Why Cloth Diapers?

Types of Cloth Diapers

Getting Started

Cloth Diaper Care

Washing Wool

Why Cloth Diapers?

• Money - Cloth Diapers cost significantly less than disposable diapers. Enough cloth diapers to last from birth through potty training can cost $300 or less! Cloth diapers can also be used for multiple children, cutting your costs even more!
• Environment - Disposable diapers may take 200-500 years to decompose in landfills.
• Health - Disposable diapers can contain chemicals that may irritate a baby's sensitive skin.
• Ease of Use - These are not like the diapers our grandmothers used. Modern cloth diapers are easy to use, easy to care for and adorable!

Types of Cloth Diapers 

• All-in-Ones (AIO)
• The outer shell, insert, and inside lining are all sewn together. These are very simple to use and are good for people that might be intimidated by cloth diapers.
• All-in-Twos (AI2) or Hybrid Diapers
• These are basically a cross between an AIO and a Pocket Diaper. Usually an AI2 consists of a waterproof outer shell and an absorbant insert that snaps or lays in the shell. The shell can be reused by snapping or laying in a new insert when the other insert become soiled.
• Pocket Diapers
• Pocket Diapers feature a pocket in the back or front of the diaper between the waterproof outer shell and inner lining. This pocket allows the user to stuff the diaper with an absorbant insert. Pocket diapers are so popular because they allow the user to customize the amount of absorbancy by adding additional inserts.
• Fitted Diapers
• These diapers are not waterproof and require a cover. Although, many babies are able to use fitteds for 1-2 hours without leaks. These diapers come in a variety of styles with some featuring snap-in inserts or pockets.
• Contour Diapers
• These diapers require a cover, but are usually a cheaper option than fitteds and easier to use than prefolds. Contour diapers usually also require the use of a Snappi or diaper pins.
• Prefolds/Flats
• These are the traditional diapers that many people are familiar with. These are the most economical choice and require some type of fastener like a Snappi or diaper pins and a diaper cover.
• Diaper Covers
• Diaper covers are made with a variety of materials.
• PUL diaper covers are made of the same type of material used as the waterproof layer in Pockets, AIOs and Hybrid Diapers.
• Fleece and wool diaper covers provide a breathable cover option that is water resistant.
• PUL and Fleece covers can be washed with your regular diaper laundry while Wool covers need to be hand washed and lanolized.

Sized vs One Sized (OS) Cloth Diapers

• Sized diapers usually come in Xsmall (Newborn), Small, Medium and Large sizes with a few brands also offering XLarge or largers sizes. These diapers have less bulk than OS diapers, but you will need to purchase larger sizes as your child grows.
• One Sized (OS) Cloth Diapers usually fit from 10lbs to 35lbs. OS diapers are usually adjusted by snaps on the front of the diaper or by adjustable leg elastics. These diapers are bulkier on smaller babies than sized diapers, but are more economical as you usually do not have to buy larger sizes.

Getting Started

Depending on your baby's age, we recommend at least the following diaper changes per day:

• Up to 8 weeks: 12-14 diapers per day
• 8 weeks - 3 months: 10-12 diapers per day
• 3 months - 6 months: 8-10 diapers per day
• 6 months - 1 year: 6-8 diapers per day
• Over 1 year: 5-7 diapers per day 

Therefore, to wash diapers every 2-3 days, you would need at least:

• Up to 8 weeks: 26-40 diapers
• 8 weeks - 3 months: 22-36 diapers
• 3 months - 6 months: 18-30 diapers
• 6 months - 1 year: 15 - 24 diapers
• Over 1 year: 12-21 diapers 

If you're using prefolds, flats or fitteds you will also need one cover for every 2-4 diapers.

 Accessories you may need:

• Wet bag or pail liner to store your dirty diapers
• Cloth friendly diaper cream
• Diaper Sprayer
• Cloth wipes & wipes solution

We understand it can be overwhelming when deciding to use cloth diapers so we also offer trial packages that allow you to try a variety of diapers and return the ones you don't like. This is a great way to step into cloth diapering without making a big commitment.

Cloth Diaper Care 

Prepping

• Shells and Covers only need to be washed once before using. To extend the life of shells and covers, please line dry instead of machine drying.
• All other diapers (AIOs, Prefolds) and Inserts may need to be prepped 3-5 times before use. Some diapers and inserts may not reach maximum absorbency until 6 or more washes.
• To prep your diapers:
• Wash with detergent in HOT water.
• Tumble dry on Medium to High heat.

Washing

• Remove as much solid material as possible.
• Place soiled diapers in a dry diaper pail or wet bag. No soaking necessary.
• Diapers and Inserts should be washed every 2-3 days.
• Hang dry Shells and Covers to avoid excess wear and tear.
• Do NOT use bleach, enzyme cleaners or fabric softeners.
• If staining is a concern, hang dry diapers outside. The sun helps to remove stains.
• We recommend the following wash routine:
• Cold Rinse
• Hot Wash with Detergent
• Cold Rinse
• Tumble or Hang Dry

Detergents & Additives 

• We recommend Lulu’s In The Fluff or Rockin’ Green detergents.
• Start with the least amount of detergent recommended. (1/2 Tablespoon for HE machines; 1 Tablespoon for regular machines)
• Do NOT use any extra additives (Bleach, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, etc). If you have an issue with diapers coming clean, please contact us at 308-962-4290 or info@countrydrawers.com. We will help you find a wash routine that works for you.

Diapers and Inserts should have no smell once dry. If they smell like your detergent or ammonia, please contact us for help. It may be as simple as using less or more detergent.

Washing Wool:

Most wool covers must be hand washed and you need to lanolize them every now and then to keep them water resistant and prevent leaks. The natural properties of wool also make it resistant to dirt and give the wool an ability to absorb and neutralize odors. Because of this, you can go longer between washings than you normally would with PUL diaper covers. Depending on the amount of use, many people go a couple weeks to a month between washings. We usually recommend using a wool wash every 4-8 uses and lanolizing as needed.

• If using a wool wash, please follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• To Lanolize:
• Rinse your cover under cool water and gently squeeze out any excess moisture.
• Mix about 1 tsp baby wash and ¼” strip of lanolin to 1 gallon of lukewarm water wither in a bucket or a sink. (FYI – I rarely measure everything exactly. Think of this as a       guideline.)
• Press your cover into the water and let soak for 20-30 minutes.
• Rinse cover under cool water again and gently squeeze out any excess moisture.
• Lay your cover flat to dry.