Cloth Diapering 101

 

Brought to you by T-Bums

 

To find Cloth Diapering products on the TU website: http://todaysutopia.com/category_7/Diapering.htm

All-in-Ones (AIO's)

All-in-Ones, also known as AIO's in the cloth diapering world, are super convenient and easy to use!  They are perfect for the beginner CD'er, or for part-time care givers.  They go on with either snap or hook and loop (aplix, velcro, etc) closures and are the most like disposables.  They have an absorbent inner layer and a waterproof outer layer.

http://todaysutopia.com/category_39/ALL-IN-ONES.htm

 

 

 

Pocket Diapers

Pockets are one of the most common diapering systems out there.  They are like AIO's in that they are absorbent and have a waterproof layer built in.  The difference is that they have adjustable absorbency - They literally have a pocket that you stuff with an absorbent "insert".  Most major

companies use a microfiber insert or two to adjust for your own baby's needs, but other materials are becoming increasingly popular - Hemp & Bamboo especially.  These have an opening (usually in the back of the diaper by the back elastic) to place the insert into, and do require "stuffing" before use.  They typically have a synthetic material to wick moisture away from the skin very effectively - Microfleece and Microsuede are common.  

 

 

http://todaysutopia.com/category_38/POCKETS.htm

 

Fitted Diapers

 

Fitted diapers do not have a waterproof layer, therefore they require a cover, but they are significantly more absorbent than most all-in-one or pocket diapers because the whole diaper is made of absorbent material.  This makes for a favorite night-time solution, even for mamas who use pockets or AIO’s during the day.

A snap-less fitted is a super absorbent cloth diaper that allows your baby’s bum to breathe, but does not come with a closure.  It would require either diaper pins or a Snappi.  

http://todaysutopia.com/category_40/FITTEDS.htm 

 

Covers 

You typically don't want to put pants OVER wool or fleece, but PUL and other synthetic covers work well under clothing.

For waterproof covers to go under clothing you'd probably want something with nylon or PUL. T-Bums does not currently carry these, so I'd recommend Blueberry coveralls (those are one-size and come in several different fabric pattern choices) or Bumkins. Those are my favorite non-natural covers for sure. Around the house, though, if you'll be changing frequently, you may find that you don't need to use a cover at all. I only put one on my boys if I'm going to put clothes over the diaper. 

Additionally - Fleece and wool covers do not need laundered every time unless #2 gets on them.  I'd recommend at least 2 covers if you're worried about getting one dirty and not having another.

http://todaysutopia.com/category_42/COVERS.htm

 

Covers - Wool 

 

WOOL:  Wool is the most water resistant natural fiber cover and there is a variety of different types of wool to choose from.  It does require a little extra care in the washing process, but it’s not hard.  It is important that any wool covers are felted and/or lanolized.  Lanolizing makes your wool water-repellant even if it isn’t felted.  Using wool sounds like it would be hot or uncomfortable and best for use in the winter. While it may seem a bit counterintuitive wool is actually the best summer cover out there!  Because it is a natural fiber which allows airflow to your baby’s bum, it helps keep their bum cooler and drier than other options.  Wool absorbs a lot of moisture naturally, and since there is airflow it allows that moisture to evaporate on the outside. 

How to wash wool: Hand wash in cold water in the sink with a wool wash or a mild baby soap.  Turn inside out and make sure to only agitate gently (agitation will cause the wool to felt and shrink).  Roll and squeeze to get extra water out.  Lay flat to dry.  Avoid pulling or tugging on the wool as wool has a good “memory” and will keep the shape you put it in.  If you are lanolizing, just add lanolin to the water while you wash and make sure that the cover gets well coated before rolling to dry and laying it flat.  There’s lots of info out there on lanolizing, so check it out.  My personal favorite tutorial is:http://understandinglaura.blogspot.com/2007/09/how-to-lanolize-woolwithout-lanolin.html

 

 

Covers - Fleece

 

FLEECE:  Like wool, fleece is a breathable material.  I use 100% polyester for covers (cotton for inner stay-dry layers of diapers).  You just have to dry them with fabric softener to boost water repellent properties. However, they aren't completely water PROOF. Fleece covers are great for around the house or at night/naps because it will let his skin have airflow but will prevent leaks.

How to wash: Fleece covers can be washed with your regular laundry, no problem, and you only have to wash them once a week or so unless #2 gets on them. Just throw in extra fabric softener if you notice that the fleece feels damp to the touch after wearing the diaper for a couple of hours.

 

Covers - PUL, Nylon, or other synthetic waterproof material

These may be the easiest to care for and they last the longest without showing signs of wear.  They come with snaps or hook & loop closures (velcro, aplix, etc) and go on over any diaper.  They are typically thin and very waterproof - perfect for wearing under clothing and preventing any leaks.  

How to wash: Fleece covers can be washed with your regular laundry, no problem, and you only have to wash them once a week or so unless #2 gets on them.  To increase the life of your cover, air drying or drying on low is a good option.  If you notice that your PUL is starting to "delaminate" you can pop it in the dryer for a hot cycle and it will essentially "melt" the PUL back into place if it isn't too far gone already.  

 

 

How long between changes

Most good fitteds can be worn for 2-3 hours with a cover without leaks, sometimes longer. T-bums can actually be worn overnight (my boys wear my super fitteds overnight), but that's because they are made with lots of absorbent fabrics. With cloth you DO want to change more frequently because there aren't chemicals in them to absorb the water up and away from the bum like disposables.  I change every 2 hours or so at home, but they go longer when we're out and about or whatever.  All-in-ones depend on the brand, but can also be worn 2-3 hours at a time.

 

The T-Bums Wash Routine for AIO's, Fitteds, Pockets, and AI2's

(You’ll figure out what works best for you as you get used to it)

• After changing your child put the cloth diaper in a designated pail, bag, or bucket (we use a big bucket with a lid from Home Depot - nothing special).
  • For urine you may choose to rinse before placing in the bucket but it is not necessary.
  • For poop rinse off any solid matter by dunking in the toilet or running under the tub water. You can buy a special diaper sprayer if you want to help get it off with minimal effort. Then, throw in the pail/bag. The longest you should go between washes is 3 days because the ammonia builds up. 
• 1 cold rinse cycle (to get any extra "stuff" off without setting it with heat),
• 1 hot wash with detergent/soap,
• 1 hot rinse,
• Fluff dry in the drier or hang out to dry outside.
  • The sun is great at getting out stains. If you sun cloth diapers they can feel a bit stiff. Toss them in to fluff dry which will soften them up.
  • Dryer balls are also a great way to soften diapers up, and it will not affect absorbancy like fabric softeners will:  http://todaysutopia.com/category_43/Cleaning.htm

 

Out and about 

 

 

Just be sure to take a bag to put soiled diapers in. This is called a "wet bag" and you can purchase special ones or use plastic grocery bag.  There are benefits to a true wet bag (zipper or pull closing to keep wetness and odor in, thicker waterproof layer, etc), but if you have plastic bags lying around it's better to re-use those and give them a new purpose.  We're all about recycling, upcycling, reusing, and reducing waste!

That's all you need! It's just like disposable diapers - You take the diaper off, wipe, and you're ready to put a fresh one on.  The only difference is that you put it in a bag to take home and wash later.

 

Cloth diapering has come a long way!  It really is simple, and pretty much has the same convenience as disposable diapering now.

 

WHY CLOTH IS BETTER: 

• You can pick any style to meet your needs (AIO's, fitteds, covers, AI2's, etc)!
• You can pick from a million and one fun and attractive patterns and fabrics!
• You can go all-natural!
• You can save LOTS of money!  (the average disposable diaperer spends $2000 a year on diapers for ONE child... That adds up to a lot)
• You can have custom diapers that match your interests and preferences!
• You can know that you are saving the earth from at least 10,000 diapers in the landfills just by diapering ONE child with cloth!
• It is more convenient and easy-to-do than ever!