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Cloth Diapers, They are simpler than you think!
There are many reasons to use cloth diapers:
- Cost
- Environmental
- Baby’s Health and Comfort
- Earlier toilet training
- It’s easier than you think!
Cloth diapers have come a long way. Gone are the days of diaper pins! Modern cloth
diapers come in 3 basic forms:
We have tried and tested all three of these diapering methods on our children. Today we use a combination of all three methods on our 2 cloth diapered gems. Please read through the information below for an explanation of the modern cloth diapering options and a few little tips that we’ve come up with through our diapering experiences!
Tip: By adding 2-3 loads of laundry a week, you can save yourself
the cost of expensive disposables diapers. |
Prefolds
Prefolds are the most economical diapering system that we’ve found. The right diaper cover in the correct size is very important to preventing leakage. After using fitted diapers on my first child I decided to give prefolds a try with our second baby; I was amazed at how well this system works, it is simple, very cost effective……AND THERE ARE NO PINS!
All you need is prefold diapers and velcro closure covers. Follow these 3 simple steps.
| 1. |
Fold prefold diaper in a "V" shape lengthwise and place diaper on the opened cover. If the diaper is too long, fold the front end over. If you are using a diaper liner lay it on top of the diaper. Place under your baby |
| 2. |
Pull front up between baby's legs. Adjust and close Velcro tabs around baby's waist. |
| 3. |
Be sure to tuck the diaper completely inside the diaper cover. |
Prefold Diapering Tip #1: Fold diapers into covers ahead of time and have them close at hand….you’ll be very thankful for this during 2:00am diaper changes! |
Diapering your Newborn 0-3months
Infant size Prefold diapers are designed to fit your newborn to 3 month old baby. Diapering a smaller baby is simpler with an infant size diaper. Infant size prefolds are 16" long by 12" wide. They will fit inside newborn and small diaper covers (up to 16 lbs.). The Regular size diaper (21" long by 14.5" wide) is better suited to a baby over 16 pounds.
If you prefer to use Regular size for your newborn, try turning the diaper so that the longest part is horizontal, now fold the diaper in thirds. Place diaper on the opened cover and follow steps 2 & 3 above.
Prefold Diapering Tip #2: As your baby gets older and sleeps for longer stretches at night….infant size prefolds make great nighttime doublers! They also make great burp cloths! |
 Choosing your Prefolds
Obviously, the thicker the diaper the more absorbent, however, thicker also means bulkier. The Prefold diapers we carry are thicker in the middle, thinner on the sides. When choosing diapers absorbency is important but it is also important that drying the diapers is not too time consuming.
You will often hear/see the term “Diaper Service Quality” when it comes to prefolds. Remember there are no standards for this term, not all diapers are equal. The Prefold diapers we carry are of the highest quality we’ve found. We tried and tested them and found them extremely absorbent without the bulk. The best Diaper Service Quality diaper has 6 layers in the middle and 4 layers on each side, referred to as 4-6-4. We also offer a Premium Prefold Diaper, which has 8 layers in the middle with 4 on each side referred to as 4-8-4. It is a great diaper for naps and overnight.
Before use, our Prefold diapers will need to be washed 2-3x. This will result in the diapers becoming fluffier, thicker and thus more absorbent.
Prefold Diapering Tip #3:
When you’re diapering days are done Prefolds can be used as cleaning cloths! |
Fitted Diapers
Fitted Diapers are a very simple and effective diapering method. Unlike prefolds they require no folding. However, they are sold based on size, so as your baby grows you will need to purchase larger diapers. We carry 2 types of fitted diapers: snap closure and Velcro closure. Choosing between the two is really personal preference. I use both and like both! That’s why we offer both styles!
If you are convinced that fitted is the way you want to go, try our Fitted Diaper Sampler. That way you can try both styles and when you’re ready for the next size you can pick the one that worked best for you and your baby. This style requires the use of diaper covers. You can use the Velcro closure wrap style (same as prefolds) or pull on styles.
Our snap closure diapers come in both bleached and unbleached. Bleached will need to be washed 2-3x before initial use, unbleached 4-5x. Unbleached diapers are ivory in colour, they are kinder on the environment but I do find they take a little longer to dry. They both work equally; the choice is purely personal preference.
Fitted Diaper Tip:
When my daughter started sleeping thru the night I would double diaper……using the next size up for an added layer of absorbency! |
All-In-One Diapers
All-In-One Diapers are the simplest diapering method yet. An absorbent diaper built into a cover. One step diapering, just like disposables EXCEPT, they are gentler on the environment, baby’s skin and the wallet! All-in-Ones simplify cloth diapering when you’re out and about with your baby.
Inserts, Doublers and Flushable Liners
These products further simplify the cloth diapering process. They extend the life of your diapers by reducing staining. They simplify clean up and increase absorbency, especially helpful for naptimes and overnight.
Diapering Tip: Girls VS Boys: Girls need extra absorbency in the middle. Boys need extra absorbency in the front. |
Cloth Diaper Wipes
Why expose baby to harsh wipes when a simple wet cloth will do the trick! I am certain avoiding wipes have kept my babies rash free.
Swim Diapers
I was very skeptical of these at first! Our son really put them to the test and they really do contain leaks!
Swim Diaper Tip:
You want this diaper to fit snug, stay
within baby’s size range.
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