The Normal Mom’s Guide To Cloth Diapering
People can go on and on about cloth diapers and how they can save money and the environment, but, the fact remains, cloth diapers aren’t for everyone. There are a lot of people who can’t take the mess, or deal with the extra work, and for those that feel that way, there’s probably just no way you can make them come over to the cloth side.
But then there’s the in-between; the people who maybe want to try cloth but are just afraid they might be taking too much on. And we get it. For those people, here’s everything you need to know about cloth diapering.
Types of Diapers
Moms may get overwhelmed by cloth diapers because there are just so many kinds to choose from. If you are used to disposables, you may want to start with the pocket style diapers. These resemble disposables in that they have an outer shell that you can stuff absorbent inserts into. They fasten with Velcro or snaps and can adjust to your baby’s body, no matter what their size may be.
But once you decide on the pocket style diaper, it is not over yet! You also have to find the right insert, and this is no easy task either. Check out FuzziBunz inserts for keeping your baby's bottom dry all through the night.
Changing the Diaper
Changing a cloth diaper isn’t as complicated as one might think. If your baby is wet, all you have to do is dispose of the liner in your diaper pail. If there is solid waste, you can just dump whatever you can in the toilet and wash the rest.
Washing Diapers
The best way to wash your cloth diapers is to start with a cold soak or prewash. Then turn on hot water and run a regular cycle. Avoid using too much detergent since residue can trap in odors; go with about ¼ of the recommended amount. Dry on low heat or hang dry.
How Many Diapers Will You Need?
Of course, the amount of diapers a family decides to buy for their baby may vary from household to household. However, 25 is a good number to start with. The initial cost for diapers and all the supplies you will need for cloth diapering may be high, usually equaling several hundred dollars. However, most families will see this cost begin to make up for itself over time, and especially if there is a second baby who can use these diapers.
Cloth diapers may not be an excellent solution for everyone, but those who decide to give it a try will find that it’s easier than you would think. Hopefully, this article will help those considering making a move to the cloth by providing a realistic view of what to expect. From here, the choice is up to you. Which do you think will best suit your lifestyle?