth diapers are an investment to begin with but end up saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run, not to mention decreasing your environmental impact. Cloth diapers can range from 8-20 dollars per diaper but once your buy them you are done! Cloth diapers also ease the task of potty training because they allow your little one to feel when they go so they are able to start making the brain–body connection. Cloth diapers come in fun patterns and are easy to use. Most cloth diapers have white plastic snaps that allow you change the size of the diaper to grow with your little one and a typical diaper fits a range of 8-30 pounds. Below are some dos and don’ts for being a cloth diaper parent.

 

The Dos and Don’ts of Cloth Diapers

DO buy liners – liners are great ways to still use cloth diapers and not spend your day scrubbing poop. Most liners are flushable and have the same impact as toilet paper. I put the liner on the insert and have them ready to go. I prefer to use Bumkins Liners.

DO have plenty of wet bags – wet bags are great for storing soiled diapers. They prevent smell and wetness from invading your life and home!

DO be prepared – if you chose cloth diapers it is important to always have plenty of backup diapers and clothes. Tip – pack a plastic bag with a change of clothes inside, that way if your little one makes a mess you have fresh clothes and somewhere to store soiled ones.

DO buy two small trash cans – use one can for wipes and liners. I kept the second filled with deodorizer and water, that way the diapers go right in to soak until you are ready to wash.

DO talk with your care provider – I never experienced issues with care providers using cloth once I explained the process, but it was important to keep them in the loop of what they needed to complete. I had my care provider take off the diaper, fold, and place in a wet bag. When I got home I would go through the bag and disassemble the various pieces myself.

DO take advantage of sunny days – the sun is a great natural way to bleach the diapers and give them a fresh scent without resorting to chemicals. Hanging diapers out on a clothes line lets them absorb sunshine and get a fresh scent.

DO give yourself a break – cloth diapers are wonderful! However, there are times when they are unpractical. Personally, if I was traveling or out for long periods of time I would also take disposable diapers as a back-up.

DON’T get too caught up in brand names – when I started the cloth diaper venture I bought three different brands; one of the most expensive, a diaper in the middle, and then the cheaper versions. I never noticed a difference between brand names.

DON’T fall behind in laundry – it is important to have plenty of back-ups ready to go. I also recommend having some disposable on hand just in case, especially when facing a poop resistant husband!

DON’T be afraid to ask for help – whether it is throwing in a load of laundry, assembling the liners, or putting together a bag for daycare it is important to reach out to your supports when they are available to help.

DON’T buy pants too small – Yes baby jeggings are adorable but cloth diapers add bulk to your baby so be careful to consider this when buying clothing.