The average child uses 8,000 to 10,000 diapers from birth to potty training. About a third of disposable diapers that end up in landfills contain fecal matter, which many landfills are not equipped to handle safely. Package directions on most disposable diapers instruct parents to dump fecal matter into the toilet before disposing of the diaper, but few parents actually do. Choosing cloth diapers for your baby is a good way to reduce this burden on the landfill system.
Choose The Right Cloth Diapers For Your Family
Step 1
Before purchasing cloth diapers, consider your schedule and your budget. Cloth diapers are generally a more cost-effective choice over the 2 to 3 years your child will use them, but they cost more up front. Using cloth diapers is not difficult, but it will add an extra load of laundry every 2 to 3 days.
Step 2
There are three basic styles of cloth diapers: prefolds, pocket diapers and all-in-ones. Prefolds and covers are the least expensive cloth diapering option. You will need about two dozen prefolds and two to four covers. The prefold absorbs liquid, and the cover is waterproof to prevent leaks before you can change the diaper. Using prefolds requires you to learn how to fold them to conform to the baby's shape, but once you practice this a few times it becomes second nature. replace it with a clean one. They are also the most expensive diapering option. Pocket diapers are shaped like disposables and have an opening in the back for an absorbent pad. They are more expensive than prefolds but more affordable than all-in-ones.
Step 3
Purchase the cloth diapers. Most cloth diapers are sold online, but some areas have diaper shops. If you can, visit a diaper shop in person with your baby. The proprietor will help you find the right diaper style for your baby's body shape.
Caring For Cloth Diapers
Step 1
When you change the baby's diaper, dump any fecal matter in the toilet before putting the diaper in a diaper pail.
Step 2
Plan to wash diapers every 2 to 3 days. In the summer, you may want to wash them daily to prevent odors.
Step 3
Wash diapers in hot water, using detergent without dyes, perfumes or additives. These chemicals can irritate your baby's skin and reduce the absorbency of your diapers over time.
Step 4
Air-dry the diapers on a line outdoors if possible. If line-drying is not an option, dry them on the hottest setting your dryer has. Do not use dryer sheets or fabric softeners, as these coat the fibers of the diaper, reducing their ability to absorb liquid.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider a hybrid solution. Many families use prefolds at home during the day and pocket diapers or all-in-ones at night and when they go out.
Things You'll Need
- Cloth Diapers
- Diaper Pail
- Changing Area
