How to Do Cloth Diapering the Easy Way

Cloth diapering your baby does not have to be difficult or expensive. Here are some easy tips for using cloth diapers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Buy a package of prefold cloth diapers. All you do with this kind of diaper is fold it into thirds (and, don't worry, instructions are on the package). If you can afford it, I strongly suggest buying two packages to cut down on washing. I've found prefold cloth diapers at major retailers like Meijer and Babies R Us.

2. Buy 2 packages of vinyl diaper covers. These are the cheapest to use. I buy the Gerber brand of vinyl diaper covers. Each package contains 3 cloth diaper covers. If you can afford it, buy 4 packages of cloth diaper covers to cut down on washing.

3. Buy a medium-sized trash can with a lid. This will serve as your cloth diaper pail. I went to the local hardware store and bought one for $6. This trash can conceals used diaper odors very well.

4. Buy at least a couple dozen baby wash cloths. You can probably find these at your local dollar store, packaged at 4 for $1. These are amazingly soft! Baby wash cloths can also be found at Babies R Us, but they are more expensive.

5. You'll also need two containers for washing your baby's diaper area during diaper changes. I use plastic bowls. One is for soapy water (for those extra messy diaper changes) and one is for plain water (for general rinsing at every diaper change).

6. As for pinning the sides of the cloth diaper, I personally haven't done this for my kids. I just positioned the prefold diaper, pulled up the cloth diaper cover, and that was it. If you want the extra security of pins, but are unsure about trying to pin a wiggling baby, a Snappi Fastener may be an option for you. A Snappi fastener is said to offer the security of pinning without the sharpness and awkwardness of old-fashioned baby diaper pins.

7. Now that you have everything needed for cloth diapering the easy way, you'll need to know some some easy tips for washing all those dirty baby wash cloths, prefold cloth diapers, and vinyl diaper covers that have filled up the cloth diaper pail. I use these settings on my 10-year-old washer: extra heavy cycle, hot water temperature, and extra rinse. I also use regular laundry detergent; you may need to use special baby detergent if your baby is sensitive.

Tips & Warnings

• Dispose of solid wastes, if necessary, when changing a diaper. Depending on the durability of your washer, however, soft stools may pass through the washer just fine.
• Adding vinegar to your wash may add extra freshness to the cloth diapers.

Resources

• How to Diaper a Fussy Baby

[Susanh]

on 10/8/2008 Cloth diapering is a great option for moms today.

[kim82600]

on 10/8/2008 Thanks! I have a pregnant friend I'll pass this along to.