Earth Day Thursday- Cloth Diapers

  What comes to your mind when you hear "cloth diapers?"

pins poking babies sensitive skin

rinsing out gross diapers in the tioilet
leaky, saggy diapers leaving a mess everywhere

Well, let me tell you, that is not the case.
Today's diapers are just as easy and convenient as disposables.

With velcro closures, super absorbent hemp liners, and soft covers

a baby is more comfortable, has less diaper rash, and can be easier to potty train than her friends wearing disposable diapers.

 There is even a super fancy gizmo that can attach to your toilet and rinse off all the yuck without you ever having to touch anything!

Let me give you the run down....

1. you put the diaper on your child
2. baby pees
3. take off the diaper and put it in your diaper pail or dry bag
or
4. baby poops
5. take off the diaper and rinse or shake it off into the toilet and put it in your diaper pail or dry bag
6. put on a new diaper!

Not so bad!
And since you are rinsing off the yuck, your diaper pail or dry bag will not smell bad. I also sprinkle a little baking soda in there on top of the diapers to keep it super fresh.

But I will tell you that you have some laundry to do.
Check the diaper pin  website to find out which detergents are safe, I use Allens, Charlies, or Purex free and clear.

But it is VERY important to use a safe detergent and NO fabric softener or your diapers could lose their waterproofness which kind of defeats the purpose!

I do laundry every other day for one child and I did it every morning when I had two in diapers. It just became part of my routine and I tried to hang them outside as often possible (when I had a big yard), because the sun does a fantastic job of brightening and freshening them!


There are also tons of types of diapers to accommodate every budget.

There are the "old fashioned" that usually come to mind when someone mentions cloth diapers.



However, they no longer use pins! Snappi's are way easier and safer for everyone involved!





They have little grippers to hook it all together snug and tight!

And the covers that go over these are so cute!










There are also fitted diapers which can be used under these covers instead of the flat cotton pre-folds. These have elastic leg openings and velcro or snap closures and are a bit easier than using the flat diapers with the snappis.






There are also even simpler options out there! I use one size pocket diapers. They are adjustable to accommodate 8-30 pounds, have a pouch to insert an absorbent liner depending on how heavy the baby wets, and the waterproof cover is attached. Even my husband who was reluctant at first, wholeheartedly embraced these diapers!

I liked the ones with snaps instead of velcro, because the velcro seemed to wear out faster. But for the ultimate ease, velcro is the way to go.


There are even all-in-one diapers. These are the easiest because it is one piece, no separate insert, liner or cover. Perfect for daycare and sitters who may not want to deal with cloth at all. They take the diaper off, put it in a dry bag and you take it home and wash it! I even convinced the child watch at our gym to use these with my kids!

Wipes



If you are using cloth diapers and doing the laundry anyway, you might as well use cloth wipes too. There are many different formulas, and ways to do wipes.


I put all of the cloth wipes in the sink and get them wet, rinse them out, and store them in an old plastic Huggies wipe container. I use the wet wipes for usual diaper changes. Then, I make a spray for cleaning up after dirty diapers. I fill a small spray bottle with water, 5 drops of California Baby baby wash, 2 drops of lavender essential oil, and 2 drops of tea tree essential oil. Then I spray it right on my son's but as I am cleaning him up. You really don't need the essential oil, I just love the smell!

Other people soak the wet wipes in the soap oil mixture so it is all together and ready to go.  I just think that water cleans up everything just fine for the usual diaper changes.You can also buy the diaper spray, I like California Baby brand.

For all of the information you will EVER need about cloth diapers head on over to

They review every cloth diaper out there, offer instructions for washing and general diaper care, list safe products to use with your diapers, troubleshoot diaper/baby issues, highlight all the current sales at hundreds of diaper stores, and host discussion forums for any problems or issues that may arise.

Most cities have at least one store which specializes in cloth diapers. I have found that the women who run and work in these stores are so excited to recruit new moms to cloth diapering that they will lend support, give instructions, and offer cloth diaper 101 classes for customers. 

My favorites are


FuzziBunz Pocket Diaper

bumGenius

Happy Heinys One Size Diaper

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted Diaper

Here are a few of my favorite places to buy diapers, if you do not have a shop close to your home. They all have great customer service, will answer all of your questions,  and offer good deals if you keep your eyes open. Also, the examples of my favorites I listed above are linked up to the products on Amazon where you can buy them all too.

Give 'em a try. It really is so easy once it becomes part of your routine. I can't even imagine going back to the cost and amount of trash associated with disposables!


And really, who can argue with these cutie little baby butts?

And my own little guy taking his first steps!

All I can say is, everything gets clean with a little soap and water!