Cloth Diaper FAQ

• How many cloth diapers do I need?
• What’s the difference between a pocket / fitted / all-in-one / prefold?
• What’s the difference between a liner and an insert?
• What is a one-size diaper? Is it really a one-size-fits-all?
• Why are my diapers leaking?
• I’m using Pocket Diapers. Do I need to change the entire diaper, or can I just change the insert?
• What do I do with the poop?
• Do I have to dunk them in the toilet?
• What is causing my baby’s diaper rash?
• May I use diaper ointments?
• My baby’s diaper is so bulky. Will his physical development be adversely affected?
• How do I wash cloth diapers?
• Why don't you carry bamboo cloth diapers?
• How do I make my own cloth wipes solution?

How many cloth diapers do I need? TOP

 

The average baby urinates 10-12 times a day. One may go three times every hour and another only every 4-6 hours, so there can be great variation. You should change a cloth diaper every time your baby wets or soils the diaper. Twelve diapers a day will work for most small babies, and toddlers will need fewer diapers as they gain bladder control.

In general, decide how many days you want between washes and multiply that number by 12. For example, if you plan to wash every 3 days, you will need approximately 36 diapers. If you are using a separate waterproof cover, which don’t require washing after every use, you should have one cover for every 4-8 diapers.

 

 

What’s the difference between a pocket / fitted / all-in-one / prefold? TOP

 

Flat Diaper – a flat cloth diaper is made of 1 or 2 layers of absorbent fabric, usually in a square or rectangle. It has no elastic, closure, or waterproof layer. It can be designed for a specific size range (e.g. birth – 6 months) or for folding to whatever size is needed.

Prefold Diaper – a prefold cloth diaper is a 3-paneled square or rectangle of multiple layers of fabric with a thicker layer in the middle. This is comparable to a flat diaper that is folded then sewn together, which is why this is called a pre-folded or prefold cloth diaper. Usually the layering is given as #-#-# (e.g. 2-3-2), with the first and last number being the number of layers on the edge panels and the middle number being the number of layers on the middle panel. A prefold diaper has no elastic, closure, or waterproof layer. It is designed for a specific size range, though often it can be folded to fit smaller babies or added as a doubler for larger babies.

Contour Diaper – a contour cloth diaper is hourglass shaped, often with more fabric in the wetzone down the middle. A contour diaper generally has no elastic and never has a closure or waterproof layer. It is designed for a specific size range, though sometimes it can be folded to fit smaller babies.

Fitted Diaper – a fitted cloth diaper is has a shape fitted to a baby and is made with elastic and a closure but no waterproof layer. It may contain an opening or pocket, to allow more absorbency to be added to the inside of the diaper instead of laying it on top of the diaper. It can be designed for a specific size range (e.g. birth – 6 months) or for adjusting to whatever size is needed.

Pocket Diaper – a pocket cloth diaper is made of 2 layers, an inner layer and an outer waterproof layer, with an opening for absorbency to be added between. The inner layer can be made from stay-dry or absorbent material. A pocket diaper requires absorbency to be added through the pocket opening; it does not require an additional waterproof layer or cover. You cannot exchange the absorbent layer and use this diaper again before washing. A pocket diaper requires washing after every use. It can be designed for a specific size range (e.g. birth – 6 months) or for adjusting to nearly any size baby.

All-In-One Diaper – an all-in-one cloth diaper or AIO has moisture-absorbent and moisture-resistant layers sewn together with no other covers or inserts needed. It will have: elastic, closure, multiple layers of absorbency, and a waterproof layer. It may contain an opening, or pocket, to allow extra absorbency to be added to the inside of the diaper or extra layers may be added on top of inner layer of the diaper. An AIO diaper can be designed for a specific size range (e.g. birth – 6 months) or for adjusting.

All-In-Two Diaper – an all-in-two cloth diaper or AI2 is similar to an all-in-one. Rather than having the absorbency sewn in, absorbent layers are attached to the diaper some other way (e.g. snapped in). This allows for the absorbent layers to be removed after use and for new absorbency to be added inside the waterproof outer without washing. The parts can be separated for washing or everything can be kept together. In all other respects, an all-in-two diaper is like an all-in-one diaper.

Cover – a diaper cover or diaper wrap is made of waterproof or moisture-resistent material and designed to be used over a flat, prefold, contour, or fitted diaper. It has elastic and a closure. Generally, it can be reused multiple times between washes if it hasn't been soiled.

 

 

What’s the difference between a liner and an insert? TOP

 

Insert – a diaper insert is made of multiple layers of absorbent material and is designed for use with any diaper that has a pocket opening. Not all inserts are recommended for use directly against the skin, so check with manufacturer before such use. Generally, an insert is designed to provide enough absorbency for one urination and must be washed between uses. It can be designed for a specific size range (e.g. birth – 6 months) or for folding to whatever size is needed.

Doubler – a diaper doubler is made of one or more layers of absorbent material to add absorbency to any diaper. It can be used directly against the skin or added through a pocket opening. Generally, it is not as wide or long as an insert and has fewer layers than an insert to help keep the diaper trimmer.

Liner – a diaper liner is a single or double layer of fabric designed to be used directly against the baby's skin. It may be made of a stay-dry or absorbent material. A diaper liner can be used to make cleaning of feces off the diaper easier, to keep creams and ointments off of the surface of the diaper, or to prevent urine from sitting against a baby's sensitive skin.

 

 

What is a one-size diaper? Is it really a one-size-fits-all? TOP

 

One-size Diaper – a one-size cloth diaper adjusts to fit most babies for most of their years in diapers. Adjusting techniques differ, but most styles will fit 10-30 lbs., with some fitting smaller or larger babies. Check with manufacturer for details.

 

 

Why are my diapers leaking? TOP

 

Several issues might cause cloth diapers to leak. Below are a few common problems.

• Loose fit. Check to make sure that the waist and leg elastic are snug (not tight) and secure. Lift your baby’s knees toward his chest and look for gaps in the leg elastic in the back. Make sure the waist is right below or at the belly button. If you are using a one-size diaper, you may need to adjust the rise.

• Insufficient absorbency. The average newborn only urinates ½-3 ounces every ½-2 hours, but the average toddler can urinate 8-16 ounces every 1-4 hours. Consider your baby's age and development, and adjust over time. If the absorbent layers are fully saturated when you change the diaper, then you will need additional absorbency.

• Infrequent diaper changes. Keep in mind that your baby’s wetting pattern will change with age just like his eating pattern will change. Until he learns how to control his bladder muscles, he will urinate every time he feels the urge. (For adults, that urge usually appears when the bladder holds 8-10 ounces.) With more bladder control, the frequency and volume of urination will change. These changes are usually more pronounced when using reusable diapers.

• Contact with clothing. Check to make sure no clothing is accidentally tucked into the diaper. Conversely, make sure all absorbent layers are tucked securely into the waterproof cover.

• Forgotten insert for pocket diaper. If you are using a pocket diaper, make sure to use an insert. This is especially important when someone else is caring for your child. Leave a sufficient number of prestuffed diapers for your child's caregiver, and show them how to stuff the pocket if they run out of diapers prepared by you.

• Diapers repelling instead of absorbing. If the diaper leaks but is not saturated, then some or all of the diaper is repelling moisture. This means the fibers have been coated with something that prevents them from absorbing or allowing the moisture to pass through. Residue from detergent or diaper creams/ointments are common causes of diapers repelling moisture. Your diapers will require stripping to remove the coating. See washing instructions.

 

 

I’m using Pocket Diapers. Do I need to change the entire diaper, or can I just change the insert? TOP

Yes. Even if the top layer feels dry, urine has come in contact with it. Urine in contact with oxygen will leave ammonia on the fabric. You need to wash a pocket diaper after every use.

 

What do I do with the poop? TOP

 

All solid feces should be dumped into a toilet. Newborn feces, which are looser, can be left on the diaper and will wash away. If your baby has started solid foods but does not have solid feces, then you have three options:

• rinse the diaper off (if you don’t want to dunk it in the toilet, you can invest in a cloth diaper sprayer that attaches to you toilet or sink),
• use a liner to easily remove feces from the diaper, or
• toss diaper, feces and all, in the washer then use a prewash to wash away feces.

If your washer works well, even with the last option, you will never have a dirty barrel when the wash is done and all the feces will go into your septic system or sewer where it belongs. It is not unusual for people to use a combination of techniques when dealing with a dirty diaper.

 

 

Do I have to dunk them in the toilet? TOP

No, there are other options for removing feces, like using a cloth diaper sprayer. See, “What do I do with the poop?”

 

What is causing my baby’s diaper rash? TOP

Always check with your baby’s practitioner. If the rash is not related to a food allergy or infection and it disappears when using disposable diapers, then it may be related to your detergent or washing routine. Make sure you disinfect your diapers with every wash (see washing instructions). If the rash continues, try switching detergents. You may also try stripping your diapers to remove all detergent residues. Rarely, certain textures or fabrics may irritate your baby’s skin. Sometimes a baby may do better with a fabric that wicks moisture away, while another baby may need a natural fabric against his skin. You can find liners made of different fibers to experiment if desired.

 

May I use diaper ointments? TOP

There is no easy answer to this question. In general, if you change your baby after every urination and bowel movement and you disinfect your diapers with every wash (see washing instructions), your baby’s skin should remain healthy and rash free with no ointments needed. If a professional prescribes an ointment, then you should use a liner to prevent the ointment from coating your diapers. Cloth liners should be washed separately and stripped. Most diaper ointments have oily bases. Occasionally, you’ll find an ointment that is cloth-diaper friendly, but always check with the manufacturer of your diapers before beginning use. Many manufacturers have a list of approved ointments that rarely affect the performance of their diapers.

 

My baby’s diaper is so bulky. Will his physical development be adversely affected? TOP

No, your baby should reach all developmental milestones regardless of what type diaper she wears. Interestingly, if your baby was diagnosed with developmental dysplagia of the hip (when the hip easily comes out of joint), the bulk of a reusable diaper is comparable to the double- or triple-disposable diaper technique that theoretically prevents hip adduction (prevents bringing the knees together) and is used in early treatment of the condition. Hence, there is no harm in wearing a bulky diaper. Remember, the diaper will not increase in bulk when wet, like a disposable does, so it will not slip off.

 

How do I wash cloth diapers? TOP

I have provided cloth diaper washing instructions from the RDIA website, click here to view.

 

Why don't you carry bamboo cloth diapers? TOP

On August 11, 2009, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) released a statement stating that "bamboo-based textiles are actually made of rayon and are NOT antimicrobial, made in an environmentally friendly manner or biodegradable".  You can read the FTC statement here. 

Now I am not a huge believer in the FTC, but I do think they got it right this time.  In order for a product to be labeled bamboo, it must be made from the actual bamboo fiber and not from mechanically processed bamboo (rayon).  If I carry and label cloth diapers as natural bamboo fibers, I am relying on 3rd party claims which I cannot fully substantiate, so I have chosen not to carry bamboo cloth diapers but instead carry hemp cloth diapers.  I recommend doing your own research before spending money on "organic" or "natural" bamboo cloth diapers. 

I do recommend purchasing hemp cloth diapers as well as wool cloth diapers, as these materials are proven to be antimicrobial and highly absorbent as well as environmentally-friendly!

Check out our full statement on bamboo cloth diapers on our blog.

 

 

How do I make my own cloth wipes solution? TOP

 

Making your own cloth wipes solution is easy, all you need is a few simple ingredients and cloth wipes or old wash cloths!  There are a few different recipes you can try.... I've been using the first one for 7 years, and YES, we still use cloth wipes in our home and they are in every bathroom along with a bottle of this wipes solution recipe.

For all wipes solution, I use a oz spray bottle... if you need a smaller container for traveling, just pour some of the finished solution into a smaller container or spray bottle.  Find our recipes here.

Some people like to use an airtight container and pour the solution over cloth wipes but I prefer to use a spray bottle and spray either the baby's bum or the wipes.  Now that my children are older they prefer to spray the wipes themselves.  

Ingredient Information:

Aloe Vera - cooling, soothing; promotes healing

Tea Tree Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral (must be diluted to prevent skin irritation)

Lavender Oil - antiseptic and pain reliever

Apricot Oil - softens skin

Coconut Oil - lubricant, skin moisturizer, acts as a moisture barrier