Quick Tips For Cloth Diaper Care

Quick Tips For Cloth Diaper Care

To cloth diaper, or not to cloth diaper; that is the questions. And it’s not an easy decision. There are so many issues involved including environmental impact, cost, convenience, and care.

While you’re trying to decide, here are a few tips for if you decide to go the cloth route.

Have enough. You need enough cloth diapers in the rotation to meet your needs but not make it necessary to do laundry every day. For newborns, it’s good to have about 24 and 16-18 for older infants. If you are using the one-size version it’s best to add six to the above numbers.

Use the right detergent. Almost any fabric softener free detergent will work. Pay attention to your type of machine and the hardness of your water for better results. Some good options are Oxi Clean for Babies, Nature Clean Powder, and Wonderwash Detergent.

Do not use bleach. Bleach will break the diapers down faster.

Let them cool. When using a dryer, it’s best to wait for the diapers to cool before stretching the elastics as it damages the elastics.

Hang to dry. Even better, skip the dryer and hang to dry if you can; it will prolong their life.

Close the velcro. If your cloth diapers use velcro tabs, make sure they are closed to prevent them snagging on other fabrics while in the laundry.

Do not use fabric softener. Yes, much of the use and planning involved with cloth diapers has to do with washing them. Fabric softener coats the fabric lowering its absorbency, and you always want absorbency.

Re-sell. When you are done with them, consider selling, donating, or gifting your cloth diapers. This increases the environmental benefit and can help lower the cost for others.

Use a micro-fleece liner. When using a bum cream like Bum Bum Balm by Dimpleskins (it’s 100% organic, zinc-free, uses natural ingredients and is manufactured in BC!) use a liner to maintain the cloth diaper’s absorbency. The liner keeps the ointment from coating the diaper.

Use a dry pail. Store dirty diapers in a dry pail with a plastic liner. Add some baking soda. After changing the diaper put any solid waste into the toilet, separate all parts (diaper and liner) and place into the dry pail.