About me:
I am a 26 year old Work At Home Mother to 3 beautiful girls (ages 5, 4, and 20 months), with another on the way. We actually do not yet know what we are having as appointments have been difficult to schedule with a cross country move to an area not covered by our insurance until Hubby was officially retired from the Navy. We are due with #4 October 23rd.
I will have slow weeks and busy weeks with family and the pregnancy. My back freaks out now and then due to having large babies and donating bone marrow last may to a baby boy, so some stockings are bigger than others depending on family and health.
We also just finished a rather large move across country from San Diego to Down East Maine. We took a month traveling across country and visiting family. When we got here our last renters had destroyed the place completely and we had a HUGE mess to clean and repair. We literally have an all new inside to the house, walls, parts of ceilings, all the flooring, counters, cupboards, appliances, paint, you name it! It was a tremendous project and we pulled it off in a month.
Another snafu in the business area is the lack of technology in my area of the booneys. I love living in the sticks, but it’s proving difficult to maintain the same level of communication and technology that I had in San Diego. On my road in particular I cannot use an ATT connect card, satellite internet or any other means of high-speed. Dial-up costs about $50 on the cheap end once I add a house line (that we really don’t need) and the cheapest dial-up I can find. Even the “high speed satellite” at my mother’s house takes FOREVER when uploading pics to photobucket. Currently I am using a lap top and the local library Wi-Fi connection. This is working out ok for me as I will have to drive past the library twice a day anyway when taking my 4 year old to preschool. One hitch however, shipping. I thought I could just copy and paste a label thru paypal and print it when I got home, doesn’t work that way. I’m going to try click and ship and see if that works, if not I’ll have to set days where I actually go into the library (vs. sitting in my truck while the kiddo’s watch a movie) and use their computers and get it all printed off. I can ship mon-sat using my mail box though. I bought an over sized mail box and as long as I get something in there with the flag up by 9 am it goes out that day.
Ok enough of that…..
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wool Care
Wool Care instructions:
There are a couple ways to wash your wool. One is using baby shampoo and lanolizing using lanolin, like the kids you would have around if you are breastfeeding. The other method is using a specialty wool wash, usually with lanolin already in it.
Wool wash method:
ALWAYS wash your wool in cool water, NEVER hot or warm as it will shrink or “felt” your wool.
Do Not use a washing machine on Knit or crochet items as it will stretch and warp your garments.
In a tub of cool water add the required amount of wool wash as recommended by the manufacturer.
Turn garment inside out and immerse in water.
Gently squeeze water through the garment several times.
Let garment soak 10-20 minutes to let the lanolin absorb into the wool fibers.
Gently squeeze excess water from the garment.
Lay on a clean towel and roll up into towel to eliminate excess water.
Shape and lay flat to dry.
Baby Shampoo method:
Put about one table spoon of baby shampoo into tub and run cool water.
Turn garment inside out.
Squeeze water through garment several times.
Gently squeeze out excess water.
Drain soapy water and refill with clean water.
Rinse garment in the same manner as washing.
To lanolize:
Melt a pea size amount of lanolin in hot water. Add to a tub of cool water and mix.
Turn garment inside out and squeeze water through the garment. Let soak 10-20 minutes.
Squeeze out excess water. Roll in a clean towel to eliminate excess water.
Shape and lay flat to dry.
There are a couple ways to wash your wool. One is using baby shampoo and lanolizing using lanolin, like the kids you would have around if you are breastfeeding. The other method is using a specialty wool wash, usually with lanolin already in it.
Wool wash method:
ALWAYS wash your wool in cool water, NEVER hot or warm as it will shrink or “felt” your wool.
Do Not use a washing machine on Knit or crochet items as it will stretch and warp your garments.
In a tub of cool water add the required amount of wool wash as recommended by the manufacturer.
Turn garment inside out and immerse in water.
Gently squeeze water through the garment several times.
Let garment soak 10-20 minutes to let the lanolin absorb into the wool fibers.
Gently squeeze excess water from the garment.
Lay on a clean towel and roll up into towel to eliminate excess water.
Shape and lay flat to dry.
Baby Shampoo method:
Put about one table spoon of baby shampoo into tub and run cool water.
Turn garment inside out.
Squeeze water through garment several times.
Gently squeeze out excess water.
Drain soapy water and refill with clean water.
Rinse garment in the same manner as washing.
To lanolize:
Melt a pea size amount of lanolin in hot water. Add to a tub of cool water and mix.
Turn garment inside out and squeeze water through the garment. Let soak 10-20 minutes.
Squeeze out excess water. Roll in a clean towel to eliminate excess water.
Shape and lay flat to dry.
FAQ's
FAQ’S
Cloth vs. Disposable:
Why cloth?
There are pros and cons to both sides of cloth and tons of studies funded by both disposable diaper companies and cloth diaper organizations. Are any of them correct? Probably not, so let’s look at what I’ve learned as an example.
Chemicals: Chemicals are used in the manufacturing of both cloth and disposable diapers, depending on brand and type. Eco-friendly disposables use way less chemicals than the traditional counter parts. Traditional disposables use tons of chemicals in manufacturing and in the diaper itself. One of the worst chemicals produced is a man made chemical called dioxin. It’s a byproduct of using chlorine to bleach the diapers white. Dioxin is the most potent neuro-toxin known to man, and is released into the air from facilities bleaching their diapers, this goes for bleached cloth diapers as well.
Want to avoid chemicals released into the environment? Try eco-friendly disposables or cloth made from natural unbleached fibers such as natural cottons, bamboo, hemp etc. Remember though, disposables still have the gel absorbent in them that is pure chemical, one brand I found at the commissary (that was actually cheaper than buying Luvs’ or Pamper’s) had an absorbent made mostly from corn pulp.
Water usage:
This is probably the most debated topic of both sides as it’s the hardest to prove. Some studies say cloth diapering uses tons and tons of water causing more environmental damage and personal expense than using a disposable. Well, disposables use tons of water in its manufacturing process, but so do the fabrics used for diaper making, so let’s look at it another way. Washing 2-3 extra loads of laundry per week, even with the extra wash and rinse is less water usage than a potty trained child flushing the toilet. It uses about the same amount as an adult potty usage which is considerably less than a potty trained child that has to go ever 5 minutes. I have NEVER seen one increase on my water or electric bill since I started using cloth diaper and cloth towels in place of paper towels. Actually, my electric bill is half that of what it used to be before my “Green Days” and that we’ve gotten our own well and pump since then with increased electric usage from drawing the water.
Absorbency:
Disposables are more absorbent than cloth right? Not really. My Toddler blows thru Huggies Night time diapers after just a few hours. Of course she’s on the extreme end of being a heavy wetter but there are some like her out there! Cloth however, a good night-time diaper lasts her the night under a wool or PUL cover. During the day, she’s changes as soon as she’s gone, who want to sit in their own sewage? Babies should be changed immediately whether in cloth or disposable, remember, a diaper is a portable toilet and sitting in one’s own sewage (especially chemical laced sewage) is not very good for a person’s health! Some people wait until a diaper is “full” because they are expensive. If you use cloth, then there’s no financial guilt attached to changing a diaper that was just change 2 minutes ago because baby waited for a clean diaper to go in.
Cost:
The average family will spend $1,500-$3,000 per year a child is in disposables depending on brand and changing frequency. Considering most children are in diapers and or pull-ups until age 3+ this is a ton of money.
Cloth, depending on your budget and patience, you can diaper a child until potty trained for about $500. And guess what? You can reuse those diapers for the next child. The average family has 2.2 kids (dumb number in my opinion). Say the average family has 2 children. 2 children in disposables for 3 years (assuming they potty train at an average age and have no night wetting issues) a family would spend $9,000- $18,000 in diapers! OMG! Compare that to $500 for the most basic system… hmmmm…. No wonder why we can get by on half the income with 3 children than we could with only 1 (my first two were not cloth diapered).
Environment:
Did you know that it is illegal to dispose of human sewage in a land fill? One is supposed to dump solids into the toilet before disposing of a disposable. I do not know ANYONE who does that. Not to mention the chemicals in the diapers that are being absorbed by the soil and washed into our water systems. Yum! Oh and then there’s the fact that just one child will put thousands of diapers in a land fill during their diaper years. The cloth they could have used can be re-used for the next child, or if this is your last child can actually be re-sold and re-used on other children, putting a little “green” back into your pocket and that of a needy family. There are sites to re-sell used diapers in fair to excellent condition such as www.diaperswappers.com and www.diaperpin.com.
Mess:
Isn’t cloth diapering gross? Ok, have you ever potty trained a toddler? If not then you may think dealing with pee and poo is gross in general. If you have potty trained a toddler then you know that it can be a messy task. Cleaning poo out of a 3 YO’s “big girl” panties and pants and everything else she came into contact with is much worse than dumping it off a diaper and flushing it. What would you do with clothes that a child has an accident with? Throw them away? That can get pretty expensive pretty quick! No you’d wash them in their own wash cycle and probably do a load of whites with bleach next.
When a newborn messes in a cloth diaper you just toss the whole thing in the pail, and then in the wash. Solids are not soild at this point and wash out like urine. Once a child gets older and the poo becomes solid, you just dump into the toilet and flush. All wet diapers are just washed and require no extra steps. If your child gets an illness and gets nasty poo, do not fear there are a couple options. One, dunking, kind of gross but gets the job done. Having a diaper sprayer attached to the toilet. I used this option more for cleaning up my 2nd child during the potty training stage than for a diaper but works well. Then there are flushable liners. Kushies makes flushable liners. You place the liner in the clean diaper before a change and once soiled you can shake liner and all into the toilet or pull it off. Some people use this religiously if they hate the idea of poo in the wash or stained diapers.
Time:
Cloth is more time consuming right? I’m very busy woman and I haven’t got all day!
Ok, either way you have to change the diaper, and put it into a pail. Cloth you have the added time of washing, but then again, you have to wash your clothes sometime right? At least I hope so! For me, I’m already doing laundry what’s an extra load on laundry day?
Disposables do not require washing so less time right? Eh, if you say so. You still have to buy them. But then again you’re already at the store for groceries or something right? Ok, hope you have it on your list and don’t realize you’ve got 1 left once your hoe and have to run ALL THE WAY BACK for diapers. Then again I’m a little absent minded so the extra trip to the store after I’ve already been there or wishing I could run in the middle of the night is more of an issue for me than some. But I’m already doing laundry vs. I’m already at the store, to me they are equal to each other in time.
What Type of Cloth diapers are there?
Oh boy, here’s the big difference between disposable and cloth. Disposable you pretty much have once choice, and it goes on one way and that’s it. Ok, this may be the ultimate pro to disposables.
Cloth, many, many choice in types, styles and costs. I’ll try to put a few here. This I experimented with until I found what worked for me and my budget. Everyone is going to have a different budget and a different like than the other.
Listed in order of expense (in general, there are cheap brands and designer brands of every type, like disposables)
Flats: This is what grandma used. The trick to flats is origami and the art of pinning or using a snappy (snappy is a t shaped gripper with claws like those used for an ace bandage to hold the diaper in place instead of pins). These need a water proof cover. We’ll get to covers later, again MORE choices.
Prefolds: kind of like flats, less origami. These come in different sizes from preemie/newborn to toddler. The center has more layers than the other two thirds of the rectangle. To use these you can fold in thirds and lay in a cover (and hope that they only pee or have a nice stash of covers around or you’ll be changing covers as often as diapers), or you can use a few different types of folds. Someday I’ll put up instructions on a few folds, until then I suggest Google, or www.diaperswappers.com and search the diaper q&a database. These are secured with pins or snappi’s and require a water proof cover.
Contours: this has a diaper “shape” to it. Some require a little rolling in the legs to contain messes, other do not, some come with elastic in the legs. Come in sizes from preemie/newborn to toddler. Uses a snappy or pins to secure and a water proof cover.
Fitteds: (My personal fav). These come in sized diapers ranging from preemie/newborn to toddler. Or a One size. A one size or single size diaper comes with either Velcro or snaps and instructions on how to secure it to make it fit various sizes. Most fit babies about 8 lbs-35 lbs. One diaper that works for all ages and stages. Sized fitteds range in preemie/newborn to toddler size with either Velcro or snaps to secure, and fit one size range each so you’ll need a stash of each size your baby goes thru, like clothing. These require a water proof cover but no additional snappi’s or pins.
Pockets: (my personal least fav). These are a diaper shape with elastic in the legs and waist like fitteds, but instead of having an absorbent core they have an opening at the top to stuff with your own choice of insert. Most pockets have an out layer that is waterproof such as PUL (polyurethane laminate) or a water resistant fleece with an inner of a stay dry fabric that wicks moisture to the center. When soiled you must pull out the insert from the center “pocket” for proper washing (the part I don’t like). These also may require occasional stripping. Some pro’s are that daddy’s grandparents and day care facilities are more willing to use these if you have them “pre-stuffed” and ready to go as they require no extra covers and are waterproof. These come in sized and some brands even make a one size. Come in either Velcro or snap options.
All-in-two’s: These are basically a cover with a snap in or lay in “soaker” and you can change the soaker not the cover part. The cover has elastic in the legs and waist and secures with either Velcro or snaps. Just replace the soiled inner for a diaper change. Requires no additonal covers and is another favorite among Dad’s and daycares.
All-in-One: these are generally the most expensive as they are the most similar to using a disposable. They come complete with a water proof outer layer, a stay dry inner layer and a sewn-in absorbent core. No stuffing or changing inners. Toss the whole diaper in the bin and in the wash. All-in-Ones come with elastic in the legs and waist and secure with either Velcro or snaps. Requires no stuffing or removal of inserts. The con to this is that having the absorbent layers all in the center they may be a little more difficult to clean and drying times is much longer than with most other options. Some All-in-Ones have a “quick dry” option. This means that the “core is either sewn in as a flap or snaps in. You do not have to remove it, just wash it. This makes it easier to clean and quicker to dry. Comes in sized and one size options.
There are a few other systems out there such as a cloth/disposable hybrid called G-diapers. These resemble and All-in-Two but instead of a washable insert it has a flushable insert. These have mixed reviews; please do your research on any type or brand you try. I have not tried everything and have never tried a G-diaper.
Covers:
Another high-option area.
PUL. You basic covers are sized waterproof covers made from PUL (poly-urethane laminate). These go on over diapers requiring a water proof cover and are most commonly in a typical diaper shape with elastic in the legs, and waist and closes with Velcro or snaps. There are options such as pull-on style, side snapping, and one size.
Wool is another common cover option. This can be made in a tradition cover (or wrap) style secured by Velcro or snaps, come in “soakers” (these look like bloomers almost), shorts, pants, capris, skirts, sacks, overalls and pretty much anything you can think of. Some wool is knit or crochet or comes as a 100% interlock or interlock blend with a touch of spandex. There are many pro’s to wool vs. PUL. Wool is breathable and keeps the baby’s skin more adjusted. Wool is naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial and flame retardant. Wool keeps the baby warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Wool does not have to be washed often as it has its own cleansing system. It only needs to be aired. Con’s to using wool: some people are allergic to wool. The wools most commonly used for covers are very soft and not the scratchy stuff you may be used to. Wool does require a little extra care when you do have to wash it. If you wash in warm or hot water it will shrink or “felt” into a non-stretchy tinie-tiny thing. Please see the wool care instructions for more information on proper washing. Wool is not water proof, but rather water resistant. Most often wool needs to be lanolized to be used as an adequate cover. This is a simple process of adding a little lanolin on occasion while washing making the wool more water resistant. One of the pros is on can tell when the baby has wet. If you feel slight dampness thru the wool, the baby’s diaper is pretty soaked and needs changing. Turn cover inside out and air. You should only have to wash every few weeks. Also, wool requires no chemicals to process or keep wet out, so more environmentally friendly and less chance of rash.
Fleece covers. Very similar to wool in styles and function. Fleece is water resistant rather than water proof and breathable. Does have to be put in the wash pail daily like PUL covers. Some babies and people are allergic to fleece.
How many diapers do I need?
We call it the law of 2 dozen. This will allow you to wash 2-3 times a week with some to spare for wash day or a diaper bag. Most babies need about a half dozen changes a day; newborns need more, so you may want 3-4dzn newborn or a back-up system.
How many covers?
Typically 3-4 covers are good. That gives you one a day and washes every three days with a spare in case of a poo leak from the diaper. You may want more cover than that. If you use wool, then the same rule applies, that way you can air one or two while using the third in a day if you need to. Some people can use the same pair all day without the need to air. Then again covers and wool pants or shorts are so cute you may want to have a wardrobe, depending on budget.
What else do I need?
Well In addition to your diapers and covers you may want reusable wipes or wash cloths. Diaper liners if desired I’ve never used them), a diaper pail, a wet bag for that pail (I don’t use one of those either, what can I say I’m cheap). A travel size wet bag (a bag made from PUL to store wet diapers and wipes) for the diaper bag. A diaper friendly diaper rash cream if not using liners (some creams like those with zinc want create a waterproof barrier on your diapers), my favorite is Northern Essence. It comes in a twist up tube, no mess on hands and is safe for cloth diapers. A diaper changing pad (a simple pad of PUL works great for changes anywhere, you can buy them or make your own!). Wipe warmer if you want to get fancy.
Doublers are a good idea. Doublers are great for nap or night or for travel to give your diaper a boost in absorbency.
What does YOUR stash look like?
Ok, nosey! Well my stash consists of:
9 All-in-Ones for the diaper bag (One size)
3 dozen One Size Organic CuddleBuns Fitteds
*soon to arrive, 3 dozen preemie/newborn organic CuddleBuns fitteds), and a half dozen All-In-
Ones NB size, and NB covers.
Back-up stash of a half to full dozen prefolds and a couple snappi’s (I have crazy days where I like the “old fashioned” feel of a prefold and the origami to go with it).
3 PUL covers as back up
Several pair of wool shorts, soakers, pants and skirts either knit or interlock.
A dozen doublers.
More wipes than I know what to do with, both cloth and disposable.
2 changing pads (one in the diaper bag, one in the living room, I’ve never had a changing table)
1 travel wet bag
All the above made by me, and usually 2nds or other such mess up’s J Or knit by me.
Rash cream from Northern Essence
Wool wash from Naturally Luxe.
Our laundry detergent is Charlie’s soap, I have a trash can with a pop-up lid as my diaper pail and off-brand Lysol spray (since I’ve never bothered to get wet bags for it, or make them). We use PVC and Wool dryer balls and have a diaper sprayer not currently hooked up. That’s it. It’s actually a pretty nice stash in my opinion J I have enough for 2 kids, but that’s ok as soon we’ll have 2 in diapers.
Cloth vs. Disposable:
Why cloth?
There are pros and cons to both sides of cloth and tons of studies funded by both disposable diaper companies and cloth diaper organizations. Are any of them correct? Probably not, so let’s look at what I’ve learned as an example.
Chemicals: Chemicals are used in the manufacturing of both cloth and disposable diapers, depending on brand and type. Eco-friendly disposables use way less chemicals than the traditional counter parts. Traditional disposables use tons of chemicals in manufacturing and in the diaper itself. One of the worst chemicals produced is a man made chemical called dioxin. It’s a byproduct of using chlorine to bleach the diapers white. Dioxin is the most potent neuro-toxin known to man, and is released into the air from facilities bleaching their diapers, this goes for bleached cloth diapers as well.
Want to avoid chemicals released into the environment? Try eco-friendly disposables or cloth made from natural unbleached fibers such as natural cottons, bamboo, hemp etc. Remember though, disposables still have the gel absorbent in them that is pure chemical, one brand I found at the commissary (that was actually cheaper than buying Luvs’ or Pamper’s) had an absorbent made mostly from corn pulp.
Water usage:
This is probably the most debated topic of both sides as it’s the hardest to prove. Some studies say cloth diapering uses tons and tons of water causing more environmental damage and personal expense than using a disposable. Well, disposables use tons of water in its manufacturing process, but so do the fabrics used for diaper making, so let’s look at it another way. Washing 2-3 extra loads of laundry per week, even with the extra wash and rinse is less water usage than a potty trained child flushing the toilet. It uses about the same amount as an adult potty usage which is considerably less than a potty trained child that has to go ever 5 minutes. I have NEVER seen one increase on my water or electric bill since I started using cloth diaper and cloth towels in place of paper towels. Actually, my electric bill is half that of what it used to be before my “Green Days” and that we’ve gotten our own well and pump since then with increased electric usage from drawing the water.
Absorbency:
Disposables are more absorbent than cloth right? Not really. My Toddler blows thru Huggies Night time diapers after just a few hours. Of course she’s on the extreme end of being a heavy wetter but there are some like her out there! Cloth however, a good night-time diaper lasts her the night under a wool or PUL cover. During the day, she’s changes as soon as she’s gone, who want to sit in their own sewage? Babies should be changed immediately whether in cloth or disposable, remember, a diaper is a portable toilet and sitting in one’s own sewage (especially chemical laced sewage) is not very good for a person’s health! Some people wait until a diaper is “full” because they are expensive. If you use cloth, then there’s no financial guilt attached to changing a diaper that was just change 2 minutes ago because baby waited for a clean diaper to go in.
Cost:
The average family will spend $1,500-$3,000 per year a child is in disposables depending on brand and changing frequency. Considering most children are in diapers and or pull-ups until age 3+ this is a ton of money.
Cloth, depending on your budget and patience, you can diaper a child until potty trained for about $500. And guess what? You can reuse those diapers for the next child. The average family has 2.2 kids (dumb number in my opinion). Say the average family has 2 children. 2 children in disposables for 3 years (assuming they potty train at an average age and have no night wetting issues) a family would spend $9,000- $18,000 in diapers! OMG! Compare that to $500 for the most basic system… hmmmm…. No wonder why we can get by on half the income with 3 children than we could with only 1 (my first two were not cloth diapered).
Environment:
Did you know that it is illegal to dispose of human sewage in a land fill? One is supposed to dump solids into the toilet before disposing of a disposable. I do not know ANYONE who does that. Not to mention the chemicals in the diapers that are being absorbed by the soil and washed into our water systems. Yum! Oh and then there’s the fact that just one child will put thousands of diapers in a land fill during their diaper years. The cloth they could have used can be re-used for the next child, or if this is your last child can actually be re-sold and re-used on other children, putting a little “green” back into your pocket and that of a needy family. There are sites to re-sell used diapers in fair to excellent condition such as www.diaperswappers.com and www.diaperpin.com.
Mess:
Isn’t cloth diapering gross? Ok, have you ever potty trained a toddler? If not then you may think dealing with pee and poo is gross in general. If you have potty trained a toddler then you know that it can be a messy task. Cleaning poo out of a 3 YO’s “big girl” panties and pants and everything else she came into contact with is much worse than dumping it off a diaper and flushing it. What would you do with clothes that a child has an accident with? Throw them away? That can get pretty expensive pretty quick! No you’d wash them in their own wash cycle and probably do a load of whites with bleach next.
When a newborn messes in a cloth diaper you just toss the whole thing in the pail, and then in the wash. Solids are not soild at this point and wash out like urine. Once a child gets older and the poo becomes solid, you just dump into the toilet and flush. All wet diapers are just washed and require no extra steps. If your child gets an illness and gets nasty poo, do not fear there are a couple options. One, dunking, kind of gross but gets the job done. Having a diaper sprayer attached to the toilet. I used this option more for cleaning up my 2nd child during the potty training stage than for a diaper but works well. Then there are flushable liners. Kushies makes flushable liners. You place the liner in the clean diaper before a change and once soiled you can shake liner and all into the toilet or pull it off. Some people use this religiously if they hate the idea of poo in the wash or stained diapers.
Time:
Cloth is more time consuming right? I’m very busy woman and I haven’t got all day!
Ok, either way you have to change the diaper, and put it into a pail. Cloth you have the added time of washing, but then again, you have to wash your clothes sometime right? At least I hope so! For me, I’m already doing laundry what’s an extra load on laundry day?
Disposables do not require washing so less time right? Eh, if you say so. You still have to buy them. But then again you’re already at the store for groceries or something right? Ok, hope you have it on your list and don’t realize you’ve got 1 left once your hoe and have to run ALL THE WAY BACK for diapers. Then again I’m a little absent minded so the extra trip to the store after I’ve already been there or wishing I could run in the middle of the night is more of an issue for me than some. But I’m already doing laundry vs. I’m already at the store, to me they are equal to each other in time.
What Type of Cloth diapers are there?
Oh boy, here’s the big difference between disposable and cloth. Disposable you pretty much have once choice, and it goes on one way and that’s it. Ok, this may be the ultimate pro to disposables.
Cloth, many, many choice in types, styles and costs. I’ll try to put a few here. This I experimented with until I found what worked for me and my budget. Everyone is going to have a different budget and a different like than the other.
Listed in order of expense (in general, there are cheap brands and designer brands of every type, like disposables)
Flats: This is what grandma used. The trick to flats is origami and the art of pinning or using a snappy (snappy is a t shaped gripper with claws like those used for an ace bandage to hold the diaper in place instead of pins). These need a water proof cover. We’ll get to covers later, again MORE choices.
Prefolds: kind of like flats, less origami. These come in different sizes from preemie/newborn to toddler. The center has more layers than the other two thirds of the rectangle. To use these you can fold in thirds and lay in a cover (and hope that they only pee or have a nice stash of covers around or you’ll be changing covers as often as diapers), or you can use a few different types of folds. Someday I’ll put up instructions on a few folds, until then I suggest Google, or www.diaperswappers.com and search the diaper q&a database. These are secured with pins or snappi’s and require a water proof cover.
Contours: this has a diaper “shape” to it. Some require a little rolling in the legs to contain messes, other do not, some come with elastic in the legs. Come in sizes from preemie/newborn to toddler. Uses a snappy or pins to secure and a water proof cover.
Fitteds: (My personal fav). These come in sized diapers ranging from preemie/newborn to toddler. Or a One size. A one size or single size diaper comes with either Velcro or snaps and instructions on how to secure it to make it fit various sizes. Most fit babies about 8 lbs-35 lbs. One diaper that works for all ages and stages. Sized fitteds range in preemie/newborn to toddler size with either Velcro or snaps to secure, and fit one size range each so you’ll need a stash of each size your baby goes thru, like clothing. These require a water proof cover but no additional snappi’s or pins.
Pockets: (my personal least fav). These are a diaper shape with elastic in the legs and waist like fitteds, but instead of having an absorbent core they have an opening at the top to stuff with your own choice of insert. Most pockets have an out layer that is waterproof such as PUL (polyurethane laminate) or a water resistant fleece with an inner of a stay dry fabric that wicks moisture to the center. When soiled you must pull out the insert from the center “pocket” for proper washing (the part I don’t like). These also may require occasional stripping. Some pro’s are that daddy’s grandparents and day care facilities are more willing to use these if you have them “pre-stuffed” and ready to go as they require no extra covers and are waterproof. These come in sized and some brands even make a one size. Come in either Velcro or snap options.
All-in-two’s: These are basically a cover with a snap in or lay in “soaker” and you can change the soaker not the cover part. The cover has elastic in the legs and waist and secures with either Velcro or snaps. Just replace the soiled inner for a diaper change. Requires no additonal covers and is another favorite among Dad’s and daycares.
All-in-One: these are generally the most expensive as they are the most similar to using a disposable. They come complete with a water proof outer layer, a stay dry inner layer and a sewn-in absorbent core. No stuffing or changing inners. Toss the whole diaper in the bin and in the wash. All-in-Ones come with elastic in the legs and waist and secure with either Velcro or snaps. Requires no stuffing or removal of inserts. The con to this is that having the absorbent layers all in the center they may be a little more difficult to clean and drying times is much longer than with most other options. Some All-in-Ones have a “quick dry” option. This means that the “core is either sewn in as a flap or snaps in. You do not have to remove it, just wash it. This makes it easier to clean and quicker to dry. Comes in sized and one size options.
There are a few other systems out there such as a cloth/disposable hybrid called G-diapers. These resemble and All-in-Two but instead of a washable insert it has a flushable insert. These have mixed reviews; please do your research on any type or brand you try. I have not tried everything and have never tried a G-diaper.
Covers:
Another high-option area.
PUL. You basic covers are sized waterproof covers made from PUL (poly-urethane laminate). These go on over diapers requiring a water proof cover and are most commonly in a typical diaper shape with elastic in the legs, and waist and closes with Velcro or snaps. There are options such as pull-on style, side snapping, and one size.
Wool is another common cover option. This can be made in a tradition cover (or wrap) style secured by Velcro or snaps, come in “soakers” (these look like bloomers almost), shorts, pants, capris, skirts, sacks, overalls and pretty much anything you can think of. Some wool is knit or crochet or comes as a 100% interlock or interlock blend with a touch of spandex. There are many pro’s to wool vs. PUL. Wool is breathable and keeps the baby’s skin more adjusted. Wool is naturally anti-microbial and anti-bacterial and flame retardant. Wool keeps the baby warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Wool does not have to be washed often as it has its own cleansing system. It only needs to be aired. Con’s to using wool: some people are allergic to wool. The wools most commonly used for covers are very soft and not the scratchy stuff you may be used to. Wool does require a little extra care when you do have to wash it. If you wash in warm or hot water it will shrink or “felt” into a non-stretchy tinie-tiny thing. Please see the wool care instructions for more information on proper washing. Wool is not water proof, but rather water resistant. Most often wool needs to be lanolized to be used as an adequate cover. This is a simple process of adding a little lanolin on occasion while washing making the wool more water resistant. One of the pros is on can tell when the baby has wet. If you feel slight dampness thru the wool, the baby’s diaper is pretty soaked and needs changing. Turn cover inside out and air. You should only have to wash every few weeks. Also, wool requires no chemicals to process or keep wet out, so more environmentally friendly and less chance of rash.
Fleece covers. Very similar to wool in styles and function. Fleece is water resistant rather than water proof and breathable. Does have to be put in the wash pail daily like PUL covers. Some babies and people are allergic to fleece.
How many diapers do I need?
We call it the law of 2 dozen. This will allow you to wash 2-3 times a week with some to spare for wash day or a diaper bag. Most babies need about a half dozen changes a day; newborns need more, so you may want 3-4dzn newborn or a back-up system.
How many covers?
Typically 3-4 covers are good. That gives you one a day and washes every three days with a spare in case of a poo leak from the diaper. You may want more cover than that. If you use wool, then the same rule applies, that way you can air one or two while using the third in a day if you need to. Some people can use the same pair all day without the need to air. Then again covers and wool pants or shorts are so cute you may want to have a wardrobe, depending on budget.
What else do I need?
Well In addition to your diapers and covers you may want reusable wipes or wash cloths. Diaper liners if desired I’ve never used them), a diaper pail, a wet bag for that pail (I don’t use one of those either, what can I say I’m cheap). A travel size wet bag (a bag made from PUL to store wet diapers and wipes) for the diaper bag. A diaper friendly diaper rash cream if not using liners (some creams like those with zinc want create a waterproof barrier on your diapers), my favorite is Northern Essence. It comes in a twist up tube, no mess on hands and is safe for cloth diapers. A diaper changing pad (a simple pad of PUL works great for changes anywhere, you can buy them or make your own!). Wipe warmer if you want to get fancy.
Doublers are a good idea. Doublers are great for nap or night or for travel to give your diaper a boost in absorbency.
What does YOUR stash look like?
Ok, nosey! Well my stash consists of:
9 All-in-Ones for the diaper bag (One size)
3 dozen One Size Organic CuddleBuns Fitteds
*soon to arrive, 3 dozen preemie/newborn organic CuddleBuns fitteds), and a half dozen All-In-
Ones NB size, and NB covers.
Back-up stash of a half to full dozen prefolds and a couple snappi’s (I have crazy days where I like the “old fashioned” feel of a prefold and the origami to go with it).
3 PUL covers as back up
Several pair of wool shorts, soakers, pants and skirts either knit or interlock.
A dozen doublers.
More wipes than I know what to do with, both cloth and disposable.
2 changing pads (one in the diaper bag, one in the living room, I’ve never had a changing table)
1 travel wet bag
All the above made by me, and usually 2nds or other such mess up’s J Or knit by me.
Rash cream from Northern Essence
Wool wash from Naturally Luxe.
Our laundry detergent is Charlie’s soap, I have a trash can with a pop-up lid as my diaper pail and off-brand Lysol spray (since I’ve never bothered to get wet bags for it, or make them). We use PVC and Wool dryer balls and have a diaper sprayer not currently hooked up. That’s it. It’s actually a pretty nice stash in my opinion J I have enough for 2 kids, but that’s ok as soon we’ll have 2 in diapers.
Diaper information
Diapers:
I ONLY use the highest quality fabrics and the bamboo’s weigh nearly a full pound per liner yard each. Each Organic diaper weighs a full 8oz (one half pound) each. While this may sound like a bulky diaper, for a one size it is not! While highly absorbent, the trimness of the bikini cuts do not look bulky on a baby old enough to use the toddler rise setting, usually around 6 months. On the infant setting, the diaper can look a little bulky, especially on a newborn, but not more so than most cloth diaper systems. On the toddler rise, my little ones can wear regular clothes made for disposable diapered babies with ease.Folding instructions for the best fit on the infant rise are in the Drool Bucket Baby blog.
Diaper Care:
Detergents:
Wash diapers with a diaper friendly detergent. Some detergents will leave build up in the diapers causing rash, some also have enzymes that will eat at the baby’s bottom. Don’t be fooled by Free and Clear’s! All Free and Clear is one of the worst culprits of having enzymes and brighteners that will bother your baby’s skin. My personal favorite detergent is Charlie’s Soap. Some stores carry it, but mostly it is purchased online. They have free shipping on orders of $28 or more. One tablespoon really does clean a large load of laundry! Even military uniforms, hubby’s uniforms never looked better.
Other well received detergents are Allen’s Naturally, Country Save, Tide Regular, Arm and Hammer Mountain scent and Arm and hammer free and Clear. There are a few others, Google it or if you’re brave experiment.
General Wash instructions:
Pre-wash with cold water, no need to rinse just run one cold cycle.
Use 1 table spoon of Charlie’s soap, or fill to the small wash line on your detergent cup. Add to warm water. Rinse in warm, rinse a second time in warm or cold.
Diapers can be cleaned in cold only cycles, lots of people wash in cold water, I prefer warm.
Dry on Medium or line dry for the longest life out of the diaper. You can dry on hot, I do, I’m impatient, but beware that drying on hot can cause PUL and lastin wear. If you want your diapers to last thru multiple children, dry on medium or line dry.
DO NOT USE ANY SORT OF FABRIC SOFTENER OR DRYER SHEETS!!!!!! This leaves a film that will make your diapers water resistant, you want them to absorb not repel. The only exception is ECOVER fabric softener. It rinses clean leaving no residue and great for keeping the bamboo softer much, much longer. I’ve also heard people who had luck with 7th Generation as well, but those are the only two I’d trust. You can use dryer balls to shorten dryer time and help soften as well. Use PVC bought at the store or try WAHM or self made wool dryer balls, the scents you can get from these are amazing!
Stripping:
If your baby does get a rash, detergent build-up is the most likely culprit. Usually from using too much detergent, or if you have pockets or PUL AIO’s they may need occasional stripping. There are a couple of ways to do this.
First Method: Put diapers in a HOT wash (try not to wash in hot every wash as it will lead to premature deterioration in your diapers). Once the diapers start to agitate add a tiny amount of dawn dish detergent. Keep adding by small amounts until you see bubbles. Rinse on hot until water is clear while agitating.
Second Method: if diapers are soiled, wash as normal, and then run through a hot wash. If you see lots of bubbles, that’s build-up coming out. Keep putting through hot wash/rinses until water agitates clear. Do not use any detergents or dawn, just plain water.
If you experience stink issues (usually happens when a child wets for the first time in a clean diaper and it smells bad). This is caused by mineral build up from hard water. To treat this problem let diapers (soiled or clean) soak in warm water with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar. Vinegar is great at breaking up minerals. Let soak 1-2 hours, no more than 2 hours though as the vinegar can start eating at the lastin. Spin and put through a normal warm wash with 2 rinses.
Overwhelmed? It can be overwhelming for the first timer. I relate it to Breast feeding. The first 8 weeks are very trying, with failures and frustrations. It takes extra time and extra care and seems daunting with all of the information, wash routines and different styles. It worth the effort! Just like breastfeeding, once you get past the 8 week miracle mark, everything seems much easier and like you were born to do this! Bottle vs. breast has it pros and cons, the same with disposable vs. cloth. I have found both breastfeeding and cloth diapering to be much more convenient, wallet friendly, environmentally friendly, and fulfilling than their counterparts. It’s not for everyone but the rewards are worth it.
I ONLY use the highest quality fabrics and the bamboo’s weigh nearly a full pound per liner yard each. Each Organic diaper weighs a full 8oz (one half pound) each. While this may sound like a bulky diaper, for a one size it is not! While highly absorbent, the trimness of the bikini cuts do not look bulky on a baby old enough to use the toddler rise setting, usually around 6 months. On the infant setting, the diaper can look a little bulky, especially on a newborn, but not more so than most cloth diaper systems. On the toddler rise, my little ones can wear regular clothes made for disposable diapered babies with ease.Folding instructions for the best fit on the infant rise are in the Drool Bucket Baby blog.
Diaper Care:
Detergents:
Wash diapers with a diaper friendly detergent. Some detergents will leave build up in the diapers causing rash, some also have enzymes that will eat at the baby’s bottom. Don’t be fooled by Free and Clear’s! All Free and Clear is one of the worst culprits of having enzymes and brighteners that will bother your baby’s skin. My personal favorite detergent is Charlie’s Soap. Some stores carry it, but mostly it is purchased online. They have free shipping on orders of $28 or more. One tablespoon really does clean a large load of laundry! Even military uniforms, hubby’s uniforms never looked better.
Other well received detergents are Allen’s Naturally, Country Save, Tide Regular, Arm and Hammer Mountain scent and Arm and hammer free and Clear. There are a few others, Google it or if you’re brave experiment.
General Wash instructions:
Pre-wash with cold water, no need to rinse just run one cold cycle.
Use 1 table spoon of Charlie’s soap, or fill to the small wash line on your detergent cup. Add to warm water. Rinse in warm, rinse a second time in warm or cold.
Diapers can be cleaned in cold only cycles, lots of people wash in cold water, I prefer warm.
Dry on Medium or line dry for the longest life out of the diaper. You can dry on hot, I do, I’m impatient, but beware that drying on hot can cause PUL and lastin wear. If you want your diapers to last thru multiple children, dry on medium or line dry.
DO NOT USE ANY SORT OF FABRIC SOFTENER OR DRYER SHEETS!!!!!! This leaves a film that will make your diapers water resistant, you want them to absorb not repel. The only exception is ECOVER fabric softener. It rinses clean leaving no residue and great for keeping the bamboo softer much, much longer. I’ve also heard people who had luck with 7th Generation as well, but those are the only two I’d trust. You can use dryer balls to shorten dryer time and help soften as well. Use PVC bought at the store or try WAHM or self made wool dryer balls, the scents you can get from these are amazing!
Stripping:
If your baby does get a rash, detergent build-up is the most likely culprit. Usually from using too much detergent, or if you have pockets or PUL AIO’s they may need occasional stripping. There are a couple of ways to do this.
First Method: Put diapers in a HOT wash (try not to wash in hot every wash as it will lead to premature deterioration in your diapers). Once the diapers start to agitate add a tiny amount of dawn dish detergent. Keep adding by small amounts until you see bubbles. Rinse on hot until water is clear while agitating.
Second Method: if diapers are soiled, wash as normal, and then run through a hot wash. If you see lots of bubbles, that’s build-up coming out. Keep putting through hot wash/rinses until water agitates clear. Do not use any detergents or dawn, just plain water.
If you experience stink issues (usually happens when a child wets for the first time in a clean diaper and it smells bad). This is caused by mineral build up from hard water. To treat this problem let diapers (soiled or clean) soak in warm water with 1 cup of white distilled vinegar. Vinegar is great at breaking up minerals. Let soak 1-2 hours, no more than 2 hours though as the vinegar can start eating at the lastin. Spin and put through a normal warm wash with 2 rinses.
Overwhelmed? It can be overwhelming for the first timer. I relate it to Breast feeding. The first 8 weeks are very trying, with failures and frustrations. It takes extra time and extra care and seems daunting with all of the information, wash routines and different styles. It worth the effort! Just like breastfeeding, once you get past the 8 week miracle mark, everything seems much easier and like you were born to do this! Bottle vs. breast has it pros and cons, the same with disposable vs. cloth. I have found both breastfeeding and cloth diapering to be much more convenient, wallet friendly, environmentally friendly, and fulfilling than their counterparts. It’s not for everyone but the rewards are worth it.
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