Cloth Diapers: Just Tell Me What to Buy- Nighttime Solutions

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!

Yesterday we talked about reluctant caregivers.  You can read about it here.  The day before that we addressed newborns.  Read it here.  Today, let’s discuss leaky nighttime diapers!

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:

Your daytime system works great, but your baby is peeing through her nighttime diaper and waking up.  

The Challenge:

• Your baby is finally cutting you some slack and sleeping through the night, but her diaper isn’t absorbent enough to last that long.
• You really don’t want to have to use disposables at night.
• You have enough laundry to do without having to wash sheets every day.

The Solution:

Add absorbency and find a better containment system.  Microfiber is quick absorbing, but it doesn’t hold very much liquid.  Hemp and bamboo will take A LOT of peepee, but will leak if it’s poured on too fast.  Try a layer of microfiber over a layer of hemp or bamboo.  The microfiber will soak the liquid up fast, then slowly release it into the hemp or bamboo.  Cover the whole thing with a fleece soaker.  It’ll be just as waterproof as PUL, but it will also add absorbency.  

For just night time you’ll need two microfiber inserts, two hemp or bamboo doublers, and two fleece covers.  A word of caution: don’t put microfiber against Baby’s skin.  It sucks all the moisture out and causes irritation.

The Shopping List:

• 2 microfiber inserts
• 2 bamboo or hemp doublers
• 2 fleece soakers
• 2 cotton liners or the like to create a barrier between your baby’s bottom and the microfiber