Cloth Diapering 101

I have been meaning to do a post about Leah's cloth diapers... so here it is! It took me a bit longer than I was anticipating, but I hope this gives someone a better perspective and an interest in cloth diapering.

When I was pregnant I knew I didn't want to use disposable diapers, not only because of cost issues, but also Leah's health. I looked into a brand of "hybrid" diapers called gdiapers. I was so excited about them, but once Leah got here, I knew I couldn't use them. She would pee once in them, and would leak right away. Not good! I started to look up cloth diapers. It was a big investment at the beginning and I had this preconceived idea they were gross, too much work, and not my idea of fun. I learned you can save over $3,000/year per child just by switching to cloth diapers. You also don't have any of the questionable chemicals in contact with your baby's skin. I was sold!!

I ordered 24 bumgenius 3.0 diapers online and waited anxiously to get them. I did a lot of research and was lucky enough to have some friends that used them also so I could ask questions. I couldn't believe how easy they were, and cute too! Leah's little tushy never saw diaper rash ever again! I took many pictures, and tried to explain short and simply how I do cloth diapers. If you have any questions, or comments, please let me know. I hope you get a better understanding of cloth diapers by my post!

These are my "essentials" consisting of: cloth wipes, wipes solution (either a little organic baby soap and water, or baby bits wipes solution), water, cloth diaper approved organic diaper rash salve, and plant based hand sanitizer.

My ready-to-go diapers in the top drawer. I find it so much easier to spend 10 minutes putting all the inserts in, than putting them in as needed. Daddy appreciates this too!

This is our "dry pail". All the outer shells and inserts go in here until they are washed. We had to get one that seals well so you don't smell anything. It also has a liner made of the same PUL material as her diapers, so I just wash it right along with the diapers every time.

A look inside the dry pail.

My willing participant.

This is right after I took off the diaper, you can see the insert inside.

I shake out the insert into the dry pail, and drop the outer shell in as well. This way I don't have to dig back through to get them separated before washing.

Just like a disposable diaper, place it under the bottom.

These diapers have aplix (velcro), and are stretchy, just like disposables. They are so easy!

Ta Da! You now have an adorably cute diapered baby... now what to do with all those dirty diapers?

What about poo?? I have this new handy sprayer that attaches right to my toilet. So I spray, and flush.. that simple.

I pull the entire pail liner out, carry it to the laundry room, and dump it in. I wash on cold with an approved detergent, then wash on hot without any detergent.

These are my 2 favorite detergents, I feel they get the diapers very clean without the harsh chemicals.

I hang the outer shells to dry (you can dry them in the dryer with the inserts, but they will last longer and look nicer if you line dry them) on ropes in the laundry room. I cannot wait to get a house and a yard so I can dry them outside.. but this works for now! I usually will let them dry over night.

After the diapers are dry, you will have a whole load of inserts, wipes, and outer shells.

Place the inserts into the diaper.

Fold closed, and you're done!

These diapers are great, they will fit Leah from the time she was born until she's potty trained, all with these little snaps.

This is the size Leah is currently on. I think she may be in this size for a while.

Newborn size: Leah used this size from 5 weeks until 5 months.

Not all babies need different brands of diapers, most are great with just the bumgenius, but Leah would leak at night with them, so we got a better fitting (easier to adjust) diaper for night time. This is her Fuzzi Bunz diaper.

It has snaps instead of velcro, which is not as easy, but it gets a better fit because you can adjust the waist and the thighs.

In her night diaper I place a microfiber insert AND a hemp insert. The hemp absorbs very well without making the diaper too bulky.

A website I always order from has a cloth diaper trial program where you can try 5-6 different brands of cloth diapers for $10! You try them out for 3 weeks and send them back. How cool is that? Might be worth giving it a shot. Good luck, and remember fluffy butts are not only cute, they are eco-friendly too!

Please leave a comment and follow my blog if you enjoyed this post!!