Cloth diapers today are not as intimidating as those used by our boomer moms on us. These days, they’re easy to use and come in the cutest colors and prints. Even better, cloth diapers are better for the environment and will cost you less money in the long run. When buying them for your newborn, here’s what you need to know:
How many should I have?
Cloth diapers need to be changed as soon as soaked or soiled to prevent diaper rash and leakage. Thirty to 36 pieces can ensure your baby always has a dry set.
Staggered by those numbers? You’ll find it necessary since newborns tend to poop and pee quite frequently. Perhaps you can request cloth diapers as shower gifts to help you with the cost. Ask for gender-neutral colors and styles if you don’t know the sex yet, or expect to have more children.
How do I use them?
The most popular style of cloth diaper today is the pocket diaper, which has a microfiber insert you slip inside an outer shell that you fasten with snaps.
Most cloth diapers come with multiple rows of snaps so that they can grow with your baby. For newborns, use a lower row. You can fold down the top and snap it in place if you wish. Fasten the diaper snugly so it won’t leak.
When changing the diaper, you have to remove the whole thing. Never change only the insert of a wet diaper: the baby may get a rash. Wipe the baby dry before putting on a new diaper. It’s best to put a shirt or dress on the baby, rather than a onesie, which is hard to fasten over bulky cloth diapers.
How do I wash them?
The most difficult thing about using cloth diapers, admittedly, is the washing. Here are some tips:
If you have a bidet spray, use it to spray off as much of the poop as you can into the toilet. Otherwise, just shake out as much of the contents as you can.
1. Collect the soiled diapers in a covered bucket. To manage the odor, make a paste with 1/8 cup baking soda, a few drops of essential oil, and a tablespoon of water. Place the paste in a breathable pouch then keep the pouch at the bottom of the diaper bucket.
2. Take the diaper inserts out and wash separately.
3. Wash the diapers used for the day as soon as possible. Don’t let them sit for more than a day. It will become more difficult to clean them and get the smell out.
4. Immerse them in hot water and use a natural anti-bacterial detergent in washing to kill more germs. Avoid detergents with scent or fabric softener as these have chemicals that may be harmful to your newborn.
5. Gentle bleach may be used to remove stains and to soak inserts to combat the smell.
6. If you have an open laundry area, dry the diapers in the sun to further kill bacteria. Use the dryer only when absolutely necessary, as a machine dryer wears out the diapers faster. It’s best to use the dryer just for the inserts, which take longer to dry and are less prone to wear than the shells.
While stocking up on these environmentally friendly cloth diapers is initially expensive, it’ll definitely save you money over the next few years. Anyway, the diapers will get easier to clean as your baby grows and makes fewer and more solid bowel movements. So go on and give them a try. You got this, mama!