Welcome to our guide on cloth diapering! At Cheeks Ahoy, we are passionate about supporting sustainable living and making eco-friendly choices accessible for every family. Cloth diapering is a fantastic way to reduce waste and provide a gentle, natural option for your baby's delicate skin. Whether you're new to cloth diapering or looking to optimize your routine, this guide will help you make the most of your cloth diapering experience.
Choosing the Right Diapers
Selecting the right cloth diapers for your baby is the first step to a successful diapering journey. There are several types to consider, but we will focus on the 3 main options out there:
- Prefolds and Covers: These are the most budget-friendly and are highly customizable. Prefolds are absorbent rectangles that you fold and secure with a cover. They are a bit bulkier than the other options below, and there is a learning curve to get the assembly just right, but we found these to be the best all-round. They dry quicker, and once you get the folding technique down, we found them to be the least likely to leak.
- All-in-Ones: These are the most convenient, as they function like disposable diapers. The absorbent layer is sewn into the waterproof cover, making them easy to use and wash. The main downside is that they are also the most expensive option. They also take longer to dry and adjustability is more limited compared to other options.
- Pocket Diapers: These have a pocket where you can add different inserts to adjust absorbency. They dry faster than All-in-Ones and are great for heavy wetters, but are generally more expensive than prefolds and covers. Shifting or incorrect stuffing of the inserts can also lead to leaks.
We recommend starting out with 25-30 diapers to ensure you have enough for a 2-3 day washing cycle. Try a few different styles to see what works best for you before committing to buying a full supply. On that note, well made cloth diapers will long outlast your child’s diapering stage, so there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying gently used cloth diapers.
Dial in your Washing Routine
A consistent washing routine is crucial for keeping your diapers clean and fresh. Here's a simple routine to follow:
- Pre-Wash: Rinse soiled diapers with cold water to remove waste. An attachment that connects directly to the water supply on your toilet, (like this Brondell Handheld Bidet Attachement) is super convenient for cloth diapering. And if you’re not on the bidet wagon yet, gross. You really should get on that.
- Main Wash: Wash your cloth diapers and Reusable Cloth Wipes together on hot, separate from regular laundry, using your detergent of choice. Never use fabric softener, as these will decrease absorbancy.
- Rinse: Follow with a cold rinse to remove any remaining detergent residues.
- Dry: Hang to dry whenever feasible, and if your dryer is equipped, use the sanitary steam function once in a while to treat any lingering odours. Never use dryer sheets, as these will also decrease absorbancy.
Washing every 2-3 days helps prevent stains and odours.
Up your Game with Cheeks Ahoy Reusable Cloth Wipes and Cheeky Bits Solution
Enhance your cloth diapering routine with our Cheeks Ahoy Reusable Cloth Wipes and Cheeky Bits Solution. Our wipes are perfect for gentle and effective cleaning, and our Cheeky Bits Solution provides a natural, soothing way to keep your baby clean. Here's how to use them:
- Prepare the Solution: Dissolve one Cheeky Bits cube in a large mason jar with warm water, let it cool before use, and pour it over your cloth wipes stored in a container or wipe warmer.
- Use as Needed: Our wipes are so much more effective than disposable wipes, you will find that you go through a lot less. Keep a bin on hand for soiled wipes (bonus, you can line the bin with our Cotton Mesh Laundry Bag for easy washing) and wash with cloth diapers.
- Bonus: Our Reusable Cloth Wipes are super versatile and you will soon be finding all kinds of uses for them! They are perfect for runny noses, bath time, napkins, removing makeup, and more. Just make sure they’re the clean ones ;)
Managing Leaks and Fit
To prevent leaks, ensure a snug fit around the legs and waist without being too tight. Here are some tips:
- Check for Gaps: Make sure the diaper is fully tucked in and there are no gaps around the legs.
- Adjust Absorbency: If you're experiencing leaks, try adding extra inserts or boosters for more absorbency. Adding one of our Hemp+Bamboo Wipes is a great option for boosting absorbency without adding much additional bulk.
- Experiment with Folds: For prefolds and flats, try different folding techniques to find what works best for your baby.
Have a Travel Plan
Cloth diapering on the go is easier than you might think! Here are some tips for traveling with cloth diapers:
- Pack a Wet Bag: Wet bags are essential for storing used diapers when you're out and about.
- Bring Extra Supplies: Always have a couple of extra diapers, wipes, and inserts in your diaper bag. Keep some of our Cloth Wipes Solution in a spray bottle to wet as needed.
- Have a Backup: This may sound like heresy coming from a zero waste company, but it’s okay to keep a disposable diaper or two in your glove box or in the bottom of your diaper bag for emergencies.
You don’t have to be Perfect
Cloth Diapering takes a little extra effort and it’s okay if you don’t nail it on the first try. Just stick with it as best you can and it will get easier. The transition may take some time, but the benefits for both your baby and the environment are well worth it!
You may even consider joining a community and connect with other cloth diapering parents for support and advice. Online communities like the Cloth Diapers For Beginners group on Facebook offer valuable resources and a supportive network.
And of course, we are always here to support you on your cloth diapering journey, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
Happy Diapering!
The Cheeks Ahoy Team