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| The "I-need-a-change face |
Ok!
So I have a few people ask me how exactly we go about cloth diapering Rowen. So here is a step-by-step visual of how a typical diaper change goes and also a list of what you will need, complete with pictures and links!
I really dont think there is a "wrong" way to cloth diaper. Its really about trying out different things until you find out what works for you.
Dislcaimer: There are TONS of different types of cloth diapers... this is just what we use.
What you need (pictures to follow):
All-in-One Pocket diaper: We use Sunbaby and Alvababy, but there are a bunch of other brands out there.
Prefolds: once again many brands and what not, although I recommend Affordable cloth diaper. Affordable, fast, and they have awesome customer service.
Liners/inserts: we dont use these but I will show you how they work
Diaper pail: we just use a trash can with a lid
Diaper pail liner: We use this Planet Wise one
Diaper pail freshener
Wet bags: optional, but we have multiple, they are awesome.
Cloth Diaper friendly detergent- You can find a list by clicking here
Cloth diaper friendly rash cream- We use Grandma El's because it smells amazing You can get Califorina Baby at Target. Here is a link to a list :)
Diaper sprayer (this is also optional but awesome)
The set up:
We keep our diapers separated in canvas totes, in the shelves, on her changing table. We keep the prefolds on the top, since we change those the most, covers on the second shelf, and the liners/inserts on the bottom since we never use them.
Typical Diaper Change
Step 1: First you need an adorable assistant in need of a diaper change :)
Step 2: Remove dirty diaper. We do not change the pocket every diaper change. We change it a couple times a day, if its really soaked, or if poop gets on it. So if none of these things happen, we just take out the prefold and toss it in the diaper pail. If it is a poopy diaper see step 2a.
Step 2a: Take poopy prefold (and pocket if there is poop on it). Spray it out in the toilet with the diaper sprayer, we have one made by Fuzzibunz. Then toss in diaper pail.
Step 3: Put clean diaper under baby booty. We lay down the pocket first, then lay the prefold flat on top of it:
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| Pocket first |
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| Prefold on top of pocket |
Step 5: Diaper rash cream! You can not just use any kind of diaper rash cream with cloth diapers. But don't fret, there are plenty of options(see link under What you will need) As previously mentioned, we use Grandma El's which looks like this:
Step 5: Fold the prefold. We use the bikini twist method:
Step 5: Hold prefold in place,
and button the tabs on the pocket diaper.
All in one pockets usually have buttons around the
leg gussets so you can adjust for the perfect fit :)
And you have a cloth diapered baby!
Laundry time!
We wash diapers every 2-3 days. Its a pretty simple process.
Take the diaper pail liner out of the diaper pail and dump it in the washer. You can even toss the diaper pail liner in there too and wash it.
Now, you are going to need cloth diaper safe detergent. A lot of detergents can compromise the absorbency of the diaper.
I use Rockin Green,
They have a lot of scents with a lot of fun names like Lavender Mint Revival, Rage against the Raspberries, Smashing Watermelons, and my favorite Bare Naked Babies.
Hot Pre-Rinse. Wash in hot water, with one scoop detergent, on your washing machine's "heavy" cycle.
When it comes time to dry the diaper, take out the pockets and hang dry them. Putting them in the dryer can wear out the elastic.
Throw the prefolds in the dryer, and dry on high heat
And you have clean diapers :)
How to use pockets with inserts
As I said before, we dont use inserts. The main reason being that with inserts you have to change the pocket every diaper change, which is why we prefer the prefold method. But since the majority of pocket diapers that you buy come with inserts, I figured I would show you how they work.
The pocket has a little slit/pocket that the inserts slide in:
Just slide the insert in, and change like a disposable diaper.
Cloth Wipes
We also use cloth wipes. Super simple to make, also saves money.
I bought 1/2 yard of plain flannel from Hobby Lobby (<$2 is you use the 40% off coupons you can get online all of the time.)
I cut it up into wipes. Stick the wipes in our wipe warmer and pour homemade solution on them.
Solution:
Mix together, pour over wipes. You can also keep in a spray bottle, and spray on wipes during diaper changes.
Now to answer some other questions I get a lot:
Doesn't the diaper pail stink?
Answer: Yes, sometimes. But we use Rockin' Green Shake It Up Pail Refresher.
It comes in all of the great scents as the detergent.
All you do is sprinkle a little directly into the pail and Voila! The smell is gone.
Isnt it gross?
Sometimes, but then again so is changing a poopy disposable diaper.
What do you do when you are running errands and need to change the baby?
Remember those wet bags I was talking about? This is where they come in.
Change the diaper as you would normally, then toss it in the wet bag. They
are water proof so you don't have to worry about getting bodily fluids all over
your diaper bag.
Is it really worth it?
For us, yes I sat down and figured out today that we go through roughly 144 diapers/week... A 144 pack of Huggies is $45..that is $180 dollars a month..Cloth wipes save us an additional $20 a month.
Me being a full-time student/part-time office assistant and Colin being a stay-at-home dad, $200 a month is a lot of money
Well, I hope that answers everyone's questions! If you have anymore just let me know :)
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