Late in my pregnancy, Dan and I started discussing cloth diapering. We both liked the idea, but didn’t know where to start. I went to the blogosphere and spent hours reading “Cloth 101” posts. I practically got a degree in the subject from YouTube University. By the time I needed help crawling out of bed, I felt decently prepared to fold, wash, pin, and spray my way through fluff heaven. I had only one question: “What EXACTLY do I need to buy?!”
No matter how long and hard I searched, I couldn’t find a simple shopping list. There is, of course, an explanation for this. You see, each family is different and has its own specific needs. Your unique situation will pose unique challenges, to which there will be unique solutions. So how could there be a single, perfect shopping list that works for everyone? Answer: There can’t be, and isn’t.
What I am attempting to do is define some typical situations, then offer some suggestions for how to fit cloth diapering into them. As I completed the draft, I realized that it was way too long for a single post. I’ve decided to break it into a series. Each post will begin with this introduction and the basics for any fluff momma, then follow with a more specific type of family in mind. I’ll post a new entry each day until I’m out of ideas. Let me know if I miss something, I’d be happy to address it!
The (Basic) Situation:
You’ve decided to cloth diaper. Congrats, Momma! You’re going to have so much fun!
The Challenges:
Cover the basics that any fluff momma will need.
The Solution:
You’ll need a container to store dirty diapers until wash day, some waterproof bags for on-the-go changes, and some good detergent. You may also want to have some dryer balls, some cloth diaper-safe rash cream, some cloth wipes, and a small spray bottle for wipes solution.
Try a laundry basket for your dirty diapers, as the airflow will prevent stink. If you’d rather go with a closed system, you’ll need a couple of large wet bags to line the pail. Two smaller wet bags will fit in the diaper bag for outings.
Don’t waste your money on “cloth safe” detergents. Whatever you use on your clothes is probably fine, unless it has fabric softener in it. Fabric softener and dryer sheets are big no-nos for fluff, because they make your diapers repellent. Most commercial diaper rash creams will do the same. Wool dryer balls can replace your fabric softener, and there are some lovely cloth-safe creams on the market.
As long as you’re doing diaper laundry, you may as well use cloth wipes as well. Purchase enough to get you from wash day to wash day, and get a small spray bottle to wet them with. No need to buy special solution, as there are many recipes on Pinterest, or you can just use plain water.
The Shopping List:
- A tall laundry basket or diaper pail
- 2 large wetbags (if you choose a pail)
- 2 small wetbags
- A detergent without fabric softener
- At least 2 wool dryer balls
- A cloth safe diaper cream
- 30 cloth wipes or cheap baby washcloths
- A small spray bottle
The Situation:
You have a reluctant caregiver who is intimidated by the “complexity” of cloth diapers.
The Challenges:
- Find a super-simple system that resembles non-scary disposables
- Still have money to send the kid to college
The Solution:
All-in-ones (AIOs), all-in-twos (AI2s), or pockets work much like disposables. An AIO goes straight onto the baby, no muss, no fuss. An AI2 needs to have an absorbent insert snapped in, then it can go on the baby. A pocket needs to be stuffed with an absorbent insert before it goes on the baby. You can pre-snap or pre-stuff to make it simpler for your caregiver if you choose an AI2 or pocket.
Why would you want to choose and AI2 or a pocket, though, if you have to do an extra step? Two reasons. They tend to be less spendy (depending on brand) and separating inserts from covers make them easier and quicker to wash and dry. Whichever you choose, remember that aplix tends to be simpler than snaps, but snaps hold up better. The decision can be made based on budget for replacement diapers.
Most AI2s and pockets come with one insert for absorbency, usually made from microfiber. If you feel you need more absorbency, you can buy extra inserts. I recommend hemp doublers, but you won’t need many. If you’re changing your baby often enough, you’ll only need doublers at nap and nighttime. 5 should do it.
The Shopping List:
- 24-30 AIOs, AI2s, or pockets with inserts (try different styles and brands before committing to a whole stash of one thing)
- 5 hemp doublers
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