Put a Cloth Diaper on It

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Fun Facts

Disposable diapers have existed for less than 100 years;

Disposable diapers take up to 500 years to decompose in a landfill;

What sticks out to you about these facts? If every child, for three ish years of their lives, uses approximately 8,000-10,000 diapers – how many diapers are sitting in landfills today?

Have you considered cloth diapering? Are you a cloth diapering guru? Let’s start the conversation.

I’m going to be real with you, go into details, share my opinions on what worked for us and answer any other questions you may have. My goal is for you to leave this page with a better understanding of cloth diapering and get a real life picture of how the day to day really looks like. The good, the bad, the ugly – let’s get excited about poop catchers!

I currently have two kiddos in diapers; a two year old and a one year old. I have cloth diapered since my two year old was approximately one month old and have not looked back. My five year old is potty trained and we did not use cloth diapers on him – I just didn’t fall into that world yet. So I have diapered and can speak for both ways all the way to potty training.

Meconium – can I cloth diaper from day 1?

Yes. Did I? No. I used the hospital disposables for my two-day stays because it was easier and I was already dealing with wearing my own diapers.

If you want to cloth diaper from day 1 I would recommend bringing at least 12 for each day and a large wet bag to bring home the laundry. If you are breastfeeding throw those black to brown to yellow diapers right in the wet bag, meconium and all. If you are formula or combo feeding you can give the diaper a quick dunk and swish in the toilet before throwing in the wet bag.

What is Dunk and Swish?

Take diaper over toilet bowl, flush the toilet, hold on tight and get right in the water giving the diaper a rub together to get the poop off. This is a very popular basic method; parents often have designated rubber gloves and a scraper of some kind or just manually do it with bare hands. Wring out the diaper and put it into the wet bag for laundry.

What cleaning method do I use?

I have a diaper sprayer hooked up to my toilet. If the baby is breastfed you don’t have to worry about this step until solids are introduced, just put the soiled diaper straight in the wet bag. I also use reusable liners which wick away moisture from your baby’s bottom and catch a majority of the poop. I hold the liner in the toilet and spray off the poop, wring it out and put in wet bag. Then I’ll inspect the insert/diaper and spray off any remnants of poop, wring it out and put in wet bag. Yes you’re going to touch poop, you’re a parent, get over it.

Where do I keep the soiled diapers? Don’t they stink?

Airflow is very important to keep stink at bay – I have kept the soiled cloth diapers in the bedroom in a cheap swinging garbage can my partner drilled holes in. Hampers are a very popular solution. I use a large wet bag in the container; some parents put the diapers right in the container.

Currently my set up is a hanging wet bag on the towel rack in the bathroom and another wet bag in the swinging garbage can with holes drilled in. I find this easiest as its right by the diaper sprayer and after I wring out I pop it right in the bag. When both are full, off to the laundry they go.

How often do you wash the cloth diapers?

Weekly – every 7/8 days. So that’s one extra load of laundry a week for two in diapers. When you’re using more diapers in the newborn stage we washed every 3 days because I didn’t have enough diapers to go 7 days.

How do you wash the cloth diapers?

This is the most important hurdle, in my opinion, everyone has a different washing machine set up, different minerals in their water and this means every wash routine will be similar but not exactly the same. I do think there are important basics that will set your foundation to finding your perfect wash routine:

1. Find out if your water is hard or soft. I bought test strips off Amazon and followed the instructions on the container. This will tell you if you need to use softener or not. Calgon and Borax are great options, if needed;
2. Make sure your washing machine is full enough – you need those diapers to have ample agitation to get clean. I have a Samsung front loader and my sweet spot is a little over 2/3 full. That’s dry diapers and wet bags. If you need more, add small items like kids clothing, your socks/underwear/tank tops, dish towels, etc. in the main wash. Some parents have separate bulk items made up of rags or cut up t-shirts but I find it more useful to wash things that actually need to be washed. You don’t need to bulk the prewash. If you use large items like towels the diapers can get wrapped in them and it won’t get clean;
3. Use a prewash cycle to get most of the waste off. I use up to line 1 of Tide Original Powder in my prewash. I prefer ‘Normal’ wash settings for the prewash over an actual ‘Prewash’ cycle but you’ll need to play with that and your own washing machine;
4. Main wash is a nice full drum, line 5 of Tide powder and I also like to throw in some Gain beads in all my laundry. I use the ‘Heavy Duty’ wash setting with highest soil;
5. When the main wash is done you’re going to reach in and smell a diaper – we all do it. If you did it right it will smell like clean laundry, no other lingering smells at all. Success.
6. At this point I will hang dry my covers and pockets on a laundry rack and throw the rest in the dryer with 6 dryer balls. Dryer balls are like socks and get eaten or walk away every now and again so sometimes 2 or 3 will have to do the job. Dryer sheets and fabric softener are  no no’s as the film can cause your diapers to repel over time;
7. As a last step, I’ll sometimes put all the pockets in the dryer for 5 minutes after everything is dry to fluff them. It’s not necessary at all but it really softens the diapers.

How many cloth diapers do you actually need?

Need vs. Want. At the newborn stage you will need approximately 12 each day – so if you wash every 3 days you’ll need approximately 36-40 diapers to be safe. When they get older they will need approximately 6 each day so the 40 diapers will last you longer between washing. How many do I actually have? I have never counted and I’ve begun thinning my stash and reselling diapers recently but a conservative number would be around 100.

You can resell cloth diapers?

Heck yes. You’ll also find that certain cloth diaper brands have a huge following and as diapers discontinue over the years their value will increase exponentially. I’m talking hundreds of dollars for one diaper when you paid around $20 for it brand new. The diaper resale market, like any market, has high and low times but the fact of the matter is, you use these diapers for years and then you can get a portion of your money back. That’s a solid win in my book.

What are the different kinds of cloth diapers?

There are a lot of choices and it can be extremely overwhelming to decide what you want to go with, especially when you’re shelling out a lot of money for a product you’re not sure will work for you. A good strategy is to try out different systems that are pre-loved, and then you can get your money back if you don’t end up using/liking them. I have certainly done my fair share of trial and error with different styles and brands; here’s what I recommend:

Newborn stage and the Poop Conqueror:

Flats and covers are far superior, in my opinion, at this stage. The poop is plentiful and fluid like – this system keeps it all in. No blow outs up the back people! My favorite flats are Cloth-eez and my favorite covers are Flips and Thirsties. You will also need to get a couple Snappi’s;

Flats come with a learning curve since there are so many different ways to fold them, but I promise, with some practice it will become no problem, even with a wiggling baby. My favorite fold is the Jelly Roll as it is the Newborn Poop Conqueror.

Every other stage I have loved Pockets and Inserts, and All in Ones:

• Pockets: I used to stuff my inserts in the pocket but have lately been laying them on top. It’s easier, you don’t add stress to the elastics jamming your hand in the diaper and you don’t have anything to take apart to put in the wet bag. My favorite pockets are Applecheeks and Funky Fluff;
• Inserts: These go in or on top of the pockets and come in several styles, shapes and sizes. I currently use Funky Fluff bamboo and hemp soakers and Applecheeks 2 and 3 ply bamboo inserts. I have tried several inserts and others definitely work well, these are just my current go to’s and the inserts I have invested most in;
• Boosters: These go with inserts when you need extra absorption – bedtime, long car rides, etc. I love Applecheeks bamboo boosters, Funky Fluff hemp soakers and AMP 3 ply hemp boosters;

Example daytime diapers:

Size 1 Applecheeks cover

2 or 3 ply Applecheeks insert burrito folded

Applecheeks bamboo booster, if needed, and

Lil Helpers bamboo stay dry liner; or

Funky Fluff cover

2x Funky Fluff bamboo soakers, and

Lil Helpers bamboo stay dry liner.

• Liners: These lie on top of your diaper or insert and act as a barrier to wick moisture away from baby’s bottom and to catch a majority of the poop for easier cleaning. My favorite, by far, are Lil Helpers bamboo stay dry liners. When sprayed the poop slides right off. I also like Applecheeks Micro fleece liners. Disposable options are also available which are a must for camping/vacation;
• Wipes: Reusable wipes are great and there are several options; I use a spray bottle with plain water to wet them.

Nighttime Solutions:

I’ve often heard parents talk about how cloth diapering goes well during the day but they can’t figure out a nighttime solution that lasts all night. I cloth at night, here are my current go to’s:

• Grovia O.N.E: Yep, it works, it’s easy to use and it’s a one size system that grows with them. I use both inserts, a booster if needed, and a Lil Helper liner;
• Flats and Covers: These make a return from the newborn stage; they are a great nighttime system. I still love Cloth-eez jelly rolled with an AMP 3 ply hemp booster with a Lil Helper liner on top;
• Pockets and Everything under the kitchen sink: This is when you’ve been busy and diaper laundry desperately needs to be washed, you make due with whatever is left over. This is usually not pretty or trim but it still works. I will use a Size 2 Applecheeks cover, 3 ply Applecheeks bamboo insert with an AMP 3 ply hemp booster, an Applecheeks bamboo booster and a Lil Helper insert on top. Fluff bum at its finest, it’s huge.

Many parents swear by wool covers when nothing else has worked for nighttime. I have not had to cross that bridge but it’s definitely highly recommended.

Where do you buy cloth diapers and all the accessories?

I personally support my small business families when I can: Lil Monkey Cheeks, The Baby Footprint, Catepillar Baby, Calgary Cloth Diaper Depot, Lagoon Baby, Tiny Treehugger, to name a few, but you can also purchase everything at Amazon etc.

Click here to visit Baby Footprint

Click here to visit Lagoon Baby Inc. 

Should I use cloth diapers when I go camping or on vacation?

Is your trip about a week long? Yes, cloth diaper! A wet bag for pees and a wet bag for poops, and do not forget disposable liners and deal with the spraying/laundry when you get home;

Do you have access to a washing machine? Yes, cloth diaper! Just watch iron rich water which will turn everything orange, otherwise you should be fine, give them a good wash when you return home;

Basically, if you have room to transport them then I would say yes. If you’re going on a three month back packing trip around Europe with your little one then maybe I would consider other options, but that’s just me.

Daycare and cloth diapers:

While some daycares are still not on board with cloth diapering you can often plead your case and they may be willing to consider them – it’s lack of understanding, in my opinion, that makes some places wary.

I make sure they are comfortable with how to get a good fit, send pre-stuffed diapers and a wet bag for them to put soiled diapers in and give to me at end of day to take care of at home. There are definitely gems out there who will rinse your poopy diapers but I wouldn’t personally ask that of anyone – they are busy enough!

How do you store the clean cloth diapers?

I personally chose the mounted shelf route by the changing area. In reality, when life gets busy though, they are pulled straight out of the clean laundry basket that you had every intention of stuffing, and stuffed willy nilly on the fly. Flats, boosters, covers and any extras go in drawers in the dresser.

How do you handle dirty diapers when out and about?

Easy, you bring a wet bag, take care of business, put the diaper in the wet bag and deal with it when you get home.

What about reusable swim diapers?

Use them, they are fantastic! There is no difference between a reusable and disposable swim diaper – they only contain poop, the pee runs freely. Nice did you know moment. Keep a couple handy and don’t forget to put another diaper over top if you have to drive to the pool or walk a distance to get to your swimming spot.

Do cloth diapers cause rashes?

Cloth diapers have much more breathability than disposable diapers so they are technically better for any rash encounters. Rashes happen to the best of us; change often, use bum cream and let the bums run free to clear them up.

How often do you change cloth diapers?

Same as disposable – every 2-3 hours.

Can I use any bum cream with cloth diapers?

Technically yes, with a liner. There are several cloth safe options though that will not stain or harm your diapers. My favorites are CJ’s BUTTer and Sudocrem for those stubborn rashes.

Let’s talk about cloth diapers and stains:

Stains happen; it doesn’t mean your diapers are dirty. The biggest game changer was learning that the Sun is the best stain remover. You take your wet diapers out of the wash and hang them in the sun – even cloudy days work and watch the magic happen. For those stubborn stains I like to use Buncha Farmers Stick or lemon juice.

Do you have to strip cloth diapers frequently?

If you purchase pre-loved cloth diapers then I would recommend a strip and disinfect process but then that’s it – it’s not a regular thing you will need to do, if ever. Fluff Love University has sections dedicated to the ins and outs of stripping. I personally have done it once and it’s quite the process that I’m not quite sold on as a necessary part of cloth diapering, especially if your wash routine is good.

Can cloth diapers cause bow legs?

There is no evidence to back up this claim, at all.

Is it hard to find clothes to fit over cloth diapers?

In my experience, no. There are so many options of adorable bum or haram pants if you are having difficulties in this department.

Is there a cloth diapering community?

Holy moly, yes. You will find cloth diapering fanatics that will only touch one brand and sneer if you use a different system but overall everyone is extremely helpful and welcoming. If you join a cloth diapering Facebook group you’ll be bombarded with cute fluff butts but more importantly real people who have a love for a product that works for their families. They are super excited to share that knowledge with you if you ever have questions or concerns. You can also find local groups with a quick search in your area for a more hands on experience.

Cloth diapers are expensive:

It’s an investment. You build your cloth stash and you’re good to go for years – no late night diaper runs, no monthly diaper budget. Then when you are all done with diapering, you turn around and sell them! In the long run, like many investments, it’s worth it in the end. Not to mention the environmental impact you are championing. Price ranges commonly from $3 – $30 per diaper; of course there are some diapers out of that range. I purchased 70% of my stash pre-loved at great deals I collected when pregnant both online and locally. As with anything I always try to buy during sales, which are plentiful throughout the year.

Build my Stash:

If I was starting completely fresh, this would be my beginner stash to build on [prices will vary by location – it’s only an approximation in CAD funds]. You could wash every 3-5+ days:

• 5x Cloth-eez size Small [$3.90 each];
• 5x Cloth-eez size Medium [$4.50 each];
• 2x Snappi’s [$2 each];
• 5x Flip or Thirsties covers [$14-16 each];
• 5x AMP 3ply hemp boosters [$3.95 each];
• 15x Size 1/2 Applecheeks pockets [20.75 each];
• 15x Applecheeks 2ply bamboo inserts [$9 each];
• 5x Applecheeks bamboo boosters [$4.50 each];
• 15x Funky Fluff AWJ pockets [$17.99 each];
• 15x Funky Fluff bamboo soakers [$9.00 each];
• 2x Funky Fluff hanging wet bag [$27 each];
• 2x Applecheeks Size 1 storage sac (more if you’ll be sending cloth to daycare) [$16 each];
• 20x Lil Helpers bamboo stay dry liners [$6 pack of 5];
• 30x Bummis cotton reusable wipes [$4.99 pack of 6].

Personally I wouldn’t buy all of this in one sweep, nor would I buy all of it brand new or without a great sale. So take this grand total with a grain of salt.

Grand total: $1149.30 CAD Brand spanking new. Pre-loved, all of this would run around $600.

This would last several children until potty trained.

Disposable diapers run about $0.20 per diaper. This would equate to approximately $2000-2500 per year.

So for 3 years of diapering:

Cloth $600-1200 (several children) vs. Disposable $6000 (one child) .

Of course both vary but still, quite the difference!

Let’s Continue the Conversation!

I really hope this information made sense and answered some questions you may have had. I would love to continue the conversation in the comments and help clarify anything and help you find your cloth diapering solutions. This can become a living document to add to, as I’m sure I left out some other burning questions you may have.

Thank you for reading!

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