Getting Started in Cloth

Where do I begin? If you are still undecided about using cloth diapers, you may want to begin on our "Why Use Cloth Diapers?" page. Or, for a really entertaining essay on one mama's journey into cloth diapering, read all four scenes of "The Diaper Drama." It covers the four main reasons to use cloth diapers: the costs; dryness and rashes; health issues; and the environment.

Once you have decided to take the plunge and give cloth diapering a try, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, or confused by all the terminology! I know I was. I didn't know an AIO from a FB from a cheerio. Sometimes I bought diapers just to see what the acronym meant! (Ohhhh, I get it All In One!) Hopefully I can save you a little trouble by gathering some of this information on these pages. First, let's sort out what's what.

Accessories
Snappi- Snappis are these amazing diaper fasteners that can be used in lieu of diaper pins. They are T-shaped with little claws at each end that grip tight to the diaper fabric. They don't work well with very dense fibers, including certain hemp diapers.

Cloth Diapers
Pocket Diapers- Pocket diapers include brands such as Fuzzi Bunz, Wonderoos, Swaddlebees, and Happy Heinys. They comprise 2 layers- an outer waterproof layer and an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth. These two layers are sewn together on three sides, creating a pocket in which you stuff an absorbent insert made of hemp, terrycloth, microfiber, or whatever your heart desires. When your baby pees, the moisture is wicked through the microfleece or suedecloth and into the absorbent insert, so baby's bum stays dry. To change the diaper, unsnap or un-velcro the diaper and remove the inserts. Throw inserts into one diaper pail and pocket diaper into another.

Fitted Diapers- Fitted diapers are diapers made of an absorbent fabric, or layers of fabric, cut to fit your baby and fastened on using snaps or velcro. They will have elastic in the back and thighs. These cloth diapers are not waterproof and will require a diaper cover. Examples include the Under the Nile fitted, FunOrganic fitted, or Absorbitall fitted.

Contour Diapers- Similar to fitted diapers, but without the snaps or velcro, so you will need a snappi or diaper pins to fasten them. They are cut to fit a baby, but usually don't have any elastic. These are also not waterproof and will require a cover. Examples include the Under the Nile contour.

Prefold Cloth Diapers, Chinese Prefolds, DSQ Prefolds- All of these terms refer to the same thing- a rectangular diaper made of several layers of fabric, sewn into thirds, the middle panel having extra layers. The most absorbent prefolds are Chinese DSQ (diaper service quality) prefolds with 4 layers on each outer third and 8 layers in the middle- written as 4x8x4. They come in bleached and unbleached. I only carry the unbleached variety as the cotton bleaching process is a nasty one! Prefolds can be folded to fit inside a wrap-style cloth diaper cover, pinned or snappi-ed. They are not waterproof and all require a cover. Do not buy store-brand prefolds- they are not 100% cotton and will not be very absorbent. DSQ prefolds quilt up after several washes, becoming more absorbent with every wash. These will literally last generations, if not as diapers, then as dust rags, shoe polisher, dish towel, etc.

Flat cloth diapers- Flat diapers are the kind our mothers used! Rectangle in shape and usually one layer thick, these diapers require pins, a snappi, or can be folded and laid in a wrap-style cloth diaper cover. One advantage with flats is that they dry quickly, a major plus if you don't have a clothes dryer.

AIO cloth diapers- All In One cloth Diapers are just as they sound- one piece, all in one. These are the most similar to disposables, but usually also the most expensive. They require no stuffing, no wrap, and no pinning. We don't carry any AIOs at the moment, but may in the future. Examples include Bumkins AIOs. The only drawback to an AIO is that it usually takes a long time to dry because it's several layers thick.

Diaper Covers
If it's not a pocket diaper or AIO, it needs a cover! Diaper covers come in a number of different styles- the most popular being the wrap- style cover in which you can just lay a prefold and velcro or snap the cover over the diaper. The next most poplular style is a pull on pant, like a wool soaker. Once you decide which style you like best, you can choose which fabric you prefer. Or vice versa!

Cloth diapers are mainly covered with one of three materials:
Wool- If you want a diapering system of totally natural fibers, you'll need to get wool covers. Wool is a wonderful fiber that will absorb moisture without feeling wet. If you haven't already done so, read our wool page here. Be sure to get covers that are 100% wool- you don't want any acrylic blended in. Wool needs to be handwashed, but only about twice a month or if gets poopy on it. Handwashing is easy- just swish in the sink with wool wash and lay flat to dry. Periodically it also need lanolizing, which just means you'll need to add a little melted Lansinoh to your wash water every now and then. I didn't think I'd be the "wool type" but I was so, so wrong! I am now an addict through and through. Hand-knit wool soakers are the best- stay away from mass- produced, machine-knit soakers. The quality will be inferior and they will not provide the protection you need, especially overnight. Examples of wool diaper covers include LanaCare, Aristocrats, and Bridget's Woollen Soakers.

Fleece- Fleece is a man-made fiber constructed of 100% polyester- much of which comes from recycled plastics! It is very soft to the touch, lightweight, and doesn't absorb water. As a cloth diaper cover, it provides waterproofing by keeping moisture in while remaining breathable. Examples of fleece diaper covers include the Stacinator fleece covers.

PUL (polyurethane laminate)- PUL is a waterproof coating used on polyester or cotton to make a waterproof, mildew proof, washable, wipeable diaper cover. As long as it doesn't get soiled, diaper covers made of PUL can be aired out between diaper changes and reused several times. Examples include Bummis, Diaperaps, and Stacinator So Simple.

So what do you need to start?
Oh, there are so many answers to that question! I always think it's a good idea to start with a sampler of covers and diapers, just to get a feel for each system and to see what works best for you. If you are starting with a newborn or infant up to about 6 months, and you plan to wash every third day, then you can get by with 3 dozen diapers and 4 covers. If you want convenience and ease of use and don't mind spending a little more, then go for 3 dozen pocket diapers and inserts and be done with it! For older babies and toddlers, you would be fine with 2 dozen diapers. If you are on a very tight budget, go with prefolds and covers. In summary, to get started, you will need:

• 3 dozen cloth diapers (fitted, contour, prefolds, flats or pocket diapers) (2 dozen for older baby)
• 4-6 diaper covers (wool, fleece, or PUL) ***not needed if you are using pocket diapers***
• 3 dozen cloth wipes
• Spray bottle for wipes solution or water
• Snappis or Dritz diaper pins (only for contours, prefolds & flats)
• Two large wet bags and two small wet bags