Cloth diapers are a new trend these days, and most parents are opting to use cloth diapers these days for eco-friendly reasons, cost, or just pure comfort and style. The alternative to cloth diapers is disposable diapers, but they also come with pros and cons, no matter what method you choose is best for your baby. But how to use baby cloth diapers? What type should you choose? How many diapers will you need? These are just a few questions we know most parents would like to ask. Don’t worry, just read on. We’ve got you covered.
What are the Types of Cloth Diapers?
Before we discuss some easy tips on how to use baby cloth diapers, you have to know the different types of cloth diapers out there.
Flats
These diapers are the embodiment of basic. They’re comparable to what your grandma’s great-grandma was believably working with when she diapered her babies in the past.
Flats are a sizeable square-ish piece of fabric, that’s usually birdseye cotton, but available in variations like hemp, bamboo, and terrycloth. They may look like a small receiving blanket or a flour sack kitchen towel.
To use these flats, you will have to fold them. There are several types of folds, varying from super-simple to a little more like origami. They can be held together with pins or clasps, or tucked in. But, you will need a waterproof diaper cover on top to keep the wetness.
These are basic and lightweight, making them easy to wash, dry, and simple to use. They are also the least expensive choice for cloth diapers as they can be folded to fit babies of all sizes.
Prefolds
Prefolds also closely resembles the cloth diapers of a time long past. They are bolstered with a thicker center of extra layers of fabric that are stitched together to fold. These diapers are also among the least costly and reusable options. The prefolds are typically held in place with a cover, which waterproofs the absorbent prefolds by holding the wetness.
The covers are made of polyester fabric. They are adjustable, reusable, breathable, and waterproof, and they wrap nicely around your baby’s bum like diapers, and they have hip and crossover Velcro or snaps to block drooping and elastic legging areas to stop leakage.
When it’s time to change, you just simply replace the dirty prefold with a clean one and resume using the cover. However, other moms use two prefolds to use overnight.
Fitted
Fitted cloth diapers are very absorbent and have a contoured shape that is often used for overnight and heavy wetters. They come in various materials, shapes, sizes, and even cute patterns. Folding is not required as the legs area is elastic. If the fitted diaper has been soiled, you can just remove it and replace it with a fresh one.
The single-use cloth diapers are the complete diaper system with a waterproof covering and an interior pocket, where you put the absorbent insert. The inserts are reusable and washable, and come in various materials, including cotton, hemp, and microfiber.
No cover is needed, although you will need to take off the entire diaper, take off the insert from the cover (you can wash them separately), and replace it with a clean insert and cover.
Pocket diapers are also adjustable and fasten well with Velcro or snaps. Most parents noted that pocket diapers dry quickly and do not look bulky underneath the baby’s clothing.
Hybrid
If you are particular about removing your baby’s poop, this option will give you that flushable out. Merging disposable with reusable, the hybrid cloth diapers come with a waterproof external layer and two inner choices for absorbency. Some parents use a cloth insert while others use a disposable one (flushable pads).
They are available in cotton, hemp, and even microfiber fabrics. Plus, they don’t contain chemicals like other disposable diapers.
To change the diaper, remove the dirty insert and fasten a new one. If you’re using the reusable insert, you would want to remove any solid waste before putting it with the other dirty ones waiting at the washer. Most parents pointed out that pockets with disposable inserts are perfect for when you’re always on the go.
All-in-one
This is a “no fuss, no muss” option, and is the closest in form and function to disposable diapers. The absorbent pad is added to a waterproof cover, which makes diaper changes as easy as changing disposable ones.
The adjustable closure fastens at the hip using either Velcro, snaps, or hooks and loops. They also do not require additional inserts. Just remove the diaper and replace it with a fresh one. After use, wash off any solid waste put it with the other soiled diapers waiting for the washer. These diapers also come in various stylish colors and patterns.
Tips on How to Use Baby Cloth Diapers
Learning how to use baby cloth diapers is really much like learning how to change a disposable one. Some diapers may require pre-assembly, while some use Velcro or snaps to adjust.
In addition, here are some easy tips on how to use baby cloth diapers:
- Always close the tabs before you throw used diapers into the diaper bag or pail, so they won’t get stuck to each other.
- All snaps at the top of the diaper are meant to adjust the waistline.
- All snaps down the front of the diaper can make the diaper as big (long) or as small (short) as you wanted.
- The cloth diaper will feel stiff or hang down when they need to be replaced.
- Your baby’s cloth diapers should be changed every 2 hours to avoid rashes.
Conclusion
The days of complicated folding and pinning are gone as cloth diapers take center stage. Once upon a time, having cloth diapers means wrapping a rectangular piece of white cotton fabric around your baby’s bum with large safety pins to secure it. However, these days, modern cloth diapers have significantly changed since then. These easy, eco-friendly, and inexpensive diapers top the list of every baby’s must-haves list. Plus, learning how to use baby cloth diapers is so easy that you can make lots in a short time. Know more about cloth diapers.