The financial constraints that come with newborns is the reason why most moms decide to use reusable diapers that are made of fibers, synthetic materials or both. But finding the right type of cloth diaper isn’t easy. I remember trying different types before I could make purchases in bulk. But even after that, the next uphill task was about cleaning and how to make changes in public. To someone else, all these may seem to be simple tasks. However, that isn’t true because most babies, especially infants need over 10 diaper changes daily.
1. First Find the Right Type of Fold
If you are using cloth diapers for the first-time, it’s important to look for the right fold. Test various types of cloth diapers in order to determine which one suits your little one’s needs. The most popular types of cloth diapers include:
- Pocket: they normally have an outer layer that’s waterproof. Besides that, they are also designed with a “stay-dry” type of inner layer in addition to a pocket opening which you can use to insert a soaker.
- Pre-Fold: they have rectangular shapes. Lengthwise, pre-folds are normally divided in 3 sections. They may be enclosed with safety pins or by snapping. Note that the pre-fold cloth diaper is normally secured with a cover.
- Fitted Diapers: they have some similarities with the disposable diapers only that they are normally fastened with snaps and Velcro. Using fitted diapers require waterproof cover.
- All-in-One: they are fitted diapers with outer layers that are waterproofed.
2. Washing
Motherhood comes with many issues. Something as simple as washing a cloth diaper can be challenging because any mistake in washing e.g. using the wrong type of detergent can affect the baby. Personally, one of the things I was worried about is how to store a soiled diaper cloth before washing. Well, I later learned that if am going to do the actual washing process later, it’s good to just rinse it and then store it a dry diaper bin. But what goes on during the washing process?
Well, first I remove the inserts from the cloth diapers and then I place them in the washing machine and put it on the highest setting. The first time, I normally give the diapers a cold rinse. Thereafter I add the right detergent and put the machine in the regular hot-wash setting before giving them the last cold rinse.
3. Diaper Hygiene
When it comes to cloth diaper hygiene, there are various things which you can follow so as to make the whole experience positive and manageable. For first-time moms, this is a whole new experience that needs lots of patience. Some of the diaper hygiene tips that you should follow include:
- Changing it more often to avoid diaper rash.
- Engage the baby with things such as toys, sounds, certain movements etc. to divert their attention while you are making changes.
- Ensure that you have enough diaper cloth based on how frequently you do laundry.
- To prevent leaky smells, use a liner in your diaper bin to keep it fresh.
4. Portable Diaper Changing Pad
A portable pad makes it easier to change diapers in public. Going out with a newborn is usually nerve-wracking. This is because they usually poop a lot and you might need to change the cloth diaper sometimes more than once. One of the most annoying things about babies is that they just can’t stay still… especially when you want to change diapers. A portable diaper pad not only keeps my baby secure, but it also makes the whole changing process easy. If you are looking for one, choose a waterproof pad with a compact design because it’s easy to clean and can fit in small surfaces.
5. Get Diaper Covers
Diaper covers are important particularly if you are going out in public spaces. They make the process of changing diaper easier and faster because you don’t need to pin or snap the actual diapers. Overall, it speeds the changing process and they are normally available in a variety of prints as well as materials.
Cloth diapers are eco-friendly and quality alternatives to disposables. Additionally, they help to save finances because you can re-use them for a long period of time. Just like new baby clothes, don’t forget to wash new cloth diapers before using them.