Showing posts with label cloth diapers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cloth diapers. Show all posts

Sprout Cream! Have you heard?

Say goodbye to diaper rash!
Non-greasy and cloth diaper friendly, 
Sprout Cream heals and prevents 
normal skin irritations.

Plus, it's made with only a few ingredients-that are 
safe enough even for the newest of newborns. 

It's more than a diaper cream, it's an all-over healing 
salve that helps to fix problems and prevent new ones. 

Even better, it's cloth diaper safe. 
Washes out with just plain water, no fuss.

Want to learn more? Check it out here!

The Cloth Diapering Trend


More and more parents today are choosing cloth. In fact, about 10% of all diapers are reusable. Only a few years ago, the number was dramatically lower.

The new generation of parents are not interested in the traditional form of cloth diapers. They want convenience, simple to use diapers that work well, and also happen to come in an assortment of fun colors. Reusables now come in a range of styles, tailored to parent’s specific preferences, from All-in-ones (AIO) to Pocket Diapers, and everything in between, diapers have come a long way from the old style pins and prefolds with rubber pants. Even more recently, a new style of diapering has cropped up, All-In-Twos (AI2). This type of diaper is a cover system and an insert, kind of like a wrap and prefold, but simpler and more easy to use.

With the increased awareness in cloth diapers, it has become so much more acceptable to give diapers as gifts. Giving new parents reusable diapers is a great option and your gift continues to bless the family for years.

The cost savings alone is a great reason to switch to cloth. Disposables cost families over $2,500.00, where reusables can cost as low as $125.00. Cloth uses much fewer raw materials and the landfill waste is next to nothing. With fewer rashes in cloth, you won’t need anywhere near the amount of diaper cream to add to the costs of diapering.

Modern cloth diapers have reinvented a basic need. Simple, convenient and fun, reusable diapers are a great option for our children.

Is cloth diapering affordable?

Did you know that diapering one baby in disposable diapers costs an average of $2,500.00? Oh yes, it’s true. And that’s being cost-conscious and buying in bulk, or generic brand disposables diapers. Most parents don’t realize the added cost because you only a pack at a time, and all babies need diapers, right?

When you sit down and do the numbers, you might be surprised, or even shocked. You may be about to embark on the awesome journey of parenthood, or maybe you have a busy toddler or two.

There’s a common misconception that cloth diapers are expensive. In reality, they are so much cheaper than disposables! This cost difference is not seen in the first purchase of diapers, or even the second. It is subtle, and you might not notice it.... Why? Because  much of the savings and benefits with cloth is in the “Don’ts.”
 
With Cloth, you DON’T....

  1. Once you buy your cloth diapers you have them. You don’t buy them again next week, you don’t have to run out to the convenience store at the last minute because you ran out.
  2. You don’t have an enormous, great smelling heap of garbage to haul out to the curb each week.
  3. You don’t have your baby’s bottom covered in petroleum-based gels and dioxins.
  4. You don’t have to worry if money’s tight, will you be able to buy diapers for your baby that week.
  5. You don’t have to buy more diapers if you decide to have another little bundle of joy.

If you’ve gotten this far, chances are you know some of the amazing benefits of putting your baby in cloth.

The addition of your sweet little one, typically comes a stretching of the family budget. Cloth diapers can save your family literally thousands of dollars, (see our post on the cost comparisons of cloth vs. disposables) but it is true that you need to find a way to pay for that initial investment.
Here’s a few ways to help make cloth even more affordable

  1.  Ask family and friends for cloth at your baby shower, or as a birthday gift for baby. Let them know how much you will saving when they support your desire to use reusables.
  2. Add cloth diapers to your baby registry, or wish list.
  3. Buy a bit at a time, after baby is born. Every few weeks, buy 1 or 2 reusable diapers, and slowly switch over.
  4. Before baby is born and needs to use diapers, invest the same amount you would in disposables each month and within 3 months or so, you will have all you need from birth to potty training, all before your little one arrives.
  5. Buy used. Cloth diapers, like kids clothes, don’t have to be brand new. You can save a lot off the cost of diapers just by finding them second hand. Check out craigslist.org, diaperswappers.com, or ask your friends if they know of anyone that has extra diapers. Frequently you can find them at garage sales too, or if all else fails, google it.
Be creative!

Overnight in Cloth

Cloth diapers can be used successfully overnight. Sometimes, all that is necessary is a few extra layers for longer absorbency, and it can work great. For babies that are heavy wetters, extra absorbency, in other words, more layers are necessary. This doesn’t have to be complicated, but it takes a bit of trying sometimes to find the right combination for your little one. To add to this, as babies get older or go through a growth spurt, their absorbency needs will change.

For overnight here's a few options that work for the majority of babes in cloth:

1. 2 Super Saver Inserts organic.
1 Super Saver Organic, under 1 Staydry (2 total Inserts). Having the Staydry next to baby can mean that they sleep a little longer, but you have the backup absorbency of the Organic, which has 3 layers of hemp.
Use 1 Softsleeve with our hemp prefolds. This gives you a ton of absorbency, without the extra bulk, and baby feels dry like in a pocket style diaper.

Keep in mind that newborns will probably be fine with one insert, and may not even need the extra absorbency that hemp offers.

In addition, if you already have some cloth diapering components, you can customize your personal system to work exactly with your situation. For instance, if you are using prefolds, and want more overnight coverage, simply add a pocket insert behind the prefold, and you'll have added a lot of extra absorbency, for a very minimal investment. There's definitely no need to start from scratch if you have diapers already!

Cloth Diaper Terminology

Cloth Diaper Terminology
Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, once you figure out the basics, it’s actually really easy.
To start with, you need to understand that there are two primary components to any diapering system.
         1.The waterproof layer (outside)
         2. The absorbent layer (inside)
Once you have these two basic components, the rest is really just customizing the diaper types to fit your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common terms used in modern cloth diapering:
 
AIO (all in one)
    All parts of the diaper are in one piece. Once wet or soiled, the entire diaper gets washed.
AI2 (all in two)
    There are 2 separate parts to the system. A waterproof cover or shell, and an absorbent layer. AI2’s are more economical because the covers get reused more than one time (usually up to 3 times) before washing is needed.
Adjustable Elastic
    Elastic in the legs and waist sections that you can change the length, shorter for smaller babies and longer for bigger kids. One of the most adjustable ways to change the size of a diaper.
Aplix
    The brand of a hook and loop closure. This is similar in style to Velcro, which is another brand.
Bamboo
    Fiber that is soft, fairly absorbent. Used in cloth diapers. Man-made fiber, due to the process it has to go through to make the fabric.
Biodegradable Inserts
    Also known as disposable inserts, these throw-away, single use absorbent layers require a waterproof diaper cover. They are rectangular, and if (pee only) composted in your garden, are supposed to biodegrade within 6 months. When placed in the landfill, they will decompose faster than disposables, but it is unknown exactly how long this takes.
Booster
    Inserts/absorbent layers that are added to the regular absorbent layer to increase absorbency.
Booster Sets
    With Sprout Change, the booster set is a Softsleeve that is already stuffed with an inside, or prefold, and ready for extreme absorbency, and behaves very similar to a pocket diaper (stuffable) and an AI2 system in one product.
Changing Pad
    The waterproof layer between the changing surface to keep baby and surface clean.
Cotton
    Fiber that is traditional to cloth diapers, typically soft, absorbent. Often available in bleached and unbleached. Bleached uses chlorine bleach, unbleached is naturally cream colored.
Cover
    A diaper cover can also be known as a shell or wrap. This is the waterproof layer on the outside of the diaper that keeps pee/poo inside and clothes dry. You will need to add the absorbent layer (prefold, diaper insert, fitted, etc. before the diaper is ready to be worn.
    Covers are most often made from PUL (poly urethane laminate, see below), nylon, wool or polyester fleece, and have some type of closure, most often snaps or Velcro-type material like Aplix or other hook and loop.
Diaper Service
    Company that rents out diapers, most often cotton prefolds, they pick them up and wash them for you.
Doubler
    Inserts that are intended to be used as added absorbency to another insert, prefold or flat. They are typically smaller than the main absorbent layer.
Fitted Diaper
    A diaper with just the absorbent layer, and not waterproof layer. Has a closure on it, either hook and loop or snaps usually, occasionally closes with a snappi or pins.
Flat
    Large, square piece of single layer, thin fabric intended on being folded down several times into a rectangular shaped prefold and then closed around baby with a snappi or pins.
Front Snapping
    Wings of the diaper fold towards the front of the diaper and close like a disposable closes.
Gussets
    Extra space and/or piece of fabric near the leg openings that provides an extra barrier to keep messes contained.
Hemp
    Fiber used as an absorbent layer, works well for heavy wetters and overnight. Nearly twice as absorbent as cotton. Most often comprised of 55% hemp and 45% cotton.
Hybrid Diaper
    A cross between a cloth-only reusable diaper and a disposable. One part is reused, one is tossed, like the insert.
Hook and Loop
    A type of closure, looks like Velcro
Insert
    Absorbent layer, rectangular shaped, either set onto the waterproof cover or stuffed inside a pocket style diaper.
Lanolize
    Process in which you add lanolin (natural sheep oils) to wool to make it almost waterproof. Most commonly done before you first use the covers, and as needed after washing the covers.
Liner
    Typically the layer right next to baby’s skin. An extra layer that is meant to either keep baby extra dry (fleece) or for lifting poop off diapers without needing to rinse (flushable kind). Silk liners can reduce infections like yeast. Effective when used as a barrier to your diapers so you can use diaper cream as needed, and diapers don’t get coated in cream.
Longies
    Handmade, long wool pants used as a diaper cover
Mattress pad
    The waterproof layer that sets between baby and the mattress to keep the mattress dry if the diaper leaks or child has an accident.
Microfiber
    Synthetic fiber used to make textiles, using very tiny fibers. These fibers are typically very absorbent, and dry quickly after washing. Most common fiber for inserts found in pocket diapers. Due to the wicking nature of the fiber, it is not suitable for direct contact with baby’s skin, as it is known to cause rash because it wicks all moisture and oils from surfaces it touches.
Minky/Minkee   
    Soft polyester fabric, made of microfibers. Used next to skin or in covers of some diapers, common also in children’s clothes and blankets.
One-size diaper
    A diaper that has more than one size setting (like small, medium and large, typically fitting from near birth to potty training ages, depending on the brand.
Pail
    Container, most often a 13 gallon garbage with a lid, that holds the soiled diapers until washing.
Pail Liner
    Waterproof bag that sets inside a diaper pail to keep the mess and scent contained, and pail clean.
Pins
    Safety pins with a locking head so kids can’t undo them, fastens cloth absorbent layer around baby.
Pocket Diaper
    Diaper with a waterproof outer layer, porous inside layer and a pocket-shaped opening on one or two ends of the inside layer intended to be stuffed with an absorbent layer.
Prefold
    Rectangular shaped absorbent layer. Typically folded into thirds, uses closure like pins or a snappi. Center strip of fabric typically has extra layers for increased absorbency. This is most often what is used in diaper services.
PUL
    Polyester Urethane Laminate. Waterproof layer adhered to polyester knit fabric. The waterproof layer in the majority of styles of reusable diapers.
Repelling
    Not absorbing liquid. Absorbent layer does not absorb. Liquids sit on top of fabric, like beads, or run off to sides of the diaper, typically causing leaks. To test for repelling, you must first try pressing water into the fabric, like the pressure from a sink, to see if it soaks through.
Rise
    The measurement from the top of the front side of the diaper, between the legs and to the back edge of the diaper.
Side Snapping
    Diaper that closes with the front panel on the outside, and the wings underneath the front panel. Great for older children, who figure out how to take their diapers off. Typically only available in snaps.
Sized Diaper   
    Type of diaper that comes in several sizes, like small, medium and large. Frequently based on a combination of age and weight. Typically trim on small babies, because there isn’t a lot of extra fabric.
Snap Down Rise
    Sizing of the diaper is made smaller or larger by adjusting the setting of the snaps on the front of the diaper. This shortens the length of fabric in the front of the diaper, making the rise smaller, and decreasing the size.
Snappi
    Diaper fastener that uses small plastic teeth to hook fabric, with a stretchy plastic band that pulls taught to keep the diaper fastened. Works great with prefolds.
Side Snapping
    Diaper that closes with the front panel on the outside, and the wings underneath the front panel. Great for older children, who figure out how to take their diapers off. Typically only available in snaps.
Shorties
    Handmade shorts used as a diaper cover, and made from wool
Snaps
    Plastic (can be metal) closure that is commonly used in both the covers and absorbent layers of cloth diapers.
Stripping
    Washing cloth diapers in a solution of dish soap (typically Dawn brand) to remove any detergent or hard water mineral buildup, residue or other leftovers from the washing process. Stripping will also remove diaper cream residue that reduces absorbency in cloth.
Sunning
    Setting cloth diaper components in direct sunlight for several hours to use the natural UV rays to break down stubborn stains and naturally bleach (without added chemicals) diapers. The UV rays from the sun can also reduce bacteria counts and reduce odors in diapers. With a bright sunny day, the process can take as few as 3 hours, on an overcast or rainy day, it can take up to 24.
    You can do this indoors, by setting the diapers in the sun next to a window as well. If you would like, you can also use a small amount of lemon juice to speed up the process, but is not required. If you do, just be sure to re-wash the sunned diapers to remove the juice.
Trainers
    Training pants are used when kids are first learning how to use the potty. Typically a one-piece unit with an absorbent layer, and padding between the leg areas. Some brands have a waterproof layer that is useful overnight and for naps or car rides.
    You do not have to use trainers. Some use diapers and go straight to kids underwear. Other kids need some more time, and do well with training pants.
    The purpose of trainers is to make sure the child feels the process, and learns to recognize the feel of being wet. The absorbent layer is intended to reduce the need to change a lot of extra clothes for when the occasional accident inevitably happens. Styles that are pull-on are useful to help foster independence and make it easy for kids to pull it up.
Wet Bag
    A bag intended to carry soiled cloth diapers when you’re not at home. Frequently lined with a waterproof layer, like PUL, and fabric outside. They typically close with zippers, hook and look or drawstring.
Wicking
    Fabric pulling moisture from one location to another. Can be good if the porous layer is wicking moisture to the absorbent layer, not so good when the moisture gets wicked to the outside of the diaper, and causes leaks. If there are wicking issues that create leaks, typically this is due to an improper fit, or repelling issues.
Wipes
    Washable cloths that you reuse. Great combination to cloth diapers. Simple to use, can use with plain water or a wipe solution, wipe as usual and wash.
Wipe Solution
    Liquid that has been formulated for moistening cloth wipes.  
Wool
    Natural fiber from sheep hair. Frequently used as the waterproof layer in a diaper cover if the family wants to use only natural fibers and avoid plastic. It is a very breathable fiber, and is great for preventing rashes and yeast infections. Wool can go without washing for up to several weeks, unlike most covers.

A word on laundry detergents

We typically don't endorse any specific brand of detergent to use. It is best to try what you are currently using, and if you experience any troubles, then go from there. You will want to remember to avoid all fabric softeners and chlorine bleach.

Secondary, if you experience any trouble, you will want to avoid extra things in laundry detergent, like whiteners and brighteners. Things without a fragrance are best. The fewer the ingredients, the least likely to cause a reaction.

Here's some detergents to specifically avoid due to common buildup issues:
    All Free & Clear
    7th Gen
    Dreft

Here are some that are typically good to use:
    Soap Nuts
    Rockin Green
    Country Save
    Allen’s Naturally
    Charlie’s (some have reported trouble with this, but I haven't heard of this personally)
    Many store brand types, typically have fewer additives, since they add to the cost-
    Sam's Choice
    Costco brand
    Sun detergent

There are many additional good detergents. This is just a few that are common, not a complete list.

Keep in mind that there's more to washing than just the type of detergent. Things like water type, temperature, agitation level, and quantity of water all make a difference.