Getting Started
So you`ve never used cloth diapers before, that`s o.k. - we`ve all got to start someplace. Here is a list of FAQs that may help or call 208/949.4778 to ask ANY question.
 
How many diapers will I need?

If you are diapering a newborn and want to wash every second day, you will need about 36 diapers. This will allow you to use 12 diapers each day and keep 12 more on hand while the others are in the wash. You will also need 6 to 8 covers. For the older baby you will probably need about 24 diapers and 4 to 6 covers. Children 12 to 36 months go through about 6 diapers per day.

What do I do with the wet and dirty diapers?

Use a medium kitchen trash pail with a lid to store wet/dirty diapers before they become a load of wash. If a diaper is only wet, then throw it into the pail. Dirty diapers are first rinsed in the toilet and then placed in the pail. To help with odors I suggest a Deo-Disk and/or a bit of baking soda added to the pail, but otherwise the tight-fitting lid keeps odors under control. There are many different kinds of pails to choose from, and I recommend a spring-loaded lid that can be opened with a button. I also line my pail with a waterproof bag made by Bummis (see Accessory Necessity!)

How do I wash my diapers?

Once you are ready to wash a load of diapers, simply empty your pail into the wash and run a PREWASH using ¼ cup baking soda to control odors. Let soak for 30 minutes, then spin. Then add ¼ to ½ the recommended amount of detergent and run a REGULAR wash cycle on WARM or HOT. An extra rinse cycle can also help control odors. You can also add ¼ cup vinegar to your rinse cycle.  Also, try the Caldrea Sweet Pea Baby detergent and stain remover.

More tips on washing:

·Using bleach breaks down the fabric prematurely.

· Fabric softeners/sheets will coat your diapers and make them less absorbent.

·Non-chlorine bleaches such as Clorox 2 or OxiClean are OK to use occasionally. Try overnight soaking for tough stains.

·Sunshine will remove stains better than anything from the store.  Hanging diapers on a clothesline is a good idea.

·Soak a load of diapers overnight with a cup of baking soda to help with odors.

·Using too much detergent causes a build up and will make diapers stinky! Peeooo!
 
  
Cloth vs. Disposable: A Comparison of Diapering Options
There are many reasons to consider cloth diapers instead of disposable:

Price...The diapering timeframe is 2½ years (130 weeks) with an average of 70 changes per week (every 2-3 hours) or 9,000 diapers. Cloth amount includes materials and two additional loads of laundry each week.

Cloth...5¢ to 14¢ per change or $500 to $1250 for diapering period. (There is a wide variance in costs due to the different types of covers and diapers available.)

Disposable...24¢ per change or $2,160 for diapering period. Disposable diapers are convenient to use and may be more aesthetically pleasing to some people.

Convenience...Cloth diapers are more convenient than ever before. (No pins and rubber pants!) The breathable, waterproof covers make cloth diapers similar in use to disposables. And, the “All-In-One” is the most convenient cloth diapering system.

Health of the Baby...Cloth diapers are not only softer on baby’s bottom they also help prevent diaper rash. They are breathable and do not contain harsh chemicals. You control what touches baby’s sensitive skin.
Disposable diapers are not soft or breathable. Diaper rash can be caused by less frequent than recommended changes because diaper does not feel wet. The harsh chemicals used to pull away wetness are also another cause of diaper rash.

Environmental Concerns...Cloth diapers use water and energy to clean but are reusable and do not damage the environment when discarded. Human feces is deposited into the toilet and processed by waste treatment facilities. The process of making the diapers does not emit anymore hazardous toxins into the environment than other cotton textiles.
More energy and natural resources are used to manufacture disposable diapers than to clean cloth. The chemical processes that are used to make disposables are damaging to the environment. Disposable diapers sit in a landfill and do not breakdown. Diseases can be spread if the human feces in the diapers gets into the ground water.

Potty Training...Cloth diapers help to commence toilet training sooner than disposable because baby can associate wetness in the diaper to the need for a diaper change. This helps baby learn when he needs to use the potty.
Baby does not feel the wetness in diaper so he does not feel the need to be changed. Baby may prefer his disposable diaper over learning to use the potty causing toilet training to take longer.

Overall, I believe that you will agree that cloth diapers are a better alternative to disposables. Cloth diapers are better for the environment, better for your baby’s health, and much easier on your budget. They are more convenient and user-friendly than ever before!

I’d be happy to talk with you about all of your options!

*Farrisi, Theresa R. (1997) Diaper Changes: The Complete Diapering Book and Resource Guide. Richland, PA. Homekeepers Publishing