Guide to Choosing the Right Cloth Diaper
Cloth diapers have evolved! Erase your visions of diaper pins, stinky pails and plastic pants. Today’s cloth diapers feature adorable prints, and provide parents a leak free, rash free and disposal free way of diapering.
This article provides an overview how parents can help their bank account and the environment with cloth diapers.
For each child who uses cloth diapers exclusively, you can expect these benefits:
• Over $2000 in savings
• Over 1 TON of landfill avoided (Diapers take up to 500 YEARS to decompose)
• Fewer diaper rashes
• Easier/earlier potty training
• Cute/fun diapers!
What's the Downside?
• Relatively large up-front investment ($150-$500)
• You have to wash them (but it is surprisingly easy)
• You’ll need to use special detergent
• You may have to convince other caregivers of their ease!
Types of diapers:
Pocket – These diapers have a stay-dry lining and a waterproof cover sewn together and come with a “stuffer” that is placed between the two layers to absorb all the moisture. Solids easily roll off the fleece or suede cloth liner into the toilet. The stuffing is easily removed (and replaced) for efficient washing & quick drying. Bum Genius has come out with a true one-size pocket diaper. You can buy these and they will last from birth to 30 pounds! They are as easy to use as disposable.
AIO (All in One) – The lining, absorbent layer, and waterproof cover are all sewn together. They are just like disposables, only more attractive, comfortable, and cooler. The downside… it can be hard to get all those layers of fabric really clean and they take a very long time to dry. Many all-in-ones are not very absorbent. Thirsties makes a popular all-in-one that includes an optional pocket.
Pocket AIO – Is a mix of the 2. Has a pocket to stuff but is not necessary. For instance, Thirsties AIO Pocket.
Fitted Diapers with Covers – Instead of a prefold, you “diaper” your baby with a cloth diaper that has Velcro or snaps to hold it in place. These are just as easy as a disposable – except that you are “Double Diapering” by putting on the diaper as well as a cover. Many of these diapers have special linings to keep wetness away from baby. Covers may be used multiple times.
Prefolds, Flats and Covers (most economical) – Inexpensive, easy to care for. Prefolds are the absorbent cotton diapers that are pinned (or you can use a Snappi) around the baby. Covers, such as Thirsties and Bummis secure with Velcro and are much like a disposable diaper. Cotton diapers will be changed and washed each time they are worn but covers will not have to be replaced at each diaper change, unless they are soiled.
How many do you need? How much will it cost?
A newborn will need to be changed approximately every 2 hours. This means that you will need 10-12 diapers per day for a newborn, slightly less for an older baby. The minimum number of diapers for full-time cloth diapering is about 15. With this many, you will need to wash every day.
Breakdown of costs:
Disposable Diapers: 8 diapers a day for 3 years at $.28/diaper: $2,453 (plus tax, if applicable).
A supply of prefolds and covers that will last you until about 15 pounds: $145.
The next size up in covers & prefolds: $118.
Two Snappis: $5
Total: Less than $300 for your entire baby’s diapering needs. These will most likely last for several children.
Cloth Diapering Accessories
Disposable Liners: These enable you to lift the solids off of your diapers to dispose in the toilet. Great for travel.
Shower Sprayer: Attaches to your toilet water line to allow you to spray solids off of the diaper & into the toilet.
Snappis: Used instead of pins to keep a pre-fold diaper securely on the baby.
Additive-Free Detergent: Allen’s Naturally, Sport-Wash, Country Save, or Planet Ultra.
Re-usable Pail Liner – Can be hung on a door-knob, or used to line your diaper pail, trash can, or laundry basket. On wash day, wash your pail liner along with your diapers. Having two on hand is nice.
Wet-Bag – A plastic bag can be used in a pinch.
Re-usable wipes. Like soft baby washcloths, these are gentle on baby’s skin, eco-friendly, and are washed right along with your diapers.
