Diapering is among one of the easier topics when it comes to making choices for your baby. It doesn’t seem very complicated, and the process is pretty straightforward. However, the one big choice that parents come across is whether to use disposable diapers or cloth diapers.
The choice to use cloth diapers is entirely personal, and there are lots of reasons one might choose disposable diapers. But there are significant benefits to choosing reusable diapers, and getting started isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think!
Cloth Diaper Details
There are many different cloth diaper styles, but they typically come in sets with different pieces; each reusable diaper piece has a different purpose, and together, the system can replace disposable diapers if you desire. Some cloth diapers, known as all-in-ones, have everything attached into one piece for added convenience. Though with most reusable diapers, you’ll find two main pieces: the shell or cover and the liner.
The shell of the reusable diaper is exactly what it sounds like: it goes on the outside and keeps everything trapped inside. Covers can be lots of fun to buy because they come in many different colors and prints, so you can actually use your baby’s washable diaper to accessorize!
The liner is the important part – it catches all the waste inside the cloth diaper and is very absorbent. Liners come in different absorbency levels, styles, materials, and sizes.
Why Do Some People Choose Cloth Diapers?
There are many benefits to reusable diapers: they’re eco-friendly, they can be affordable, and they don’t use the same plastics that are in their disposable counterparts. However, there are still lots of things to consider when deciding between reusable diapers and disposables.
Unsurprisingly, reusable diapers are much more eco-friendly than disposables! They do use more water because of the washing process, but they are still effective at reducing waste. They are also budget-friendly! It may seem expensive at first, but since everything is reusable, you don’t have to buy a new pack every single week. They can even be reused for multiple children, so you only have to buy a set once.
Reusable diapers are also considered the more natural choice for diapering. Shells and liners can be made of various materials, including organic cotton. If you’re concerned about exposing your baby to the plastics and other chemicals in disposable diapers, perhaps cloth diapers are the answer! Washable diapers can also be great for babies with extremely sensitive skin.
How Do I Get Started Using Cloth Diapers?
- Prepare during pregnancy
- Buy more washable diapers than you think you’ll need
- Have a small stash of disposable diapers
- Try different styles of cloth diapers
- Remember that you don’t need to be perfect
Early Preparation is Key
As with many things in new parenthood, knowing what to expect and planning your strategy is very important when preparing to use washable diapers. Research different types of reusable diapers, how to wash them, and their benefits and drawbacks. If you’re a pro before baby’s arrival, everything will be much smoother!
Buying Extra Washable Diapers
Don’t be afraid to stock up! Though the cost upfront may be more, buying several different shells and liners will last you much longer in between wash cycles. No one wants to be doing laundry in the middle of the night because they’re out of diapers!
Keep A Few Disposables Near
Speaking of laundry, sometimes it just doesn’t happen as efficiently as we would like. It’s a great idea to keep some disposable diapers around your home, car, and diaper bag. Babies are unpredictable, and not bringing enough cloth diapers could be quite detrimental to the success of an outing!
Experiment With Cloth Diaper Styles
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of types of washable diapers. Finding the right fit for your family may be a process, and that’s okay. Different shells are available with different ways to close and secure them, and many different liners are available, as well. Having a few different styles in your stash will help you quickly establish the best routine for your baby.
Remember: No One is Perfect
We wish we didn’t have to say this one but remember that no parent is perfect 100% of the time. Slip-ups are okay, and choosing to do something halfway is also more than acceptable. Remember that not every decision is final, and it’s okay to change your mind.
Some parents only do cloth diapering at home and use disposables when in public or for overnights. Some families start with cloth diapering and switch later on, or vice versa. Whichever way you choose to care for your baby is completely up to you. We’re not judging!
Our Favorite Reusable Diaper Products
Just like there are with breastfeeding, car seats, or any other baby product, there are a lot of reusable diaper products to sort through! Our top three products for washable diapers are:
All of the elements linked above combine to make the perfect washable diaper system. We recommend starting with several of each to make sure you have enough. Additionally, if there’s one piece of advice we have for starting cloth diapering, it’s that you always need more wet bags!
The other option for cloth diapering is an all-in-one diaper. We have a great collection of all-in-one options that simplify the reusable diaper process. You may need extra products for cloth diapering overnight, like a doubler, but for the most part, you will be good to go!
Cloth Diapering Overnight
Cloth diapering overnight can be difficult, but we have a few tricks up our sleeves! We recommend using a doubler or a thicker, more absorbent liner in addition to your regular liner for cloth diapering overnight, like this GroVia Stay Dry Booster. Combine this with your normal bedtime routine, get baby in their pajamas and sleep sack, and they will snooze like a dream!
Whether washable diapers become part of your routine at home or you use them full-time, we think there are significant benefits to trying them. If you’re having a hard time adjusting or it doesn’t feel right, that’s okay! Remember that no one knows what’s best for your baby quite like you do, and whatever decision you make is the right one.
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