Reusable diapers, or cloth diapers, are gaining popularity. Cloth diapers are soft against baby's skin, free from the chemicals that can be found in disposable diapers and are used over and over, not added to a landfill after a single use. The learning curve to start a cloth diapering routine can be daunting, however. Knowing what to expect and what you need in order to use and wash cloth diapers in your home will make the transition from disposable to cloth less daunting.
Step 1
Wash new cloth diapers in hot water to boost their absorbency before first use. If diapers are made of cotton, bamboo or hemp, wash and dry them at least three times in hot water before first use to rid them of natural oils that inhibit absorbency. Ensure that the detergent you use with cloth diapers is a non-residue detergent.
Step 2
Fasten a clean diaper on your baby. Pocket diapers, All-in-Ones (AIOs) and All-in-Twos, or Hybrid diapers, will fasten with velcro or snaps just like disposable diapers. Fitted diapers with a separate cover may need to be fastened with a safety pin or other fastening device before you place a waterproof cover on top. Diapers that are one-size-fits-all may need to be adjusted in the rise to fit your baby before first use.
Step 3
Remove wet or soiled diaper from baby. If soiled, dump or shake excess poop into the toilet. If baby is exclusively breastfeeding, there is no need to dump poop as it will dissolve easily when washed.
Step 4
Unfold folded diapers and remove inserts from pocket diapers to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned when washed. Fold velcro tabs back against laundering tabs so the velcro tabs do not stick to other diapers in the wash. Place used diapers in the diaper pail or bag.
Step 5
Wash used diapers. Pour the entire contents of your diaper pail or bag into the washing machine. Rinse on cold without detergent, then run a full hot wash cycle with detergent. Run an extra cold rinse to ensure there is no buildup of detergent, which can cause foul-smelling diapers and decreased absorbency. Place diapers in the dryer or hang outside on a clothesline to dry.
Tips and Warnings
- If your diapers start smelling badly, leaking or not absorbing properly after using them for a few weeks or months, you may have a buildup or residue issue. To get rid of this issue, wash and rinse your diapers several times in hot water without any detergent, then dry completely in the dryer. Be sure to select a detergent that is free from the following: fabric softeners, natural oils, perfumes, dyes, UV brighteners, stain guard ingredients and enzymes.
- Please check washing instructions for the specific product you purchased, as manufacturers' instructions and warranties may be different.
Things You'll Need
- Cloth diapers
- Fasteners
- Wipes (cloth or disposable)
- Diaper pail or wet bag
- Laundry detergent
- Washing machine
- Clothes dryer
