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Cloth Diapers 101

 

Eco-Friendly

  • More than 4 million disposable diapers are discarded in Canada each day

  • Disposable diapers are estimated to take 250-500 years to discompose

  • Disposable diapers require more raw materials, water and energy to produce

 

Cost Effective

  • Example: One child uses diapers from newborn to approximately 2.5 years old. At 8 changes a day at 25 cents each,  that's over $1800 (now multiple by number of children) OR it would cost you around $300 to purchase enough cloth diapers for a year and you can use them for your next child.

  • Great resale value
     

Comfy and Healthy

  • Soft cloth against your baby's skin

  • More diaper changes = less chance of getting a rash

  • Free from chemicals like dioxins and sodium polyacrylate

 

Cloth is Cute!

  • No more saggy bum. Having a wide range of different trims makes getting a perfect fit easy

  • No more boring white? Wide range of colors to patterns 

 

 

Cloth Diaper Types:

 

All-in-One

All-in-One (AIO) are a one-piece diaper.  The waterproof outer and the absorbent inner are sewn together, making it a single unit. Most ideal design for convenience as there is no stuffing required, making it the easiest for daddy's and daycares. This diapers takes longer to dry and is the closest to disposable diapers.

 

All-in-Two

All-in-Two (AIT) or hybrid are a two piece diaper.  Which consists of an otter waterproof diaper cover and the inner is an absorbent soaker, which usually lays directly on top of the diaper cover. When the insert is wet, simply put on a new insert and the diaper cover can be used over again.  Fewer diaper covers are required when using this method.

 

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are a two piece system. The otter fabric of the diaper is waterproof and the inner fabric (part that touches the baby's skin) is typically made microfleece or microsuede. This material wicks moisture away from baby's skin. Add an insert into the pocket opening, and essentially it is one single unit. This diaper can be customized for more absorbent inserts for naps and night time.

 

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers are very absorbent, contoured diapers, made from natural fibers as cotton, hemp or bamboo.  Very breathable, but when they fabrics get wet, they feel wet. So line with a microfleece liner to wick away the wetness. These diapers aren't waterproof and require a diaper cover to be wore overtop.  

 

Prefold Diapers

Prefold diapers are the most traditional style of cloth diapers. They are rectangle pieces of cloth divided into thirds. The middle panel is the most absorbent, so that when the diaper is wrapped around baby the extra absorbency is in the middle where it is needed. They can be folded different ways and fastened with diaper pins of Snappi and require a diaper cover to be waterproof.

 

Diaper Cover

Diaper cover are meant to be used with diapers that don't have waterproof capabilities; such as fitted, or prefold diapers. Covers are usually made from synthetic polyurthane laminate (PUL).

 

One Size

One size diapers are designed to grow with your baby. Most diapers fit from 6-35 pounds.  Elastics or snaps are used to adjust the leg and diaper rise for a custom fit.

 

Two Size

Two size diapers come in two sizes. Small fits approximately 6-18 pounds and large fits approximately 15-35 pounds. Some people prefer this way as the diapers aren't as bulky on newborns.

 

Inserts

Inserts come in different fabric and sizes. The most common fabric is cotton, bamboo and hemp. Common sizes are flat (large squares that are folded) prefold (rectangle  that fold into thirds) and contour (several layers of fabric sewn together in an hour glass shape)

 

 

Definitions

 

Microfiber insert - thirsty layered inserts for everyday use, cannot go directly against skin  

Bamboo insert - ultimate in comfort and absorbency

Booster insert - will fit into almost any diaper, to use for extra absorbency without adding a lot of bulk

Cotton insert - maintains softness wash after wash

Hemp insert - very absorbent, durable and has antimicrobial properties

Cloth wipes - use just like disposable wipes. Keep them moist or spray when needed

Diaper pail liner or hanging wet bag - waterproof liner or bag that stores dirty diapers until wash day

Fleece liner - to wick away wetness from baby's skin and help prevent staining

Flushable liners - used to line the diaper to catch the mess. Easy cleanup

Snappis - used for securing prefold diapers.

Wet bags - waterproof zipper bag for outings to store your soiled diapers

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