Cloth Diapering 101: What do I need to start cloth diapering?

Everyone has to start cloth diapering somewhere. With all the information available online at your fingertips, it can be very overwhelming. The great thing about cloth diapering is that it only takes a little bit to get started. A question we are frequently asked is

"What do I need to begin cloth diapering?"

If you want to start cloth diapering an infant we recommend:

• 24 cloth diapers in the style of your choice. If you are choosing a two-piece system such as Flip or Econobum, we recommend 24 inserts and 6 covers. This number is based on changing an infant 8-10 times a day and washing your diapers every other day. We recommend washing every other day to prevent mold and other issues.
• A diaper pail or wet bag to store dirty diapers until laundry day. For a diaper pail, we recommend a vented pail. The air flow also helps to prevent mold. Wet bags come in a variety of sizes, fabrics and styles to suit the needs of any family. If you are not using a diaper pail, you will want a wet bag large enough to hold 2 days worth of dirty laundry. You may also consider a wet bag that is a smaller size to hold a few dirty diapers for your daycare provider or those times you are out and about with your little one.
• A cloth diaper safe laundry detergent- Safe detergents are those without enzymes, brighteners, dyes, scents or fabric softeners. More information on why to avoid these ingredients can be found in our detergent blog post. Make things even easier on yourself by checking out the natural laundry section on CottonBabies.com where we sell only cloth diaper safe detergents and offer free economy shipping.

If you are beginning to cloth diaper an older child, you may not need a full 24 cloth diapers. Many people even begin their cloth diapering journey with just a few cloth diapers for each day. Our Change 3 Things campaign encourages any parent to change just 3 cloth diapers a day. We chose 3 cloth diapers because we feel it's a manageable goal for any parent, whether all of baby's caregivers will change cloth diapers or not.

For a gradual start like this, we recommend checking out our Change 3 Things packs. Don't forget to add a wet bag and detergent to your Cotton Babies order as well. These 3 things are all you really need to begin your cloth diapering journey.

As you grow confident in cloth diapers, you may find you want to branch out to try new styles of cloth diapers, use cloth baby wipes, or try new accessories. As always, we are glad to answer any questions you may have if you give us a call at 1-888-332-2243 or live chat with us at www.cottonbabies.com

How to use and store cloth wipes!

Guest Post by Laura

I made the choice to start using cloth wipes about 6 weeks after I started cloth diapering. I was sick of sorting the disposable wipes out from the diaper pail before throwing them into the wash, and I just didn’t want a small wastebasket sitting next to our diaper pail with dirty wipes in it.

When you’re choosing to start out using cloth wipes, you should consider buying a couple packs of baby washcloths at your local grocery store. They cost about $4-6 a dozen, and cloth wipes are usually around $2 a piece. It’s worth trying the washcloths because if you don’t like it in the end, you’re not out a lot of money. I purchased 20 washcloths. For us, that’s almost enough for 2 days with 2 of our girls wearing diapers.  *Some find that the cotton terry washcloths are too rough, in this case you can purchase cloth wipes made of flannel, cotton or velour from a cloth diaper retailer.

There are 2 methods of using cloth wipes: the dry method and the wet method. With the dry method, your wipe solution (or water) is placed inside a spray bottle and you spray your baby’s bottom and wipe it up with a dry wipe.

With the wet method, you mix your wipe solution in a bowl or pitcher, submerge your cloth wipes and wring them out and store them, wet, in a wipes container until use.

You can buy a pre-made cloth wipe solution, or you can make your own at home. I have tried several homemade wipes solutions and I will share with you my favorite. I don’t like to put any soaps in my wipe solutions because I am terrified that it will cause buildup on my cloth diapers and they will start to have leaking issues. So this one is my favorite:

~2 cups hot water

~1/4 cup Aloe Vera Gel

~2 Drops Tea tree oil

~1-2 drops lavender oil

To store my cloth wipes, I use a plastic Huggies brand wipes container. It holds about 16-18 of my cloth wipes.

I also use an accordion style fold. (see photos above) To achieve the accordion fold, place one wipe on top of a flat surface, place a second wipe on top of the first wipe, but only covering half of the first wipe. Next, fold the other half of the first wipe (that is not covered by the second wipe) over top of the first wipe. Place a wipe on top of the top portion of the first wipe and continue on until you’ve used up all of your wipes. Using this method ensures that when I pull one wipe out, another one pops up. It’s much easier to use that way. You can also store them folded or stored flat until use.

It takes a little bit of trial and error to find what works best for you, but once you start you’ll find using cloth wipes is much easier than disposable if you’re already cloth diapering!

Laura’s Bio:  Laura is a wife and stay-at-home mother to her 3 daughters. She enjoys cloth diapering, bike riding, reading, walking, and arts & crafts.  You can read more about Laura on her blog www.ChaloobyBaby.blogspot.com

bumGenius Cloth Wipes Giveaway

In yesterday's blog post, we talked about cloth baby wipes, so today we're giving away some Cotton Babies prize packs that include bumGenius flannel baby wipes and bumGenius Bottom Cleaner. Just to make sure you have a reason to use cloth wipes, we'll also include a bumGenius 4.0 cloth diaper.

To enter today's blog giveaway, please leave a comment sharing how you store your cloth diapers when they are clean and how you organize your changing area. We'll swap some ideas and three random commenters will each receive a prize pack.

Eligible entries must be posted today, Tuesday, March 15, 2011. U.S. Residents only. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win. All winners will be drawn Wednesday, March 16, 2011 and notified via e-mail.

Cloth 201: Cloth Baby Wipes

As you progress along your cloth diapering journey, you may find yourself looking for other ways to 'green' your home. A next logical step for many families is to use cloth baby wipes.

The first question many customers ask is "What kind of cloth wipes should I use?" Just like cloth diapers, there are many different kinds and styles of cloth wipes, so you should be able to find a cloth wipe that works best for you and your little one.

At Cotton Babies, we carry a variety of cloth wipes. bumGenius cloth wipes are 100% unbleached cotton flannel. Kissaluvs wipes are also unbleached, but have a 'loopy' terry side to handle messes. If you prefer organic fibers, Kissluvs Organic wipes may be for you. Want to add a little color to your diaper change? Try Thirsties Fab wipes or Kissaluvs Premium Designer wipes.

The next thing to consider is how you will store your wipes. You can store your wipes dry and wet them at each change or you can store them wet.

Wet wipes should not be stored longer than 2 days. That means you should use a wet wipe within 48 hours of when you moisten it to prevent mold. For a quick and easy wipe solution, mix a squirt or two of Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion concentrate with distilled water. We recommend using the Prince Lionheart wipe warmer to keep your cloth wipes moist and ready to go.

If you prefer a dry method, you can stack your dry cloth wipes and keep bumGenius Bottom Cleaner or Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion potion right beside your changing area. These sprays can be sprayed directly on a cloth wipe and are even safe enough to spray right onto baby's bottom if you choose. After using, just toss your cloth wipes right into your pail or wet bag.

While cloth wipes can be washed with your cloth diapers, be cautious when washing wipes with cloth diapers that have hook and loop closures. The natural fibers of the cloth wipes are more likely to stick in the closure tabs of these diapers.

If you use a homemade cloth wipe solution that contains oils, we do not recommend washing your wipes with the cloth diapers. The oils from the solution may clog the fibers of your cloth diapers, which can lead to leaking.

If you have further questions about using cloth wipes, give us a call at 1-888-332-2243 and we'd be glad to assist you.

The Yummiest Cloth Wipe Solution!

Do you use cloth wipes? Well you should! They make perfect sense when used with cloth diapers. No more having to separate your dirty wipes to throw in the grabage while your cloth diapers go in the laundry. With cloth wipes you simply toss them in with your diapers and voila! It's that simple.

Sammy's Wipe Beans are the perfect cloth wipe solution. Available in a ton of yummy scents you're sure to find some of your favorites. Each wipe bean yields 1 cup of wipe solution.

Directions: Simply dissolve 1 wipe bean in 1 cup of hot water, let cool and use!

Sammy's Wipe Beans are 100% natural, made with natural glycerin base, natural vegetable oils, purified water, and premium essential oils. No animal testing or animal products are used in the making of this product.

Each wipe bean order is custom made and ships within 1-3 days.

Available in Small or Large bags. To order Click here.

Wipe Out! A Cloth Wipes Tutorial

When I first began cloth diapering, one thing I never thought I’d do was use cloth wipes. For some reason, the thought was a little gross to me. But then, the sample pack of cloth diapers arrived, I began (loving) cloth diapering my son and I realized that I had to have a special trash can just for wipes in his bedroom.

I also began thinking about the money that I spend on wipes. I usually try to get mine on sale. Let’s say I spend about $1.50 a week on wipes, assuming I’m using one package a week. That adds up to $6.00 a month, and $72.00 a year. For me, those savings were worth trying cloth wipes, especially if I was doing diaper laundry anyway! You can buy great wipes at Earth Angels Diaper Company! They also have all kinds of wipes solutions you can use on your new, deliciously soft, wipes.

I decided to try making my own wipes. My mom is a quilter and she had all sorts of left over flannel material in cute baby patterns that she let me have. So here’s a step by step process of how I made my own flannel wipes. Please keep in mind that I am by no means a professional sewer!

1. I doubled up the fabric with the pattern side facing outward and cut out 6” squares.
2. Then I set my sewing machine to sew zig zags (later I experimented with other patterns like a square shaped zig zag and an intricate lace design).
3. I sewed around the four edges of the square.
4. When I was finished, I washed and dried all of the wipes. The edges had frayed a little and I had to cut the fray off.
You can either keep your wipes in a container with water and wipes solution or you can keep a small spray bottle in the wipes box and spray each wipe as you need it. I prefer the second method!

If you haven’t tried cloth wipes yet, give it a go! I think you’ll find, like me, that you (and your baby) prefer the softness and naturalness of cloth wipes (not to mention the savings!). Plus, think of how many extra cloth diapers you can buy with the money you spend using cloth wipes!

Reader Contributed Article by
Tamara Sz.

The Cloth Diaper Geek Explains it all!

Have you got a question? Don't forget you can either post your question as a comment or submit your question using our Reader Contribution Form.

Question: What are flushable liners and what are the benefits of using them?

The Geek's Answer: Biodegradable Flushable Liners are special dry-weave liners that are intended to catch the solid waste and help prevent the diaper from getting too soiled. When changing the diaper simply go into the bathroom and carefully place the soiled liner in the toilet and flush. The benefits are that your diapers will be easier to launder because you'll have less solid waste on the diaper.

Theses Flushable Liners come in 100 sheets per roll and often sheets can be cut in half before use allowing you to get twice as many uses out of a roll. They are very thin and soft, similar to tissue paper, and are comfortable for baby.

Question: Do I have to use cloth wipes if I use cloth diapers or can I still use disposable wipes?

The Geek's Answer: You do not have to use cloth wipes. However, using cloth wipes is more convenient, here's why...

Generally when you're changing a disposable you place the dirty wipes inside the dirty diaper, fold it up in a little package and toss in the garbage. When using cloth diapers you place the diapers into your laundry pail or wetbag and then are left with a handful of dirty disposable wipes to get rid of. If you're out, you'd need a special baggie to carry them home in until you can dispose of them.

If you were using cloth wipes you could simply put the dirty wipes in with your cloth diapers and wash all together. Simply dump the contents of your diaper pail, wet bag, or pail liner into the wash and tada! It's that simple. It's not recommended that you wash disposable wipes, they have a tendancy to break apart in the washer and can attach themselves in tiny pieces to your aplix and cause quite a hassle.

The Wrestling Match

About the time baby learns how to flip from back to front, the trouble begins. Babies like to practice their skill and when do you want them on their backs more than during a diaper change? Overnight diaper changes go from being a pleasant time to talk and play to an all-out battle with a wet cat or a fish out of water.

When they learn how to crawl it gets even worse. Now, not only can they turn over, but they have the potential to actually escape as well. Fun times!

This is about the time my diaper changes move off the changing table and onto the floor. Those little buggers are just too good at getting away!

Here are a couple of tips for keeping diaper changes smooth and happy times:

1. Have your diapers ready - have your bumGenius already stuffed or your prefold already in the cover. It just means that baby doesn't have to lie still and wait while you prepared your supplies. It also avoids having the baby escape while you are doing this. Have any wipes or washcloths or diaper cream at the ready as well. (Why do I always forget this one myself?)

2. Try creative diaper changing positions - If baby just has pee, maybe a standing diaper change will work. I know people who can do it but I am not good at that one. I personally use the "Leg as a Seatbelt" position a lot at this age. Sit on the floor and lay baby in front of you with his head to one side. Instead of his feet being towards you, his side will be nearest your body. Put one of your legs across his upper body and lightly pin him down. Another little trick is to keep their feet held up high and over their body, as if they were playing with their feet. It is harder for them to roll like this and this comes in handy when a floor change is not possible.

3. Special diaper changing toys - Keep something that baby can play with only during diaper changes. If you are using a changing table, hanging a mirror over it is fascinating to the baby! Even letting them play with a diaper or a tube of ointment sometimes works, of course you are right there supervising this because you are changing the diaper. (Do NOT give a baby a bottle of liquid medicine to play with, even if it has a child proof cap. They can actually suck the liquid around the seal of the cap. Go ahead, ask me how I know this.) But the be all and end all of diaper changing toys is (Drum roll, please!) masking tape. No, do NOT tape your baby down with it! Tear off about a foot and hand it to baby. Watch to make sure he isn't sticking it in his mouth, but let him play with it and wad it up and before he knows it his diaper change is DONE.

It's Easier Now!

While I was in the throes of cloth diapering my newborn this time around, I realized I had forgotten how much babies pee. I think I must have blocked it out from the last few times, or maybe it is because I didn't have it written in a blog somewhere. But now it will be saved forever for posterity.

Babies pee a lot. And they pee often. Newborns pee almost continually, I think, at least it seems that way sometimes!

But then with Lily there came a day, at around 3 months, when I realized that cloth diapering had just gotten much easier. All of the sudden she wasn't peeing every 5 minutes, or pooping every five minutes either. And with great relief I knew with certainty that I had not been crazy to feel like chucking the diaper pail out the window some days, it was just that pesky newborn stage. (That newborn stage is full of loveliness as well, just not in terms of diapering.)

I didn't need to change her in the night anymore. I hadn't been changing her at night but now at least I didn't need to either. And during the day her diaper would stay dry for an hour or two before she wet again. My mind was no longer preoccupied with whether she was wet or not or whether her pee would slip out by her skinny legs. I wasn't worried anymore if 5 diapers was enough for a 4 hour outing.

But her legs aren't skinny anymore, and her system is a little more used to this whole "outside the womb" thing and it all just got a little easier to deal with.

Other stages we have gone through:

3 months to Regular Solids - Until baby is eating solids more than once or twice a day, the poo stays mostly the same (at least for breastfed babies, which are my only experience) and doesn't need to be rinsed off the diaper before washing. This is the easiest stage of all. As far as diapers go, you want something that will absorb FAST. Kissaluvs and prefolds fit the bill well. Pockets are nice to have at this time, but the real benefit of those comes later on.

Starting Solids - You just never know what you are going to get when you open a diaper after baby has started solids. For a while it may be normal breastmilk poo, then all the sudden WHAM! you get something totally different and then back to breastmilk poo again. It can be confusing! This is when having a slightly diversified stash will really pay off. But whatever you predict will come out in the diaper is totally different than what will come out in the diaper. Just have the nose plugs handy.

Toddler Peanut Butter Poo - Fully into solids now, regular meals and all that. Still have those nose plugs? You still need them! Toddlers don't have to actually eat peanut butter to have peanut butter poo, that is just the exact consistency of it. It stinks, it's hard to wipe off, and for a lot of children, it lasts until potty training. Some days you will wonder if your child will EVER have a formed poo that you can shake off into the toilet. Yes, someday. In the mean time, you will either be using lots of disposable wipes for clean-ups (yesterday I used 8 for one diaper, I kid you not!) or cloth with lots of moisture. (One wet but not dripping full sized wash cloth would have taken care of that 8-wipe diaper.) A benefit of using cloth wipes at this point is that you can clean off messy faces and hands too. Just do it BEFORE cleaning the bum. But then you knew that already.

Venturing into Potty Training Territory - Before you have even blinked an eye (or at least it seems like that once you get to that point, getting there seems to take a lot longer) you child's behavior is starting to change a little and you know that it is time for potty training. But that is a whole other post.

Hang in there, each stage passes before you know it. Constant wetness is no longer our battle at four months old, now the battle is SLEEP.