Cloth diapers for beginners, babes, and babies

Blame it on my hippie soul but even from the beginning, I’ve always wanted to cloth diapers. Albeit on a self-contained farm in view of a mountain range but my NYC apartments served the purpose in the end. There’s so much information on the internet about cloth diapers for beginners, however, I feel like a lot of it is aimed at people who are already deeply entrenched in the community. There’s a heap of cloth diapering lingo that to be honest I don’t have the energy to decipher while attempting to keep two babies alive.

If you’re farther along in your journey to cloth diapers or have a specific question you might want to give this a read

How to use the different types of Cloth Diapers

Learning how to use cloth diapers becomes a whole lot easier when you realize all cloth diapers are made of basically two parts: an absorbency layer and a waterproof layer. If these two layers do not come sewn together in one piece then the absorbent layer needs to either be stuffed inside the waterproof diaper shell, snapped on top of the waterproof diaper shell, or covered with a waterproof diaper shell. Using cloth diapers with your babies really is just that simple.

All in one cloth diapers

All-in-ones: Most similar to disposable diapers, convenient all-in-ones have a waterproof cover and an inner cloth lining to absorb fluid. When you change your child’s diaper, you toss the entire diaper into the dirty pile to be washed and then grab another (no folding, no inserting). My favorite cloth diapers are these and these as they are softer to the touch externally, and I think provide a superior cuddle experience. I think that velvety finish is how all diapered baby bottoms should feel in cloth diapers, and why they are one of the best diaper options for beginners.

Pocket diapers

Pocket: These diapers have a waterproof exterior and inside pockets where you place absorbent inserts. The main benefit of a pocket diaper is the ability to adjust the insert for different absorbency levels and position the insert where your little one needs it most. These cloth diapers are pretty easy option for beginners, they just take a little bit of getting used to.

Prefolds cloth diapers

Flats and prefolds: The original cloth diapers, flats are big, rectangular pieces of fabric (think dish-towel size) that you need to secure with a pin of some sort (these clips are the modern-day safety pin). Prefolds are smaller pieces of fabric that have been doubled over. Both need to be folded, clipped, and covered with a waterproof shell. They’re easy to wash, quick to dry, and super cheap. Flats are my favorite cloth diaper type because they are the ones you picture in your head from old-time cartoons, they’re basically your grandma’s diapers, so not so easy for beginners. I enjoyed them with one kid but don’t know if I would have the patience with two

Fitted: These ready-to-wear diapers have elastic leg openings and snaps or Velcro tab closures around the waist. They’re made entirely from absorbent fabric and require a waterproof cover to go over them. They offer full-coverage absorbency (on the legs, waist, and hips), and you can reuse the waterproof covering with a fresh diaper. I like that this brand uses fitted diapers and sells single diapers or a starter pack with everything you could possibly need to succeed with cloth diapers included.

Hybrids: Very similar to all-in-ones, hybrids have a waterproof shell, too, but feature a removable DISPOSABLE inner lining. At changing time, you just pull the dirty lining/insert out and snap a fresh one into the same shell (as long as there was no leakage onto the shell). The benefit of this system is you can purchase fewer shells (aka covers) and stock up on liners instead.

There are also disposable liners for these that create about 25% less waste than traditional disposable diapers on average. I use these hybrid diapers when I am going to be out of town for more than 2 days.

Washing cloth Diapers

There is a basic outline for washing cloth diapers that never really changes no matter what products work for you and your babies

Step 1. Remove urine and poop off the diapers before “washing” them so that your main wash is not full of soiled water. (this can be achieved by simply prewashing diapers in the washing machine without detergent)
Step 2. Wash baby’s cloth diapers in hot water with detergent to clean the diapers.
Step 3. Thoroughly rinse the diapers so the detergent is no longer in the diapers.
Step 4. Get the diapers dry somehow.
Step 5. Prep cloth diapers for their next use

Pre Washing diapers | Just as you do with all new baby clothes, you’ll want to run new-to-you cloth diapers through the laundry. Set the cycle on hot with a bit of mild detergent and you’re good to go. Keep in mind, the fabric the diaper is comprised of dictates if extra washes are needed., some materials require more washes before peak absorbancy is activated. Diapers made of bamboo should be washed 2 to 3 times; cotton needs to be washed 4 to 5 times, and hemp needs to be washed as many as 8 to10 times before becoming absorbent.

Detergent | Washing cloth diapers seems to be the scariest thing for beginners to fully grasp. You can use most over the counter run of the mill detergents to wash cloth diapers as long as they are fragrance-free and

Diaper Hanger |

You don’t have to touch poop… unless you want to

Liners | Cloth diaper liners are layers of material you add to your cloth diaper to make cleaning up solid waste easier. They provide the added bonus of protecting your diapers from stains and cloth diaper creams that can build up. Two of the most highly recommended brands of cloth diaper liners are these and these, the latter option is better for bulk purchases but either is perfect for beginners, and their babies.

Toilet Sprayer | this handy dandy toilet hose might be my absolute favorite thing about using cloth diapers. It’s a hose that can easily be attached to your toilet water hose in an afternoon but makes cleaning cloth diapers much easier for beginners in addition to making your life easier overall.

Do Not Under any circumstances use these products with your cloth diapers

Diaper Rash Cream | Traditional diaper cream can build up on your diapers and prevent cloth diapers from maintaining their absorbancy, leading to uncomfortable babies and leakage. Many diaper creams that say “cloth diaper friendly” are actually big fat liars.

I recommend beginners use natural oils like Olive oil or coconut oil on babies’ bottoms when they’re wearing cloth diapers. Think barrier oils that are liquid at or slightly above room temperature.

Certain Detergents | A lot of the detergents on the market are “cleaning” your clothing by depositing a layer of goop on your garments. This invisible layer may trick your eyes into seeing whiter white shirts but it also reduces the absorbency of your cloth diapers.

Cloth diapers for babies, Cloth diapers for beginners, All in one cloth diapers