What I've Been Learning About Cloth Diapering
11:10 PM Posted by Mommy Is Green
I'm one of those people that thought cloth diapering was still done with diaper pins and vinyl covers. Before my son was born I even purchased those items. Boy was I out of the loop! I never ended up using those products because I was too afraid to stick my son with a pin and it seemed like a lot of work to a totally exhausted new mother. I had no idea about all of the wonderful, modern cloth diapers out there that are so easy to use. Once I started going more and more green I began noticing all of the possibilities.
I'm very new to cloth diapering so I've been trying to learn as much as possible. I know it's extremely important to properly care for my cloth diapers if I want them to last. So I've been doing my research and paying attention to other cloth diapering mamas. I've been finding that the cloth diapering community is wonderful! Everyone always seems willing to offer help and advice when needed. I'm very happy I decided to make the switch from disposable to cloth diapers.
Before I made the switch I did know a couple of things. Like I could use soap nuts to wash my cloth diapers and I should avoid most diaper rash creams. I'd already been using soap nuts for my laundry so it was an easy choice. Since I learned that some of the other detergents out there can leave build up on diapers and cause them to repel I felt good about using soap nuts.
I also learned that the PUL in diaper shells/covers will last longer if air dryed. To take extra care of my diaper shells I wash them separately on a delicate-fast cycle. That way they get clean but I feel like I'm taking more care with them. Then I hang them on a rack I have in the kitchen that folds up when not in use. The shells dry quickly without a problem.
Another thing I've been doing is not snapping the diaper shells before washing or before I put them away after they are clean. That way I do not place extra wear on the snaps. I'd been doing that before I found out it was a good thing so I was thrilled I was doing something helpful already.
I'm still in the process of gaining knowledge about cloth diapering. So far, I've enjoyed all that I've learned and hope to continue connecting with those in the cloth diapering community!
July 29, 2010 7:14 AM
me toooo.. I've been doing my research and I think starting September I'll start CD'g and making my own baby wipes. Let's see how it goes. I wanted to do it since he was born but everybody said NO!, you're crazy!, now I think they're the crazy ones! Thanks for sharing!
July 29, 2010 10:18 AM
I used cloth diapers with my daughter and loved them! However, I had a problem with the elastic wearing out - in the legs mostly. I did find a great site about how to replace it though. You are right about all of the great help out there!
Danielle
July 29, 2010 11:47 AM
My friends think I'm crazy to use cloth diapers. What's crazy is having a stinking diaper pail that just sits there fermenting in the summer heat. With cloth diapers, the poop gets flushed down the toilet....where it belongs!
July 30, 2010 9:30 AM
I admit, I'm afraid to go to cloth diapers. Hopefully my daughter will be potty trained soon though! I did get a Bummis sample though, and I'm going to try it.
(LOL, Just wanted to add that my verification code to post this is "barffl" which is kinda the sound that I make when I change diapers...lol)
Visiting from My Kids Are Fun!
August 5, 2010 11:19 AM
These new cloth diapers make it so easy, it's so much easier than people think it is. When someone asks me about it they say I'm crazy to cd. But I try telling people with babies to just TRY it! It's not half as hard as everyone thinks it is! I am TOTALLY in love with cloth diapers! I've seen a little onesie that says, "kicking it old school" with a diaper pin on it and I want it so bad! I've been looking around at different cd clothes. They're so cute
August 5, 2010 6:16 PM
I totally agree with you! I thought all cloth diapers were prefolds and pins. I have learned so much over the last few months from all the great mamas online and I hope my CD journey will be as good as your when my little guy comes next month!
August 6, 2010 7:29 PM
When I got pregnant I had no idea how many different cloth diaper styles were out there. Like you, I mostly only knew about diapers with pins and rubber pants, and I didn't want to use those. Then I discovered pocket diapers and I love them!
August 9, 2010 4:09 PM
I've been learning a lot about cloth diapering too...and I agree, the cloth diapering community is wonderful! Everyone is so helpful and supportive!
curliegirlie03 at gmail dot com
August 10, 2010 12:06 PM
I have been dying to try cloth diapering- after all, it's how I was raised. Your post is very inspirational.
August 12, 2010 9:35 PM
That's how I was. I didn't consider using cloth at first because I had NO idea, the thought of it seemed complicated and pins on LO-I never even knew about snappis.
Someone kept talking about gdiapers on a website and I finally decided to google them. They sold me right away. I'm so glad it did. I love it. Not only is it great on the enviroment, but it's so cute on my babies bum.
August 18, 2010 11:14 AM
It is amazing how many people still think about just pins and vinyl covers when I tell them we're doing cloth! They look at me like I'm an alien until I explain :-) Glad you're learning - me too!
August 18, 2010 11:15 AM
P.S. I'm Joy - Nathaniel is my hubby :-)
October 20, 2010 12:47 PM
Interesting about not wearing out the snaps by not snaooing them back together before use. I don't usually do that, but won't do it at all now. I've returned a FuzziBunz for worn out snaps. I hope they don't wear out often!!
January 11, 2011 11:38 PM
ack! you totally sounded like me when i first thought of cloth diapers! now that i jumped in and bought a few, i am addicted to the modern cloth!
August 22, 2011 1:06 PM
Thanks! My baby won't be here until November so I am preparing to cloth diaper! We have the stash, now we are just waiting until the due date!!
Can't wait to read more of your blog! Thanks so much!