Nothing is quite as frightening as a newborn. Add cloth diapering to the mix, and you have a very scary monster indeed. :) However, its actually very easy to CD a newborn. I know, I did it.
I would recommend sticking with mostly PFs and fitteds, and having a few pockets or something for trips out of the house. PFs will fit a wide variety of shapes, so they are perfect since you don't know what your little miracle will look like. Also, they are cheap and easy. So, if your little bundle of joy turns out to be a big bundle of joy and only wears infant size for two weeks, you aren't out a lot of money.
This is what our Newborn stash consisted of:
6 infant PFs
5 fitteds
5 contours
3 pockets/ AIOs
5 covers
It was great, but some days we had to wash everyday. We used PFs during the day, fitteds for late night changes, and pockets/ AIOs for trips out of the house. However, another 10 diapers and we would have been more comfortable, and only needed to wash every other day.
Dont spend a lot of money on NB diapers- because they grow out of them so quickly. Try to buy used when you can. NB diapers are used for such a short time- they are almost always in perfect condition when you buy used. Also, NBs need changed so often- you dont need to find the most absorbent diaper ever made.
The black tar poop and the belly button stump are the two biggest concerns I hear of. Also, circumcision wraps. For the meconnium (sp?, I'll google it later)- dont worry. It will wash out. It may take a few washes, but it all washed out of all of our diapers. Its a bit scary- but it will be fine. Diapers are made out of more stain resistant materials than regular clothing. Also, most NB diapers have an "umbilical drop or snap". Meaning, they fit around the umbilical cord. We didnt really have many problems. Those few diapers that didnt have a drop, fit over the umbilical and we left a bit loose. Now, I have a daughter- so I do not have first hand experience with the circ scar. However- you should be fine. Most Drs have you cover the penis with a gauze pad- so its not an issue. However- its also perfectly fine to opt to use disposables until the tar poop and the circ scar worries have passed. :)
**Preemie Pre-folds
You will hear varying stories on the need for preemie sized PFs. I can tell you, my daughter came home at 6lbs 13oz and fit in infant just fine. :) However, some swear that they are too bulky on a NB, and that preemies are better. Go with your discretion. :)
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Stink, Stains, Problems of every kind...
This will be our troubleshooting area. Here are some common complaints, and what to do about them.
Leaky diapers.
Leaks are caused by a couple of different things. If the diaper still absorbs, but leaks poo out of the legs- you have a fit issue. Either fasten the thighs tighter, or buy a smaller size.
If your diaper is leaking pee out of the legs- you have build-up and need to strip. *Hint, many PF folds will leak BF poo onto the cover. Thats normal and not a problem.
If your diaper seems to leak from the front, or "wick", try putting them in the dryer on hot for 5 minutes. This will reactivate the PUL. If that doesnt work, it could be that your diaper is just too old. If it is farely new, contact the manufacturer. Some are guaranteed.
Stink
If your diapers smell fresh out of the wash (before being dried), wash them again on warm or hot. Sometimes you need a little more soap, sometimes you're using too much. You just need to experiment. The amount of soap you need will vary from city to city based on your water.
If your diapers smell of ammonia the second they are peed on- cut out the vinegar from your wash. In my experience, vinegar causes more problems than it fixes. Strip the diapers, and stop using vinegar (Simple Green does much better).
If your diapers smell when they get peed on, just a light foul (non urine, and non ammonia) odor, you need to strip.
If your diaper pail stinks, use a drop or two of Tea Tree Oil on a piece of cloth in your pail or liner.
If your hemp has a very sharp, horrible smell when wet, strip them. Hemp stink is almost painful. In my experience, hemp almost always has a light odor, especially if you are using it at night. However- bad odor is a sign of build-up and not getting thoroughly cleaned. Strip.
Stains
I have never met a stain that lemon juice and sun wont kill.
Its normal for inserts to stain, even if your pockets didn't. Pockets are usually lined with a material thats hard to stain (fleece or suede cloth). Inserts are microfiber or hemp, and will stain. You can bleach your inserts occasionally to get them sparkling white. You can also sun them.
You can also pre-treat the diaper before washing, by putting some of the laundry soap directly on the stain. You can also pre-treat with Simple Green.
***Stripping
Not as fun as it sounds. Stripping just removes any detergent build up, and also any remaining urine or poo smell.
Run a hot wash with two to three squirts of regular Dawn dish soap (you can use whatever you have in the house. I'm told blue Dawn works best, and its about $1.50 for a small bottle). Rinse until you see no bubbles during agitation. Depending on your water, this could be 2 rinses, it could be eight. Just be diligent about checking.
Dry as normal. If your diapers still stink- you didnt do it properly and still have build-up left.
***Sunning
Sunning will remove stains.
Start by wetting your diapers. They dont need to be dripping, just wet. Lay in sun for a couple of hours. Wash.
If that didnt work, wet your diapers. Spray/ squirt a little lemon juice on the stain (only on white). Lay in sun again. Wash.
I'm told you can actually tape a diaper to a big sunny window if you dont have anywhere to lay it.
The best way to solve these problems, is to avoid them. I have found that a couple of squirts of Simple Green in the wash will deter both stains and stink. It also works on stains in clothing.
Leaky diapers.
Leaks are caused by a couple of different things. If the diaper still absorbs, but leaks poo out of the legs- you have a fit issue. Either fasten the thighs tighter, or buy a smaller size.
If your diaper is leaking pee out of the legs- you have build-up and need to strip. *Hint, many PF folds will leak BF poo onto the cover. Thats normal and not a problem.
If your diaper seems to leak from the front, or "wick", try putting them in the dryer on hot for 5 minutes. This will reactivate the PUL. If that doesnt work, it could be that your diaper is just too old. If it is farely new, contact the manufacturer. Some are guaranteed.
Stink
If your diapers smell fresh out of the wash (before being dried), wash them again on warm or hot. Sometimes you need a little more soap, sometimes you're using too much. You just need to experiment. The amount of soap you need will vary from city to city based on your water.
If your diapers smell of ammonia the second they are peed on- cut out the vinegar from your wash. In my experience, vinegar causes more problems than it fixes. Strip the diapers, and stop using vinegar (Simple Green does much better).
If your diapers smell when they get peed on, just a light foul (non urine, and non ammonia) odor, you need to strip.
If your diaper pail stinks, use a drop or two of Tea Tree Oil on a piece of cloth in your pail or liner.
If your hemp has a very sharp, horrible smell when wet, strip them. Hemp stink is almost painful. In my experience, hemp almost always has a light odor, especially if you are using it at night. However- bad odor is a sign of build-up and not getting thoroughly cleaned. Strip.
Stains
I have never met a stain that lemon juice and sun wont kill.
Its normal for inserts to stain, even if your pockets didn't. Pockets are usually lined with a material thats hard to stain (fleece or suede cloth). Inserts are microfiber or hemp, and will stain. You can bleach your inserts occasionally to get them sparkling white. You can also sun them.
You can also pre-treat the diaper before washing, by putting some of the laundry soap directly on the stain. You can also pre-treat with Simple Green.
***Stripping
Not as fun as it sounds. Stripping just removes any detergent build up, and also any remaining urine or poo smell.
Run a hot wash with two to three squirts of regular Dawn dish soap (you can use whatever you have in the house. I'm told blue Dawn works best, and its about $1.50 for a small bottle). Rinse until you see no bubbles during agitation. Depending on your water, this could be 2 rinses, it could be eight. Just be diligent about checking.
Dry as normal. If your diapers still stink- you didnt do it properly and still have build-up left.
***Sunning
Sunning will remove stains.
Start by wetting your diapers. They dont need to be dripping, just wet. Lay in sun for a couple of hours. Wash.
If that didnt work, wet your diapers. Spray/ squirt a little lemon juice on the stain (only on white). Lay in sun again. Wash.
I'm told you can actually tape a diaper to a big sunny window if you dont have anywhere to lay it.
The best way to solve these problems, is to avoid them. I have found that a couple of squirts of Simple Green in the wash will deter both stains and stink. It also works on stains in clothing.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Wash routine
First, lets talk about new diapers.
New hemp needs to be washed in hot by itself about 3-4 times before washing with any other diapers. Wash it at least once alone, then you can wash it with your regular clothes laundry
(not diapers, and not towels). Hemp is coated in natural oils that make not only it repell, but will make your other diapers repell. Another option is to boil it first, then wash it 2-3 more times with regular clothes laundry. You do not need to dry between washes.
New PFs also need to be washed by themselves. Wash alone twice on hot (use soap), then you can wash with regular clothes laundry. Wash 4-6 times before use, but PFs will continue to soften up and become more absorbant the more you wash. You do not need to dry between each wash, or use soap each time. **Note- PFs will shrink quite a bit after the first wash. They will look huge when you open the package, but don't worry.
Microfiber, pockets, and covers do not need anything special. I would wash AIOs a couple of times before use, depending on the soaker.
Regular wash routine.
I would start with a basic routine, and only change it if you need to. This is a pretty simple wash routine, and works well for most people.
Cold rinse (especially important if your child is still young enough that you are not rinsing diapers, the cold rinse will hopefully help with stains).
Warm or hot wash with 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent.
Extra rinse
Look at this list for detergent choices-
http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm
http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/hedetergentchoices.htm
Gone are the days of soaking diapers in the toilet and bleaching at every wash. If your child is not on solids yet, you dont need to do anything to your poopy diapers other than wash. When your child eats more solid, and his/her poop becomes more solid, you will need to dispose of it in a toilet before washing. You do not need to use bleach at all.
Drying
The best way to dry your diapers is debatable. The dryer is hard on elastic, and too much heat will cause it to become brittle. However, heat also re-energizes the PUL. So, if you chose to dryer your pockets and covers, they will be dry in 10 minutes or less, so be sure to check them, and not let them get too hot.
Heres what I do (so obviously, I think its best, lol). I put all new diapers in the dryer on high for 10 minutes. After that, twice a month, I put all my pocket, covers, and AIOs in the dryer for 10 minutes on high. Everything that does not have elastic, gets dryed on low (usually takes 2 20 minute cycles). Everything that is waterproof, is line dryed normally.
Bamboo will become brittle if over heated, so only dry on low, or air dry. Hemp becomes hard and scratchy when air dryed- so fluff that in the dryer after its dry.
Stains Happen.
I havent met a stain that sun and lemon juice won't kill. I also use a few sprays of Simple Green in the wash to avoid staining and smells.
New hemp needs to be washed in hot by itself about 3-4 times before washing with any other diapers. Wash it at least once alone, then you can wash it with your regular clothes laundry
(not diapers, and not towels). Hemp is coated in natural oils that make not only it repell, but will make your other diapers repell. Another option is to boil it first, then wash it 2-3 more times with regular clothes laundry. You do not need to dry between washes.
New PFs also need to be washed by themselves. Wash alone twice on hot (use soap), then you can wash with regular clothes laundry. Wash 4-6 times before use, but PFs will continue to soften up and become more absorbant the more you wash. You do not need to dry between each wash, or use soap each time. **Note- PFs will shrink quite a bit after the first wash. They will look huge when you open the package, but don't worry.
Microfiber, pockets, and covers do not need anything special. I would wash AIOs a couple of times before use, depending on the soaker.
Regular wash routine.
I would start with a basic routine, and only change it if you need to. This is a pretty simple wash routine, and works well for most people.
Cold rinse (especially important if your child is still young enough that you are not rinsing diapers, the cold rinse will hopefully help with stains).
Warm or hot wash with 1/2 the recommended amount of detergent.
Extra rinse
Look at this list for detergent choices-
http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm
http://www.pinstripesandpolkadots.com/hedetergentchoices.htm
Gone are the days of soaking diapers in the toilet and bleaching at every wash. If your child is not on solids yet, you dont need to do anything to your poopy diapers other than wash. When your child eats more solid, and his/her poop becomes more solid, you will need to dispose of it in a toilet before washing. You do not need to use bleach at all.
Drying
The best way to dry your diapers is debatable. The dryer is hard on elastic, and too much heat will cause it to become brittle. However, heat also re-energizes the PUL. So, if you chose to dryer your pockets and covers, they will be dry in 10 minutes or less, so be sure to check them, and not let them get too hot.
Heres what I do (so obviously, I think its best, lol). I put all new diapers in the dryer on high for 10 minutes. After that, twice a month, I put all my pocket, covers, and AIOs in the dryer for 10 minutes on high. Everything that does not have elastic, gets dryed on low (usually takes 2 20 minute cycles). Everything that is waterproof, is line dryed normally.
Bamboo will become brittle if over heated, so only dry on low, or air dry. Hemp becomes hard and scratchy when air dryed- so fluff that in the dryer after its dry.
Stains Happen.
I havent met a stain that sun and lemon juice won't kill. I also use a few sprays of Simple Green in the wash to avoid staining and smells.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Perfect System
One of the most common questions people ask when learning about cloth diapering is, "What is the "best" system?" Unfortunately, there is no perfect system. Not everyone has the patience for PFs, and not everyone has the money for pockets. So, here's a breakdown:
AIOs, AI2 (All-In-One, All-In-2)
AIO are a complete diaper. Its basically a cloth disposable. It is absorbant and waterproof. AIOs are they easiest way to CD. AI2 consist of a waterproof shell, and snap in or lay in soakers. The shell is not absorbant, but the soakers are not waterproof. AIOs and AI2s are the easiest way to CD, however they are also the most expensive. I also question how clean they can get, since water can't flow all the way through fabric.
Pockets
Pockets have one layer of waterproof material, and one layer of wicking material with a "pocket" you put an insert into. They are not traditionally absorbent on their own, you must stuff with an insert. Pockets are more versatile than AIOs, because you can adjust the absorbency for nights and outings, or other special circumstances. They are usually a bit cheaper than AIOs, but not always. They do require a bit more work though, because you have to "stuff" the insert into teh pocket before wearing.
Fitteds
Fitted diapers are shaped to fit baby and will usually include some form of closure, either snaps or aplix. Fitteds are often bulkier than PFs, but also easier to put on, and sometimes more absorbant. You will need a cover to make fitteds waterproof. Fitteds are perfect for under wool, but any cover works well with them.
Pre-folds, contours, and flats
Flats are simply large squares of cotton or other fabric that you fold many times to fit baby. Pre-folds are less work, they are partially folded and then sewed so you will have many fit options, but not quite so much folding to do. PFs and flats are most likely what you were cloth diapered with, if you were CD as a baby. Contours are many layers of fabric that are sewn together in a shape that fits baby, no folding required. All three will require a cover to be waterproof. You may also choose to close your PFs, contours, and flats with either pins, or snappi.
I think that the perfect system is a mixture between all of these things. In my own "stash". I have 6 PFs, 5 fitteds, 5 contours, 2 AIO, 2 AI2, and a bunch of pockets.
AIOs, AI2 (All-In-One, All-In-2)
AIO are a complete diaper. Its basically a cloth disposable. It is absorbant and waterproof. AIOs are they easiest way to CD. AI2 consist of a waterproof shell, and snap in or lay in soakers. The shell is not absorbant, but the soakers are not waterproof. AIOs and AI2s are the easiest way to CD, however they are also the most expensive. I also question how clean they can get, since water can't flow all the way through fabric.
Pockets
Pockets have one layer of waterproof material, and one layer of wicking material with a "pocket" you put an insert into. They are not traditionally absorbent on their own, you must stuff with an insert. Pockets are more versatile than AIOs, because you can adjust the absorbency for nights and outings, or other special circumstances. They are usually a bit cheaper than AIOs, but not always. They do require a bit more work though, because you have to "stuff" the insert into teh pocket before wearing.
Fitteds
Fitted diapers are shaped to fit baby and will usually include some form of closure, either snaps or aplix. Fitteds are often bulkier than PFs, but also easier to put on, and sometimes more absorbant. You will need a cover to make fitteds waterproof. Fitteds are perfect for under wool, but any cover works well with them.
Pre-folds, contours, and flats
Flats are simply large squares of cotton or other fabric that you fold many times to fit baby. Pre-folds are less work, they are partially folded and then sewed so you will have many fit options, but not quite so much folding to do. PFs and flats are most likely what you were cloth diapered with, if you were CD as a baby. Contours are many layers of fabric that are sewn together in a shape that fits baby, no folding required. All three will require a cover to be waterproof. You may also choose to close your PFs, contours, and flats with either pins, or snappi.
I think that the perfect system is a mixture between all of these things. In my own "stash". I have 6 PFs, 5 fitteds, 5 contours, 2 AIO, 2 AI2, and a bunch of pockets.
Sposie Math Two
OK, last time we did this we used Pockets. Pockets are one of the easiest ways to CD, but can also be the most expensive. PFs are the cheapest way. So, if you used all PFs, lets look at the money you can save.
- Again, $.25 a disposable. 7 a day.
- PFs are cheaper, and not stay dry, so lets say you'll need 2 dozen.
- And again, we'll say your child is a light to moderate wetter. If your child is a heavy wetter, you may need to use another system.
7 disposables a day x $.25= $1.75 a day to disposable diaper.
OK, to start, you'll need infant sized PFs, and 5 small covers. You'll also need something more absorbant for nights, we'll use hemp PFs (although you may choose to use pockets for nights). You'll need a wetbag and snappis or pins.
2 dozen infant PF= $30.00
2 small proraps covers= $16.00
2 small Bummi covers= $20.00
1 small wool soaker (prices vary, but for recycled wool- excellent for night)= $15.00
wetbag= $15.00
2 Snappis= $5.00
2 medium hemp PFs (for nights)- $17.00
You've spent $118 to CD for the first six months. You will "break even" in 67 days, about two months. So you have 4 months of free diapering.
Now, with sposie math one- you would have sold those diapers to finance the new ones. Problem with PFs is they dont hold their resale value as well as pockets. You can sell them and make probably $50 back. So you've actually spent $68 to CD, about 39 days worth of disposables.
Medium PFs are called "regulars". You'll also want to add a mini-shower when your child starts solids.
2 dozen regular PFs= $34.00
Same 5 covers= $51.00
mini shower= $35.00
2 hemp PF= $19.00
You've spent $139.00 to CD for the next 12 months of your childs life. You will "break even" using cloth over disposables in 80 days. A little over 9 months of "free" diapering. Sell them again for $50, and you'll break even in 50 days (you've spent $89.00).
Time now for "Premium" PFs and large covers.
2 dozen premiums= $40.00
Same 5 covers= $51.00
2 Hemp PFs= $21.00
$111.00 to CD this final stage (remember, some children never need larges, some need extra larges). You'll break even in 63 days. Sell them when your child potty trains, and make back $50. You've now spent just $61.00, 35 days worth of disposables.
Ok, lets say you decided not to sell those diapers and save them for a second child, or even donate them when you are finished with them. These next calculations will use that assumptions.
You've spent $368 to cloth diaper your average child. Because your child is average, we'll say they potty train at 3 years.
In three years you $1917 to use disposable diapers.
It takes 210 days total to break even, just 7 months. If you use your diapers for three children, you will get over 8 years of free diapering.
- Again, $.25 a disposable. 7 a day.
- PFs are cheaper, and not stay dry, so lets say you'll need 2 dozen.
- And again, we'll say your child is a light to moderate wetter. If your child is a heavy wetter, you may need to use another system.
7 disposables a day x $.25= $1.75 a day to disposable diaper.
OK, to start, you'll need infant sized PFs, and 5 small covers. You'll also need something more absorbant for nights, we'll use hemp PFs (although you may choose to use pockets for nights). You'll need a wetbag and snappis or pins.
2 dozen infant PF= $30.00
2 small proraps covers= $16.00
2 small Bummi covers= $20.00
1 small wool soaker (prices vary, but for recycled wool- excellent for night)= $15.00
wetbag= $15.00
2 Snappis= $5.00
2 medium hemp PFs (for nights)- $17.00
You've spent $118 to CD for the first six months. You will "break even" in 67 days, about two months. So you have 4 months of free diapering.
Now, with sposie math one- you would have sold those diapers to finance the new ones. Problem with PFs is they dont hold their resale value as well as pockets. You can sell them and make probably $50 back. So you've actually spent $68 to CD, about 39 days worth of disposables.
Medium PFs are called "regulars". You'll also want to add a mini-shower when your child starts solids.
2 dozen regular PFs= $34.00
Same 5 covers= $51.00
mini shower= $35.00
2 hemp PF= $19.00
You've spent $139.00 to CD for the next 12 months of your childs life. You will "break even" using cloth over disposables in 80 days. A little over 9 months of "free" diapering. Sell them again for $50, and you'll break even in 50 days (you've spent $89.00).
Time now for "Premium" PFs and large covers.
2 dozen premiums= $40.00
Same 5 covers= $51.00
2 Hemp PFs= $21.00
$111.00 to CD this final stage (remember, some children never need larges, some need extra larges). You'll break even in 63 days. Sell them when your child potty trains, and make back $50. You've now spent just $61.00, 35 days worth of disposables.
Ok, lets say you decided not to sell those diapers and save them for a second child, or even donate them when you are finished with them. These next calculations will use that assumptions.
You've spent $368 to cloth diaper your average child. Because your child is average, we'll say they potty train at 3 years.
In three years you $1917 to use disposable diapers.
It takes 210 days total to break even, just 7 months. If you use your diapers for three children, you will get over 8 years of free diapering.
The many joys of Wal-Mart
I know some of you may be off-put by Wal-Mart. Thats cool. But those of you who are in the CD boat to save money, Wal-Mart can seriously help with that.
Heres your list of CD things to buy there:
Fleece Liners- buy cheap fleece, do not buy the stuff marked "suitable for outerwear". Do not spend more than $2 a yard. The fleece will not fray when cut, so cut into rectangles to line your diaper with. Use with anything cotton (not stay dry, like PFs and some fitteds), or use anytime you use a diaper rash cream. Wash with your dipes and re-use. You can also use flannel as a liner, but it will not be stay dry. Flannel will also fray, so either do something with the edges, or throw out after 3-4 washes.
Baby Washcloths- Use as baby wipes. You can make or buy a wipe solution, or use just plain water. We use a spray bottle (we bought at Wal-Mart) full of water.
TTO- Tea Tree Oil. Will disinfect your diapers in the wash, and will help to expell smells from the diaper pail. Put a drop or two on a piece of fleece in the bottom of your pail, or inside your wetbag. TTO will be with the vitamins in the pharmacy section. It is usually a small bottle inside a box. You may need help finding it- but it is there. Please be careful though, TTO is toxic if ingested, especially by infants. Please use caution to keep it away from little mouths.
Pail liners- In the camping section, they will sell large, waterproof bags. They are usually less than $7. In the laundry area, they will sell cloth laundry bags. They are also very reasonably priced. They will also sell mesh laundry bags. Any of these things work great for pail liners.
Simple Green- Not *all* Wal-Marts carry Simple Green. If yours doesnt, try a hardware store. SG is a concentrated all purpose cleaner. It is non toxic and bio-degradable. We use it for everything around the house, but we also use it as a stain fighter/ odor eliminator in the wash. We spray 3-5 sprays (depending on the size of the load) of the concentrate in the diaper wash. Magic.
Do not use the Gerber cloth diapers they sell at Wal-Mart for anything but burprags. However, if you can get Gerber brand "premium" or "DSQ" PFs, those work great. Also, the covers they sell at Wal-Mart are plastic, and do not allow for any air to move. I wouldn't recommend them either.
You can re-use Wal-Mart sacs as travel wetbags.
Diaper Pails- All you really need is a sturdy trashcan with a well fitting lid. I'm told the metal ones Wal- Mart has are great. They have a foot petal, and removable bin.
Detergent- Good prices.
Lemon Juice- With the bottled/ canned juices, not with the lemons. :) Natures best stain fighter is lemon juice and sunlight.
Microfiber cloths- they are in the auto section. They are approximately $.50 a piece, and come in packages. Use them as inserts (usually 2 are needed, depending on the quality of microfiber and the child). Some are coated, so test the water absorbency before use. If they are treated, just strip them. You can trifold to use in pockets- or if you are very ambitious, sew the thirds together. You can also sew the thirds together with a layer of fleece- and make stay dry doublers. Microfiber cannot go against the skin. It absorbs so well, it will absorb the oil from the skin.
I know there are more wealths to be found at Wal-Mart, but my brain is tired. If you think of any- let me know and I'll add it to the list.
Heres your list of CD things to buy there:
Fleece Liners- buy cheap fleece, do not buy the stuff marked "suitable for outerwear". Do not spend more than $2 a yard. The fleece will not fray when cut, so cut into rectangles to line your diaper with. Use with anything cotton (not stay dry, like PFs and some fitteds), or use anytime you use a diaper rash cream. Wash with your dipes and re-use. You can also use flannel as a liner, but it will not be stay dry. Flannel will also fray, so either do something with the edges, or throw out after 3-4 washes.
Baby Washcloths- Use as baby wipes. You can make or buy a wipe solution, or use just plain water. We use a spray bottle (we bought at Wal-Mart) full of water.
TTO- Tea Tree Oil. Will disinfect your diapers in the wash, and will help to expell smells from the diaper pail. Put a drop or two on a piece of fleece in the bottom of your pail, or inside your wetbag. TTO will be with the vitamins in the pharmacy section. It is usually a small bottle inside a box. You may need help finding it- but it is there. Please be careful though, TTO is toxic if ingested, especially by infants. Please use caution to keep it away from little mouths.
Pail liners- In the camping section, they will sell large, waterproof bags. They are usually less than $7. In the laundry area, they will sell cloth laundry bags. They are also very reasonably priced. They will also sell mesh laundry bags. Any of these things work great for pail liners.
Simple Green- Not *all* Wal-Marts carry Simple Green. If yours doesnt, try a hardware store. SG is a concentrated all purpose cleaner. It is non toxic and bio-degradable. We use it for everything around the house, but we also use it as a stain fighter/ odor eliminator in the wash. We spray 3-5 sprays (depending on the size of the load) of the concentrate in the diaper wash. Magic.
Do not use the Gerber cloth diapers they sell at Wal-Mart for anything but burprags. However, if you can get Gerber brand "premium" or "DSQ" PFs, those work great. Also, the covers they sell at Wal-Mart are plastic, and do not allow for any air to move. I wouldn't recommend them either.
You can re-use Wal-Mart sacs as travel wetbags.
Diaper Pails- All you really need is a sturdy trashcan with a well fitting lid. I'm told the metal ones Wal- Mart has are great. They have a foot petal, and removable bin.
Detergent- Good prices.
Lemon Juice- With the bottled/ canned juices, not with the lemons. :) Natures best stain fighter is lemon juice and sunlight.
Microfiber cloths- they are in the auto section. They are approximately $.50 a piece, and come in packages. Use them as inserts (usually 2 are needed, depending on the quality of microfiber and the child). Some are coated, so test the water absorbency before use. If they are treated, just strip them. You can trifold to use in pockets- or if you are very ambitious, sew the thirds together. You can also sew the thirds together with a layer of fleece- and make stay dry doublers. Microfiber cannot go against the skin. It absorbs so well, it will absorb the oil from the skin.
I know there are more wealths to be found at Wal-Mart, but my brain is tired. If you think of any- let me know and I'll add it to the list.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
My favorite part about Cloth Diapering...
I love that my daughter is in comfy fabrics instead of scratchy papers. I love that she smells like baby, not like disposable diapers. I love that she isnt sitting in chemicals, and that we have a little extra cash to spoil her with books and puzzles. But my favorite part of cloth diapering is the work at home moms (WAHM). These mothers are able to earn a living at home with their children. Moms supporting moms benefit us all. So, whenever possible, I buy from a WAHM. Almost all shops are run by a WAHM, and even the bigger names in CD were started and run by WAHM.
I think WAHMs know what works and what doesn't, because they actually use the product they are making. I believe you'll get a better product and customer service from a WAHM.
My favorite place to look for WAHMs is hyenacart. Look around, there is some awesome stuff there, including rare fabrics and organics.
I think WAHMs know what works and what doesn't, because they actually use the product they are making. I believe you'll get a better product and customer service from a WAHM.
My favorite place to look for WAHMs is hyenacart. Look around, there is some awesome stuff there, including rare fabrics and organics.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Snappi and PF how to. :)
I usually use an angel fold. It is open at the back, and folded in at the front. ^^This is an angel fold. I find it's easy and effective (holds in runny poo pretty well).
Line the diaper even with the belly button or a little below. If your child has a shorter rise, or is smaller in general, you can fold the back (open) end down a little. I put the washcloth to cover baby bits, obviously you wouldn't do that.
Bring the front (closed) end up. The sides should meet the front. If you have a larger child, and it doesn't meet, you can fan out the front so they touch.
The snappi has teeth at all three ends. I touch the teeth to the diaper on one end, then pull it tight to the other side. I usually then have to re-adjust.
Pull the middle section down. That will tighten the sides up, and help keep the diaper from drooping.
This is to show you how the teeth pull the fabric just a little.
Then, put on your cover. I run my finger all the way around the cover, to be sure that the gussets have been out and the PF is tucked all the way in. Otherwise it will leak.
Why use cloth?
I'm no expert, and I can't put it any better than these articles have, so I'm just going to link you to them:
http://clothdiapers.thefunnyemu.com/why.html
http://www.diapersafari.com/diaperinfo/whyclothdiapers/ http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/joy-of-cloth.html
http://www.ecobaby.com/cloth.htm
http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/article_diaperdrama3.asp
In case you aren't the link clicking kind, I'll tell you why *I* do it.
It started because I didn't see money in our budget for diapers every week, just to be thrown out. I saw a blurb online somewhere about using PFs and CDing for less than $150. I thought that sounded like a great idea- so I looked into it more. When I came upon pockets and AIOs it really felt do-able. And fun! You can see "Sposie Math" for more about the savings. I decided then that CDing is what I was going to do.
As I did more research, I saw how many chemicals were in disposables, and how dangerous they could be. The toxin "Dioxin" is what really got me. It causes liver disease, and suppresses the immune system. It's banned in most other countries (which is why sposies are more expensive in other countries) but allowed in the United States. The toxins in disposables cause many problems, from diaper rash and asthma, to cancer, TSS, UTIs, and suppressed immune systems (causing your child to get sick more often, and slowing the natural healing process).
Now, CDing has made me more environmentally smart. I've reduced the chemicals and toxins in our home dramatically. We have switched to organic foods and products whenever we can. We also support fair trade and sustainable resources whenever possible. The average child adds 6500 disposables to landfills every year (much of which does not biodegrade). Also think about the paper, petroleum, and other resources used. Also, people throw away the poop with the sposie. That raw fecal matter leaks into the areas around landfills, threatening the wildlife.
So, I always say, I came for the money, but stayed for the chemicals.
http://clothdiapers.thefunnyemu.com/why.html
http://www.diapersafari.com/diaperinfo/whyclothdiapers/ http://www.mothering.com/articles/new_baby/diapers/joy-of-cloth.html
http://www.ecobaby.com/cloth.htm
http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/article_diaperdrama3.asp
In case you aren't the link clicking kind, I'll tell you why *I* do it.
It started because I didn't see money in our budget for diapers every week, just to be thrown out. I saw a blurb online somewhere about using PFs and CDing for less than $150. I thought that sounded like a great idea- so I looked into it more. When I came upon pockets and AIOs it really felt do-able. And fun! You can see "Sposie Math" for more about the savings. I decided then that CDing is what I was going to do.
As I did more research, I saw how many chemicals were in disposables, and how dangerous they could be. The toxin "Dioxin" is what really got me. It causes liver disease, and suppresses the immune system. It's banned in most other countries (which is why sposies are more expensive in other countries) but allowed in the United States. The toxins in disposables cause many problems, from diaper rash and asthma, to cancer, TSS, UTIs, and suppressed immune systems (causing your child to get sick more often, and slowing the natural healing process).
Now, CDing has made me more environmentally smart. I've reduced the chemicals and toxins in our home dramatically. We have switched to organic foods and products whenever we can. We also support fair trade and sustainable resources whenever possible. The average child adds 6500 disposables to landfills every year (much of which does not biodegrade). Also think about the paper, petroleum, and other resources used. Also, people throw away the poop with the sposie. That raw fecal matter leaks into the areas around landfills, threatening the wildlife.
So, I always say, I came for the money, but stayed for the chemicals.
What to buy and Where to buy it
General List of Cloth Diaper Shops
Luving Mamma Diapers
Kellys Closet
Natural Babies
Choosey Diapers
Ducky Buns
Lil Bunz
Heiny King
Jardine Diapers
Home Grown Baby Store (a friend of mine)
Cotton Babies
The Stork Wearhouse
No Pins 4 Baby
Soft Cloth Bunz
Jam Tots
Diaperware
naturalfamilyboutique
Fussybutt
Snootybooty Diapers
Frog and Elephant
Fuzzibunz Seconds Store
Emibeans
Middle Earth Diaper
Wildflower Diapers
Used
Diaper Pin
Diaper Swappers
Pre-Folds, Contours, and Flats
Thirsties
Kissaluvs
Little Lions
Under The Nile
Fitteds
Kissaluvs
Thirsties
Mother-ease
Mother-ease
Happy Hempy
Heiny Huggers
Tiny Tush OS
Absorbitall
Swaddlebees
Swaddlebees Pocket Fitted
Mommys Touch
Cotton Babies
Rumpsters
Under The Nile
Covers
Bummis
Proraps
Bumkins
Thirsties
Starbunz
Imse Vimse
Swaddlebees
Litewrap
Mother Ease Rikki
Mother Ease Air Flow
Stacinator So Simple
Stacinator Fleece
Wool Covers
Llama Jama
Tiny Tush Wraps
Tiny Tush Organic Soaker
Imse Vimse
Stacinator wool
Rumpsters Rump Wrap
Pocket Diapers
Happy Heiny
Wonderoos
Fuzzibunz
Starbunz
Swaddlebees
Mommys Touch OS
Bum Genius OS
All-In-One, All-In-2
Bumkins
Starbunz
BerryPlush
Swaddlebees
Mommys Touch OS
Bum Genius
Rumpsters
Cloth Trainers
Mother-Ease
Happy Heinys
Imse Vimse
Bummis
Mother of Eden- but I cannot seem to find a wholesalers page.
All things Wipes and Solutions
Homemade Wipes Recipes
Honey Chunks
Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion
Zany-Zebra
California Baby Diaper Area Wash
Baby Bits
Wetbags and Pail Liners
I use Mother of Eden, but I can't seem to find a wholesalers page for them. I will keep looking though.
Mommys Touch Pail Liner
Mommys Touch Totes
Happy Heinys
Bumkins
Bummis
Wahmies
Swaddlebees
Prorap
Neat and Nifty Cloth Diaper things
The Potty Pail
Make your own Deo Disks
Diaper Sprayer
Mini- Shower
Snappis
Official Disclaimer. :)
This list has wholesalers/retail shops only, and only as many as I can remember off hand. If there is a specific store or product I missed, let me know. I will be posting a list later of WAHM made items, and where to get them.
Luving Mamma Diapers
Kellys Closet
Natural Babies
Choosey Diapers
Ducky Buns
Lil Bunz
Heiny King
Jardine Diapers
Home Grown Baby Store (a friend of mine)
Cotton Babies
The Stork Wearhouse
No Pins 4 Baby
Soft Cloth Bunz
Jam Tots
Diaperware
naturalfamilyboutique
Fussybutt
Snootybooty Diapers
Frog and Elephant
Fuzzibunz Seconds Store
Emibeans
Middle Earth Diaper
Wildflower Diapers
Used
Diaper Pin
Diaper Swappers
Pre-Folds, Contours, and Flats
Thirsties
Kissaluvs
Little Lions
Under The Nile
Fitteds
Kissaluvs
Thirsties
Mother-ease
Mother-ease
Happy Hempy
Heiny Huggers
Tiny Tush OS
Absorbitall
Swaddlebees
Swaddlebees Pocket Fitted
Mommys Touch
Cotton Babies
Rumpsters
Under The Nile
Covers
Bummis
Proraps
Bumkins
Thirsties
Starbunz
Imse Vimse
Swaddlebees
Litewrap
Mother Ease Rikki
Mother Ease Air Flow
Stacinator So Simple
Stacinator Fleece
Wool Covers
Llama Jama
Tiny Tush Wraps
Tiny Tush Organic Soaker
Imse Vimse
Stacinator wool
Rumpsters Rump Wrap
Pocket Diapers
Happy Heiny
Wonderoos
Fuzzibunz
Starbunz
Swaddlebees
Mommys Touch OS
Bum Genius OS
All-In-One, All-In-2
Bumkins
Starbunz
BerryPlush
Swaddlebees
Mommys Touch OS
Bum Genius
Rumpsters
Cloth Trainers
Mother-Ease
Happy Heinys
Imse Vimse
Bummis
Mother of Eden- but I cannot seem to find a wholesalers page.
All things Wipes and Solutions
Homemade Wipes Recipes
Honey Chunks
Kissaluvs Diaper Lotion Potion
Zany-Zebra
California Baby Diaper Area Wash
Baby Bits
Wetbags and Pail Liners
I use Mother of Eden, but I can't seem to find a wholesalers page for them. I will keep looking though.
Mommys Touch Pail Liner
Mommys Touch Totes
Happy Heinys
Bumkins
Bummis
Wahmies
Swaddlebees
Prorap
Neat and Nifty Cloth Diaper things
The Potty Pail
Make your own Deo Disks
Diaper Sprayer
Mini- Shower
Snappis
Official Disclaimer. :)
This list has wholesalers/retail shops only, and only as many as I can remember off hand. If there is a specific store or product I missed, let me know. I will be posting a list later of WAHM made items, and where to get them.
Cloth Diaper Lingo
I should have made this post first...
As you explore more about Cloth Diapering, and as you read more through this blog, you will see certain acronyms over and over. Just to clarify, this is what they usually mean:
PF- Prefold
IPF- Indian Prefold
DSQ- Diaper Service Quality
MOE- Mother of Eden
HH- Happy Heiny
EC- Elimination Communication
TTO- Tea Tree Oil
MT- Mommy's Touch
EUC, GUC- Excellent Used Condition, Good Used Condition
PPD- Postage Paid (Price includes postage)
BP- Berryplush
AIO, AI2- All-in-one, All-in-two
CD- Cloth Diaper or Cloth Diapering
CPF- Chinese Prefold
UB- Un-bleached
OS- One-Size
FB- Fuzzi Bunz
GSE- Grapefruit Seed Extract
Aplix is a type of velcro, only its stronger and softer- better for diapers.
As you explore more about Cloth Diapering, and as you read more through this blog, you will see certain acronyms over and over. Just to clarify, this is what they usually mean:
PF- Prefold
IPF- Indian Prefold
DSQ- Diaper Service Quality
MOE- Mother of Eden
HH- Happy Heiny
EC- Elimination Communication
TTO- Tea Tree Oil
MT- Mommy's Touch
EUC, GUC- Excellent Used Condition, Good Used Condition
PPD- Postage Paid (Price includes postage)
BP- Berryplush
AIO, AI2- All-in-one, All-in-two
CD- Cloth Diaper or Cloth Diapering
CPF- Chinese Prefold
UB- Un-bleached
OS- One-Size
FB- Fuzzi Bunz
GSE- Grapefruit Seed Extract
Aplix is a type of velcro, only its stronger and softer- better for diapers.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Sposie Math One
This will show you a break down (approximate break down) of the costs of disposables and Cloth diapers. For Sposie Math one, I will make the following assumptions:
-You are a great shopper and buy well priced disposables that are $.25 a piece. Some disposable are as much as $.38 a piece, so keep in mind if you use name brands or have high taxes in your area, you pay more for each disposable.
-You decide to use mainly pockets to diaper. There are cheaper and other options. I will profile one of the more expensive way to cloth diaper now, and the cheapest way later.
-You change diapers 7 times a day. My daughter is three months old right now, and thats probably about right for us.
-You have a moderate to light wetter. A heavier wetter may need other inserts or another system, etc...
-You choose to go with a sized diaper.
OK, here we go.
7 disposables a day at .25=$1.75 a day in diapering
Lets say you bought a "stash" of brand new pocket diapers. They will run you roughly $17 a piece, and will include one standard insert. If you wash every other day, 15 will be enough.
15 diapers at $17 each= $255
Also, to diaper full time, you'll need a few things:
Pail Liner- $15.00 (you can use other, cheaper alternatives, but to buy one online...)
2 hemp inserts to use at nights- $6 each, so $12
225+15+12= $282
You'll need to change 1128 diapers to "break even." Thats about 161 days, 5 and a half months.
May seem like a lot. Except when you are done with your size small stash- you can re-sell them. Lets say you get $12 a diaper when you re-sell (which is reasonable after one child, in EUC).
You'll get back $180. So, you've actually only spent $108 to diaper through the size small stage. Thats only 408 changes, so 58 days, less than 2 months.
So, for the cost of two months of disposables, you've diapered your child for 6 months (what I would say is average for a child to outgrow smalls. However- I've known 2 month old children who have zoomed through smalls- and 1 year old children still in smalls).
Now- because we've gone a sized route, and you've sold all your diapers- you have to do it again
Except you can re-use the pail liner and hemp. You will however, want to add some sort of sprayer to your home when your child starts on solid foods, so you can rinse your diaper (no touching toilet water). They cost about $40.
So for a medium stash,
15 x $17= $255 + $40 for the sprayer means you'll spend $295 for your medium stash.
Sell them again when you are done. You get back $180. You spent $115.
To break even in your medium stash, you'll need to change 460 diapers. 66 days, a little over two months.
Again "average" will be that your child is in mediums for a year. So you've just saved 10 months worth of disposables.
And now its time for larges. This time- you don't need anything special. Just the dipes.
So again, 15 x $17 = still $255 Sell them again for $180. You've spent $75.
300 changes, 43 days, a month and a half to break even.
Lets add that together. You've spent $298 to cloth diaper your average sized child (will be more if you have a large child who needs Ex-large- less if you have a small child who stays in mediums) until potty training.
I've just googled it- the first study to come up says 37mths is the "average" time to potty train. Thats a little over age 3, so lets just make it 36 months for the sake of my sanity.
7 diapers a day x 30 days a month x 36 months= 7,560 changes
Now wait a minute- what about the cost of utilities and soap?
I have cloth diapered from the beginning. However- I've been told by many mothers they noticed no change in their utility bills. So, I'm going to say the utilities go up $5 a month. I have used half a bottle of soap in my 3 months of diapering- so for 3 years, I'll say you need 6 bottles of soap. Soap costs me under $3 a bottle.
$5 x 36= $180
$3 x 6= $18
We'll add $198 to the $298 you've spent on diapers. So total, you've spent $496 to cloth diaper your child for three years.
So, you've now spent $.07 a change to cloth diaper.
7560 changes x $.25 a disposable= $1890 for three years (this does not count pull-up type diapers, which are more expensive)
You can cloth diaper for your child's three years in diapers for the same amount you spend on 6 1/2 months of disposables. Not counting wipes.
What if you decide to keep your diapers for your next child? In the example above, you've made back $540 with selling your diapers.
$496 + $540 = $1036 you've spent on diapers
$1036 / 7560 changes = $.13 a change for your first child only. Your second, and third, are free.
You've now cloth diapered for 108 months for the same price disposables would have cost for about 18 months. Thats 7 and a half years of free diapering.
Lets see what you'll save using a one size option.
15 x $17 = $255 still.
$255 / 7560 changes = $.03 a change.
You have now cloth diapered your first and second child for less than 5 months of disposables.
-You are a great shopper and buy well priced disposables that are $.25 a piece. Some disposable are as much as $.38 a piece, so keep in mind if you use name brands or have high taxes in your area, you pay more for each disposable.
-You decide to use mainly pockets to diaper. There are cheaper and other options. I will profile one of the more expensive way to cloth diaper now, and the cheapest way later.
-You change diapers 7 times a day. My daughter is three months old right now, and thats probably about right for us.
-You have a moderate to light wetter. A heavier wetter may need other inserts or another system, etc...
-You choose to go with a sized diaper.
OK, here we go.
7 disposables a day at .25=$1.75 a day in diapering
Lets say you bought a "stash" of brand new pocket diapers. They will run you roughly $17 a piece, and will include one standard insert. If you wash every other day, 15 will be enough.
15 diapers at $17 each= $255
Also, to diaper full time, you'll need a few things:
Pail Liner- $15.00 (you can use other, cheaper alternatives, but to buy one online...)
2 hemp inserts to use at nights- $6 each, so $12
225+15+12= $282
You'll need to change 1128 diapers to "break even." Thats about 161 days, 5 and a half months.
May seem like a lot. Except when you are done with your size small stash- you can re-sell them. Lets say you get $12 a diaper when you re-sell (which is reasonable after one child, in EUC).
You'll get back $180. So, you've actually only spent $108 to diaper through the size small stage. Thats only 408 changes, so 58 days, less than 2 months.
So, for the cost of two months of disposables, you've diapered your child for 6 months (what I would say is average for a child to outgrow smalls. However- I've known 2 month old children who have zoomed through smalls- and 1 year old children still in smalls).
Now- because we've gone a sized route, and you've sold all your diapers- you have to do it again
Except you can re-use the pail liner and hemp. You will however, want to add some sort of sprayer to your home when your child starts on solid foods, so you can rinse your diaper (no touching toilet water). They cost about $40.
So for a medium stash,
15 x $17= $255 + $40 for the sprayer means you'll spend $295 for your medium stash.
Sell them again when you are done. You get back $180. You spent $115.
To break even in your medium stash, you'll need to change 460 diapers. 66 days, a little over two months.
Again "average" will be that your child is in mediums for a year. So you've just saved 10 months worth of disposables.
And now its time for larges. This time- you don't need anything special. Just the dipes.
So again, 15 x $17 = still $255 Sell them again for $180. You've spent $75.
300 changes, 43 days, a month and a half to break even.
Lets add that together. You've spent $298 to cloth diaper your average sized child (will be more if you have a large child who needs Ex-large- less if you have a small child who stays in mediums) until potty training.
I've just googled it- the first study to come up says 37mths is the "average" time to potty train. Thats a little over age 3, so lets just make it 36 months for the sake of my sanity.
7 diapers a day x 30 days a month x 36 months= 7,560 changes
Now wait a minute- what about the cost of utilities and soap?
I have cloth diapered from the beginning. However- I've been told by many mothers they noticed no change in their utility bills. So, I'm going to say the utilities go up $5 a month. I have used half a bottle of soap in my 3 months of diapering- so for 3 years, I'll say you need 6 bottles of soap. Soap costs me under $3 a bottle.
$5 x 36= $180
$3 x 6= $18
We'll add $198 to the $298 you've spent on diapers. So total, you've spent $496 to cloth diaper your child for three years.
So, you've now spent $.07 a change to cloth diaper.
7560 changes x $.25 a disposable= $1890 for three years (this does not count pull-up type diapers, which are more expensive)
You can cloth diaper for your child's three years in diapers for the same amount you spend on 6 1/2 months of disposables. Not counting wipes.
What if you decide to keep your diapers for your next child? In the example above, you've made back $540 with selling your diapers.
$496 + $540 = $1036 you've spent on diapers
$1036 / 7560 changes = $.13 a change for your first child only. Your second, and third, are free.
You've now cloth diapered for 108 months for the same price disposables would have cost for about 18 months. Thats 7 and a half years of free diapering.
Lets see what you'll save using a one size option.
15 x $17 = $255 still.
$255 / 7560 changes = $.03 a change.
You have now cloth diapered your first and second child for less than 5 months of disposables.
In progress.
I've officially decided that I'm tired of answering the same questions about cloth diapers 100 times. SO, here we go- I'm going to be slowly building up this blog with what I've learned about cloth, the advantages and disadvantages, etc... However- I do have a life, and a young child- so I'm working on it. :) Please be patient.
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