Cloth Diapering FAQ

Cloth Diaper FAQ's

My baby is in a daycare center. Will I be able to cloth diaper?

More and more daycare centers are open to the idea of using cloth diapers. Most daycares that allow cloth diapers will only allow all-in-one cloth diapers. They will require that you provide a place to store used diapers and that you take your diapers home with you each night for washing. Be aware that your daycare center may be governed by state regulations related to diapering. You may find that initial discussion with the daycare more successful if you take the time to educate yourself about laws in your state first. Home-based or private daycare providers are probably going to be more willing to cloth diaper your child. Remember that ease of use is going to be an essential bargaining chip! Because public perception of cloth diapering still revolves primarily around flat diapers, vinyl diaper covers and pins, it may help to have one diaper from the system of your choice on hand that you can use to demonstrate the ease of use.

What about overnight diapering?

I've found that the best overnight solutions are either All-in-ones with a doubler or pocket diaper stuffed with a couple stay dry liners and a double(which is what I use). It may be a little bulky, but it lasts for my heavy wetter 10+ hours.

What do I do about the poop?

Good question! It is important to note that it is EASY! Modern inventions (like flushable liners and the diaper sprayer) have taken the grossness factor out of this issue.

First of all, your baby will go through different stages as they grow. Poop tends to change as your baby grows.

1. Breastfed baby poop is water soluble. You do not need to remove breastfeed baby poop before washing.

2. Around 4-6 months of age, many babies start solids through cereal. At this point, stools transition to a thicker "peanut butter" consistency. For best results, this should be removed (as much as possible) from your diapers prior to washing.

3. Formula fed and older babies typically have firmer stools. This should also be removed from your diapers prior to washing.

The solutions below are what are commonly recommend to families.

1. Flushable diaper liners: Laid inside the diaper allow the poop to be easily removed from the diaper. Just peel the biodegradable liner out of the diaper and flush the mess away.

2. Diaper sprayers are another fantastic solution. This handy little device attaches to the plumbing behind your toilet and allows you to easily spray the mess off. The small holes and concentrated spray allows the Minishower to do a better job cleaning diapers off than any other sprayer available. The Minishower does double duty during potty training as it cleans out potty chairs. The adjustable spray can also be used for feminine hygiene during the postpartum period.

3. It is easy to shake firmer stools off of the diaper into the toilet (no spray or liner required).

4. In a pinch, good old fashioned dunking will get the job done.

Will my house smell like a diaper pail?

You shouldn't have anymore odor that you experience with disposable diapers. Many cloth diapering parents actually claim to smell less diaper pail odor when using cloth diapers simply because their cloth diapers aren't full of perfumes (like disposables).

Deo-disks are an inexpensive way to deal with diaper pail odor. These non-toxic deodorizers smell like citrus and do a great job cutting down on diaper pail odor. These deodorizing disks are used and recommended by diaper services. There are a variety of pail powders out there, and a few instructions on how to make your own, which is really rather easy(email me for recipe). The best way to combat diaper pail odor is to wash cloth diapers frequently, at least every other day. Finally, be sure that your diaper pail has a lid on it and keep it closed.

More About Diaper Fasteners

You have many choices when looking into diaper fasteners. Use this table to help you decide which one is right for you!

Diaper pins - Usually made of metal and having a plastic or metal head, a diaper pin has a sharp end that is used to pierce through two layers of fabric to secure them together.

Pro - Tried and true. This was what your mom probably used. Doesn't wear out often.

Con - Risk of poking baby. Sometimes its difficult to push a pin through the fabric. Tough to use when diapering a wiggly toddler or baby.

Velcro®/Aplix® - Hook and loop fabric usually sewn onto the diaper or diaper cover.

Pro - Very fast and easy to use.

Con - Wears out eventually and can cause snags on other items when being washed.

Snaps - Plastic or metal snaps are usually used in either the diaper or the cover.

Pro - Very simple to use and snaps rarely wear out.

Con - Not as adjustable as hook and loop. Snaps take more time to 'snap' which can be an issue when diapering a wiggly toddler or baby.

Snappi - T-shaped plastic device with plastic hooks on each end used to grab and hold the material.

Pro - Very fast and convenient to use.

Con - Must be replaced every six months.