Taking the Clutter out of Cloth Diapering

Is Cloth Diapering worth the initial investment?  Are these the same kinds of cloth diapers my mother used?  What about washing those yucky diapers?

If you're interested in finding out more about cloth diapering before you commit to trying it, we have resources for you.

First, check out the bottom of many of our product pages.  You'll find links to informational videos that we think will be helpful and interesting.  For instance, if you've looked at the Happy Heinys, bumGenius, Fuzzi Bunz, Flip, or gDiapers products, look again.  But this time scroll down to the bottom of the product page. 

All of these products have videos linked to them.  For most of these products, the videos deal specifically with the product/manufacturer whose product you're checking out.  But there are several "regular people" who have taken the time to make some comparisons.

If you've checked out the videos but still want more information, or you want more information about cloth diapering in general, check out the links below.  These are links that compare cloth vs. disposables, compare different brands of cloth diapers, and teach about the different styles of cloth diapers available.  A note--if you click on the link, it will navigate you away from this page.  So we suggest you either right-click and "open this link in a new window" or copy and paste the link into a new window on your own.

 http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1702357,00.html

http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/cloth_diapering.asp

http://diaperpages.com/cd_article.php

http://www.diaperjungle.com/cloth-diaper-types.html

Common Cloth Diaper Terms:

Cloth diapering words and term can be a bit confusing and sometimes overwhelming. Here are some definitions to common terms and acronyms you're likely to come across.

All in One Diaper (AIO): This is a diaper that has the absorbent layer permanently attached and has a waterproof outer layer. The closures are adjustable, using either hook and loop (like Velcro or Aplix) or snaps.

Aplix: A type of closure used in cloth diapering. It is much like Velcro, but is known to be softer and last longer.

Cover: Anything that "covers" a fitted or prefold cloth diaper. It is usually waterproof. A cover can be made of cotton, fleece, PUL, or wool.

Doubler: This is used to "double" the absorbency of a diaper. It is used typically in fitted or prefold diapers and is placed on top of the diaper, next to baby's skin.

Flushable Liner: This is a liner that is placed next to baby's skin inside the diaper. It makes changing poopy diapers easier because it is flushed into the toilet along with the poop.

Insert: This is a layer of material typically used in a pocket diaper to add absorbency. It can be customized to your child's needs. An insert can be made of cotton, hemp or micro-terry.

Microfleece Liner: This is a liner that is placed next to the baby's skin inside the diaper. Fleece is known to repel stains, making the upkeep of cloth diapers easier. Simply remove the fleece liner from the diaper, shake the solids into the toilet and rinse if needed, then place liner and diaper in dry pail for washing. This is not used for absorbency, but can be helpful in drawing moisture away from baby's skin.

Pocket Diaper: A two part diapering system makes for easy washing. This type of diaper has a "pocket" at the back of the diaper for stuffing with either prefolds or inserts and has a waterproof outer layer. The ability to stuff the diaper makes it a very customizable system. It is a little more expensive, but very convenient.  The Happy Heiny is an example of a pocket diaper.

PUL (polyurethane laminate): PUL is simply fabric in which a waterproof laminate has been applied to the back. This makes for an extremely thin, soft fabric that is waterproof and easy to care for.

Soaker: This either refers to a diaper insert or a wool cover that is made to handle heavy wetting.

Stripping: This is a method of removing detergent residue from cloth diapers.

Wet Bag: A waterproof bag used to hold dirty diapers when out of the house. This bag closes with a drawstring, snaps or zipper.

Wicking: This happens when the wetness from the inside of the diaper is drawn to the edges of the diaper and causes the babies clothes to get damp - much like when a disposable diaper "leaks". This can be prevented by making sure that detergent is completely rinsed from your diapers and adding extra layers of absorbency when needed.

How do I wash my new diapers?  See  below for the BumGenius Recommendations--good for any cloth diaper!

1. Wash once in cold water with no more than 1/4 (high efficiency machines) to 1/2 (top loading, regular machines) of the detergent's recommended amount per load.
2. Wash once in hot (up to 120 degrees) water with no more than 1/4 (high efficiency machines) to 1/2 (top loading, regular machines) of the detergent's recommened amount per load. Optionally (and only occasionally), add 1/4 cup of bleach to this cycle.
3. Add an extra rinse to remove any lingering detergent in the diapers.
4. Line dry. bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers will line dry quickly. For any product made with organic cotton, tumble dry briefly to soften and then finish the drying process on the line. bumGenius AIOs will dry quickly on the line if you turn them inside out.
5. IMPORTANT NOTE: To preserve your hook and loop closures, we suggest washing bumGenius products separately from heavy cotton or hemp diapers (like prefolds or cotton fitteds).

• What detergent can I use?
  You should only use detergents that are free of dyes, enzymes, perfumes, whiteners and brighteners. Using detergents containing these ingredients will cause damage to your diaper including elastic failure and leaking.
• What should I avoid?
  Do not use extra additives in your wash (like baking soda or vinegar). These ingredients are unnecessary and will cause problems in your diapers. Do not use fabric softeners. Do not boil your diapers.