FAQs

Types of Cloth Diapers               Why Use Cloth               How To Wash              How Many Diapers

 

Types of Cloth Diapers

All In One (AIO): An all in one diaper is made to be easy!   It has an inner absorbent layer attached to an outer waterproof layer with adjustable closures which are either Velcro® or snaps.   You can use liners or soakers with these to increase absorbency.  AIO’s take longer to dry than pockets, prefolds, or fitteds.

Fitted Diaper: Fitted Diapers are shaped just like a disposable diapers.  They have either snaps or hook and loop closures and require a diaper cover.  They are convenient and dry faster than an AIO.

Pocket Diaper: A Pocket Diaper is a diaper cover that has an opening in the back for a folded Chinese prefold diaper or an insert.  They are like AIOs, but dry quicker since the insert can be removed.  Pocket Diapers also allow you to customize the absorbency to meet your child's needs.

Prefold Diapers: A Prefold Diaper is rectangular in shape with an extra absorbant middle scetion. They come in a variety of sizes and absorbancies.They are the most inexpensive form of cloth diapers, are fast drying, and may be used for many different things, such as an insert for a pocket diaper or a burp cloth. A waterproof cover is needed over a prefold diaper.

One Size Diaper: One Size diapers can be used from birth to toddler!  You don't have to wonder what size will fit your child!

Diaper Covers: A diaper cover  is a waterproof covering for fitted & prefold diapers. 
They come in pull on, snaps, or hook and loop closures. 

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Why use cloth?

• Cloth diapers are better for your baby's skin and general health. There are no harsh chemicals coming into contact with skin when using cloth diapers. 
• Cloth is much cuter and way more comfortable for baby.
• Cloth diapered babies usually learn to potty train faster than those in disposables.
• Cloth diapers are much better for the environment! One baby can put 10,000 disposable diapers in a landfill .  It takes 500 years for one disposable diaper to break down in a landfill. Those diapers will be around forever!
• There are less cases of diaper rash when using cloth.  Many disposable using Moms turn to cloth diapers to treat diaper rash!
• Cloth diapers are cheaper than disposables in the long run.
• Research is linking disposable diapers to asthma & male infertility.

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How to wash:

There are many different ways to wash your diapers and once you get started you will find what you like best.  I suggest a pre rinse, a wash, and a post rinse.  There are many detergents that can be used.    I'm sure whichever detergent you use will be fine if you give it the 2nd rinse & not use quite as much as you would with a normal wash.  Please make sure you always follow the manufacturers instructions.

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How many diapers do I need?

This depends on a number of things...
How often do you want to do laundry?
How old is your baby or babies?
What type of cloth diaper do you want to use?

That said, always remember that you can add to your diaper stash and many people are interested in buying used diapers. 

Here is a general guideline:
For a newborn, washing every day, you will need about 18-20 prefolds, AIO, pockets, or fitteds and 3-4 covers if you use prefolds or fitteds.

For an older baby, from about 4 months & up, you will need about 15-17 diapers, either prefolds, AIO, pockets, or fitteds with at least 2 covers, a day.

Toddlers need fewer diapers, but they must be more absorbent. 8-10 pockets, AIO's or prefolds/fitteds with at least 2 covers a day.

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