If you're a parent who is thinking about cloth diapers, we've got some tips to help you out.
Switching to cloth diapers can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. And while most people focus on the benefits of using cloth (such as lower cost), they might not always focus on the steps needed to make a SUCCESSFUL switch. If you're in this category, that's okay! There are countless tips and tricks out there just waiting for you. Most of these tips are easy to implement, and the payoff is worth it.
Tips for Parents Thinking About Switching To Cloth Diapers:
Cloth diapers are becoming increasingly popular, but they can be a little confusing if you haven't tried them before. Below, we've put together a list of tips to make the switch from disposable to cloth diapers as easy as possible.
1. Start Slow
You don't want to overwhelm yourself by trying to ditch disposables overnight. We know, it's tempting to buy a whole lot of cloth diapers when you first start out, but it's better to take it slow. It's best to go with a trial run of just one or two sets of cloth diapers at first. This will help you get used to how they work and how often you need to change them.
So take it one day at a time—remember, you can always add more as your baby grows and your family needs them. No need to rush!
2. Save Money With Coupons, Store Deals, and Hand-Me-Downs
It's true that cloth diapers cost more than disposables at first; but there are lots of ways to save money when making the switch. Look for coupons from local stores and online retailers that sell cloth diapers.
If you know someone who has recently had a baby, ask if they would be willing to hand down any unused cloth diapers they have left over from their own children's use. You'll save money by not having to buy new ones yourself!
Note:We have some great weekly deals to make your decision easier!
3. Learn About Types Of Cloth Diapers
There are many different types of cloth diapers and brands, so it's important to know what's available to you and know how much each type costs. That way, you can find something that fits your budget and lifestyle!
All cloth diapers will require some sort of washing and drying time. But there are a few different styles that can make it easier for you to use them with your current routine. Pocket diapers and all-in-ones (AIOs) are both popular because they don't require any special folding. But if you're looking for something more hands-on, try prefolds and covers.
Pro Tip:You can get one-size-fits-all cloth diapers that grow with your baby. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Don't be afraid to try different brands and styles until you find one that works for you. Take a deep breath and give yourself some time. You will find the right system for your family once you try enough options!
Note:To select the perfect cloth diaper for you and your baby, read our article "Cloth Diapers For Beginners."
4. Diaper Covers are a Must
No matter what kind of cloth diaper you’re using, a waterproof cover is an absolute must-have. All-in-one and all-in-two diapers come with their own cover, but for the rest,cloth diaper covers are the perfect way to add extra water resistance to your cloth diaper stash. They're made of a waterproof outer shell that can be used over flats, prefolds, fitteds, or inserts.
5. Don't Forget About Accessories
You'll need diaperpail liners andwet bags to store dirty diapers away from your baby's room and keep them dry between diaper changes. If you're planning on using wipes, too, it might be worth investing in somecloth wipes and even wetting them withDIY homemade wipe solutions instead of buying disposable ones.
You might also want to invest in someinserts and liners for extra absorbency if you plan on wearing cloth diapers outside the house or overnight.
6. Be Prepared For Customization
Because cloth diapers don't contain any synthetic absorbent gels or chemicals like disposables do, customizing them for the best experience can take a few tries. You'll need to learn how much absorbency is enough so that they don't leak through in different situations. But we love the customizability of using cloth diapers instead of disposables.
If you can, you may want to invest in some extrainserts or liners to give you a few more options when layering up your cloth diaper.
7. Get Into A Diaper Washing Habit
It's not hard, but it can be time-consuming if you're not used to it! We recommend starting by washing every other day until you get used to it—then, you can increase or decrease your frequency if needed.
8. Don't Worry About Stains
Everything will wash out eventually! Most stains come out by line drying in the sun (and if they don't, don't worry—you can always bleach them).
9. Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help
Cloth diapering is an incredibly rewarding experience for both parents and children alike—but it does take some getting used to! If you have any questions or concerns about cloth diapering, don't hesitate to ask for help.
There are many online communities where people share tips on how best to care for cloth diapers. Find a support system in your parenting community or just search "cloth diaper care" and see what pops up!
Furthermore, you can go on social media and find a community of people who use cloth diapers so you can ask questions and get advice as needed.
10. Build On Your Stash Each Month
Add a few cloth diapers to your stash every month. This way, you'll have plenty of time to figure out which ones work best for your baby and how many you will need.
11. Use The Right Amount Of Detergent
More isn’t always better—you'll want about half as much as you'd use for regular laundry when laundering your cloth diapers. Too much detergent will leave residue on the fabric, which means more buildup over time, leading to leaks or even extra wear down the road.
12. Read The Manufacturer & Retailer’s Instructions Carefully Before Use
One of the biggest mistakes new cloth diaper users make is not carefully reading the manufacturer and retailer's instructions before using their new diapers. Cloth diapers come in different styles, sizes, and materials. Different types may have a slightly different set of instructions for washing and care.
Make sure that you read the manufacturer's instructions before using your cloth diaper for the first time. We also have a full support team available, and you can always ask them for help or advice on how to use our products safely and effectively.
13. Get Enough Diapers
Once you know what type of diaper will work best for your baby and family, it's time to stock up for your cloth diaper stash! Ensure you get enough diapers so you don’t have to do laundry more often than every other day or so.
Newborns need to be changed every 2 hours, so if you're changing them 12 times per day (which is pretty common), that means you'd need 24 diapers in your stash.
However, as they get older and their bladder capacity increases, they'll need less frequent changes. So after they reach 6 months old or so, you might only need to change them every 3-4 hours. That would mean 8-12 diapers per day.
So if you have a newborn, we recommend always having 20-30 diapers in your stack at all times. That way, you'll be prepared for any situation! But once they get older, we suggest having about 20-22 diapers in your stack for easy laundering every other day.
14. Buy Safe Products
Make sure that any products used with your baby are safe for them. This means washing them before using them, if possible, or buying new ones from a reputable source—like Nicki’s Diapers!
15. Practice Makes Perfect!
Don't get too frustrated if you don't get it right the first time. It's not something you can just jump into and expect to be an expert right away.
Cloth diapering can take some practice to learn how to use your cloth diapers properly. But once you do, it'll be like riding a bike—you'll never forget how!
The Takeaway For Switching To Cloth Diapers:
There's no need to feel overwhelmed by the idea of switching to cloth diapers. With a little planning, you can start your cloth diapering journey with no hassles!
Once you start using cloth, you'll wonder why you ever decided on disposables. Plus, we have all the support that can make your decision even easier.
