Frequently Asked Questions about Cloth Diapers
What are the different types of cloth diapers?
Flats/prefolds
Flats: single layer fabric that can be folded in many ways to fit your child’s unique needs best.
Pros: fastest wash and dry, easy to handwash
Cons: requires more work before putting on the child and needs a water proof cover
Prefolds: multi-layer fabric that is then tri-folded into a pad fold before placing on the child
Pros: fast wash/dry, easy to handwash, less folding than flats
Cons: requires a water proof cover
Covers: waterproof fabric to be placed over flats/prefolds. Can be waterproof fabric snapped over flat/prefold or wool “pants” that have been lanolized
Pockets/AIO
Pockets: diaper with water proof outer layer and a pocket to add inserts/flats/prefolds to for absorbency
Pros: easy to attach to a child once stuffed, easier for daycare/grandparents/babysitters, significant ability to adjust absorbency needs
Cons: requires stuffing and unstuffing of the pocket, entire diaper has to be changed out with every diaper change
All In One (AIO): Cloth diaper with absorbancy attached and outer water proof layer
Pros: No folding, stuffing or need for waterproof layer, simplest for daycare/grandparents/ babysitter
Cons: hardest to get completely clean, longest drying time
How do I wash cloth diapers?
Wash Instructions:
Short cold wash with 1/2 the recommended detergent for a fully soiled load.
Hot regular wash with 1-1.5 the recommended detergent for a fully soiled load.
Tumble dry low or air dry.
Use a recommended detergent: Tide, Tide Free and Gentle, Gain, Persil, Persil ProClean, ProClean Sensitive, Dreft or Foca (Foca is the cheapest option).
Never soak your diapers shells or wet bags as it will damage the laminate.
No bleach, fabric softener or other laundry additives.
Wait for your diaper shell to cool completely before stretching or using as it can decrease the life of the elastics.
What do I do with the poop?
Breastmilk poop = washable
Formula poop and toddler poop = plop the poop in the toilet first, then wash
Diaper rash
Avoid diaper creams with petroleum and zinc oxide unless you use a liner
Safe creams include: Angel Baby/Bottom Balm, Baby Bottom Better, Green “All-Natural” Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, Burt’s Bees Multipurpose Ointment, California Baby, CJ’s BUTTer, Claymazing Powder, Magic Stick, Northern Essence Diaper Salve, and more.
How do I know my cloth diaper fits correctly?
Unlike disposable diapers, the key to a good cloth diaper fit is to make sure the diaper has room to absorb pee and to get the elastics in the underwear lines. See below for a pictorial on a good fit!
Remember:
Tummy gaps are ok!
Light red marks that look like sock lines are the elastics are ok! …deep red marks that last hours are NOT.
Poop explosions are NOT typical in cloth diapers.
Diapering with an AIO OR POCKET Diaper:
Diapering with a Pre-Fold and Cover:
