One of the most challenging situations parents have to face every day is changing diapers. Cleaning would be a daily task for them, and it is costly. There are alternatives, however, like cloth diapers that are used before the disposable ones ever existed. These are washable, so it can be reused and will not take a toll on your wallet or bank account. However, to make sure that your baby is very well taken care of, you must learn the dos and don’ts in changing diapers so your child will be comfortable. You also need to start to learn how often to change a cloth diaper.
How Often to Change a Cloth Diaper
New parents often make a mistake of changing their baby’s diaper only when it is wet or soiled, but it may cause skin irritations. Childcare facilities’ advice on how often to change a cloth diaper on a toddler or a baby, is to check for any wetness or soiling at least every two hours. Your child may also give signs if he or she is having any discomfort, indicating that he or she might have wet or soiled the diaper. Take note that this ‘rule’ is applicable for both disposable and cloth diapers.
The age of the child must also be considered. Newborns will probably release more since they are still on a liquid type of diet and still can not control their bowel movements. They pee the most at night, so it is something parents must watch out for. As babies grow and age, their excrements at night lessen. Of course, it also depends on the amount of food being fed and their diet.
You must also remember that time is important as well. You might want to think twice before changing while your child is asleep because it might wake them up, and they might start crying. However, if the situation requires you to do so, then do it. After all, it is part of being a parent. On the other hand, it is suggested that you change the baby’s diaper you are bottle-feeding or nursing them or while they are awake.
What Benefits Do You Get from a Cloth Diaper?
On how often do you need to change a cloth diaper, it is just the same as changing the disposable diaper. However, instead of changing into disposable ones that will only be thrown immediately in the trash after one use, cloth diapers can be washed and reused. You can save yourself from constantly buying boxes of new but expensive disposables and use that money instead of your child’s other necessities. You do not have to worry about spending every time if you invest in the ones made in cloth.
These also provide more comfort for the child since it is made with breathable materials compared to the manufactured diapers. Remember to check cloth diapers that offer more absorptive quality, so whatever your child released will not leak.
How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?
Also, on how often to change a cloth diaper, if you have a newborn or children around a-couple-of-months old, it is essential to have a stash of at least two dozen clothes diapers. These seem plenty but are a good investment in the long run. You have to wash and sanitize them so your child can use them again. For toddlers or children older than a year, you might want to consider diapers in bigger sizes since their bodies are developing.
For an additional boost of absorption, you can add cotton doublers on top, which also come in different sizes to fit the cloth diapers you already have. An alternative to this can be organic cotton wipes. You can fold these if necessary to add extra layers. If you need something with fast absorption because your child tends to hold their pee or flood their diaper, you may want to add a microfiber diaper insert to your stash since it is fast absorbent. Get more tips on cloth diapers.
Conclusion
There is no definite answer to the question, “How often do you have to change a cloth diaper?” but what you could take away from here is that you should not expect your child’s diaper to be empty or unsoiled in two hours, especially during the day. It is also mentioned in childcare regulations that you should check and change the diaper at least every two hours to avoid having rashes.
You also have to observe your children and their behaviors. They might be peeing less during the day and more at night or the other way around. Expect the number of excrements your child releases with the amount of food being fed. As a parent, it is your responsibility to know your kid. By knowing how often to change a cloth diaper, you provide them the comfort and care they need. What seemed to be an energy-costly activity can be a good bonding time with your child.