Welcome to Cloth Diapering!
So you've found your way into the cleaner world of Cloth Diapering. I'm sure you have a lot of questions, and if I've missed answering some, please let me know!
How many diapers should I start with? When you first start your journey with cloth diapering, it's good to have about 15 diapers to ensure a good wash once they are all dirty. This count of 15 can be pockets, aios, or even lots of prefolds with a few covers and will last about two days depending on how many changes your child needs. The hardest part with cloth diapering is keeping a reasonable amount and not going overboard with all of the cute prints!
How do I wash them? Your routine is up to you! Even the most basic routines depend on what detergent, washing machine and water type you have. Some of them are down right lengthy and tedious, but yours does not need to be. Start with the easiest, WARM rinse, HOT wash (with detergent), two COLD rinses.
What is the best detergent? Oh how I wish I could answer this! Everyone has their own answer and to help you find your favorite, I can give you some great advice. Read the labels! Steer clear of pure soaps, enzymes, fragrances and dyes.
Where do I put the dirty ones? You can store your childs dirties in a wet or dry pail. Wet pails are buckets with water in them that allow the diapers to soak before washing. These can be messy and pose a drowning hazard to small children when not stored properly. Dry pails are PUL or Nylon lined hampers (or garbage cans) that can hold the diapers without wicking, dripping, or stinking up the house.
How do I wash them? Your routine is up to you! Even the most basic routines depend on what detergent, washing machine and water type you have. Some of them are down right lengthy and tedious, but yours does not need to be. Start with the easiest, WARM rinse, HOT wash (with detergent), two COLD rinses.
- Only wash up to two dozen diapers at a time. To many diapers can lead to poor rinsing and lots of stinky diapers!
- HE machines can cause a headache by lowering the amount of water they are pushing through your diapers, which an mean more cycles.
- For any machine, try using full cycles that include a rinse to insure a good clean and reduce the amount of trips to the laundry room.
What is the best detergent? Oh how I wish I could answer this! Everyone has their own answer and to help you find your favorite, I can give you some great advice. Read the labels! Steer clear of pure soaps, enzymes, fragrances and dyes.
- For the frugal mom, Baking Soda in your wash cycle and Vinegar in your rinse will inexpensively clean your diapers without causing buildup!
- Breastfed baby waste is water-soluble and needs no rinsing! Once your child starts solids or formula, you'll need to start rolling that pooh into the toilet so your diapers get clean.
Where do I put the dirty ones? You can store your childs dirties in a wet or dry pail. Wet pails are buckets with water in them that allow the diapers to soak before washing. These can be messy and pose a drowning hazard to small children when not stored properly. Dry pails are PUL or Nylon lined hampers (or garbage cans) that can hold the diapers without wicking, dripping, or stinking up the house.
