Cloth Diaper: What You Need to Know

(Photo : unsplash/lohlman_writer)
Cloth diapers can be reused and are safe for the environment.

Having a baby means having to learn how to put diapers on them. In the early times, our ancestors used improvised cloth diapers or newborns to wear to catch urine and bowel. And then a few decades ago, disposable diapers were invented to make parents' lives easier. 

Environmentalists do not approve of the use of diapers as they add to the tons of garbage that the world is now having encountering. Since diapers are made of synthetic or non-biodegradable materials that help protect babies from wetness, it takes thousands of years for them to be eliminated from our andfills, thus, if possible, it would be better to use other substitutes. The is where cloth diapers come into the picture.

What are cloth diapers? 

Cloth diapers are nappies made of cloth and may be washed and reused. During the old times, they used cloth that has to be tapered by safety pins. 

Nowadays, there are  different types of nappies that parents could use, but which one is the best? 

Choosing which type of diaper to use all comes down to preference. See below for the list. 

Types of Cloth Diapers

• Cloth Diapers All-in-one (AIO). This one is slightly easier to use since the soaker (or the insert) is attached to the shell. The cons is that they take more time to dry than others. 

• All-in-two diapers. This is the same as the AIO diaper but the difference is that this one also includes a removable insert that will benefit those heavy wetters. 

• Prefold cloth diapers. These are big rectangular cotton diapers that are designed to fit the bottoms of babies. The outer covering is waterproof. 

• Fitted cloth diapers. Much like disposable diapers, the fitted cloth diapers work in such a way that they prevent leakage, have leg gussets, and are very absorbent. This is good to use for overnights. 

• Pocket cloth diapers. This one is composed of the outer covering, which is also known as the "shell" that is water and leak-proof and has a pocket where soakers are inserted. The soakers absorb the pee and poo. 

• Hybrid cloth diapers. An all-in-two diaper plus either a reusable or disposable insert is what a hybrid diaper is made of. The difference of the disposable insert used here versus the disposable diaper is that here the materials used are compostable and biodegradable as compared to the disposable diapers. 

Insert Types

After choosing what type of cloth diapers to buy, you also have to choose what type of materials that make up the inserts. 

Available types of inserts are made of either microfiber, bamboo, or hemp. All 3 are highly absorbent, but hemp would be the most absorbent despite being also the thinnest. 

How to Cloth Diapers Work

Cloth diapers are worn just like disposables. Most cloth diapers can be taped in either velcro or snappy type. 

When to Change

Ideally, disposable diapers are to be changed every 2-3 hours. The same goes for cloth diapers. Unless when your baby poops, then it is time for a change. 

How to Clean Cloth Diapers

Immediately after defecating, flush the contents in the bowl using a bidet or any sprayer just like how adults do and then prewash the soaker to prevent staining and then fold it and then place it in a tub or any container with a cover. At the end of every cycle, say 3 to 6 days depending on the number of diapers you have. If it contains only urine, then you may just rinse and then load them in the same tub.  

Stripping the Cloth Diaper

Inserts and shells are washed separately. Once in a while, the users strip the cloth diapers by submerging the inserts in warm water overnight to kill the bacteria or any smell that is lingering. Do not include shells as this may damage their waterproof covering. 

Another note is to avoid using scented detergents or those with bleach and fabric softener as their residue might irritate the baby's skin. Many detergents now that are made for babies are on sale; though a bit pricey, it saves yourself from having to cure any skin irritation on your baby's bum. 

Also, do not use creams or ointments as they may decrease the absorbency of the soakers, defeating their purpose. 

How Many to Buy

The decision on how many diapers to buy depends on how often you plan to do the laundry. If, for example, your baby uses 8 diapers a day, and you plan to wash once every 3 days, then multiply 8 by 3, you get 24. However, just to be sure, it is better to have additional stocks for a day just in case the diapers won't dry in time, so you might have to buy 32 pieces of cloth diapers for your little one.