My favorite parenting hack? Cloth diapering. We did it with our first and are continuing with our second, and it’s still the best decision we’ve made as parents. There are so many reasons – the cost savings, the reduced toxin exposure, the easier potty training, and on and on (I go into more detail in this post). I recommend it to any expecting parent I meet!
However, when we first made the decision, I was nervous. Would it be complicated and gross? How would we juggle that with learning to care for a newborn?
Turns out, it wasn’t difficult at all. In fact, it’s so easy that we barely think of it. Here’s how we do it!
Our Minimalist Cloth Diaper Routine
For the brands and quantities of cloth diapering materials, see my previous post.
Diaper Changes
As I mentioned in my previous post, we use unbleached cotton pre-folds, fastened with Snappis, and protected with covers. And while I made our wipes by sewing cotton flannel and washcloths together, you can also buy premade cloth wipes (or just use baby washcloths or other small pieces of fabric).
To clean your baby during the change, just keep a small spray bottle on hand with a few drops of castile soap mixed into water. Either spray it directly on your baby or spray it on the wipe.
Since we use pre-folds, the folding of the diaper is a breeze – no complicated diaper origami here! After the first few changes, you’ll be a pro. It takes just slightly longer than putting on a disposable diaper, simply because you have to put on a cover as well (but seriously, it takes basically no time). And it’s easy enough to do in the middle of the night when you’re bleary-eyed and have just the light of a dim nightlight.
If the diaper was only wet or your baby is exclusively breastfed
Toss the pre-fold and wipe(s) into the diaper pail (lined with a reusable cloth liner). If the diaper cover is soiled, you can toss that in the pail as well. If it’s not soiled, set it aside on the changing table to air out while you put an alternate on. Wash your hands and you’re done!
If the diaper contains poop and your baby is not exclusively breastfed
If your baby receives any formula or solid food, there is an extra step. Take the diaper, cover, and wipes to the bathroom (we have a small bucket by the changing table for this purpose) and deposit the solids into the toilet.
If the solids are rather firm and didn’t get squished into the diaper, they may roll off. Otherwise, dunk the soiled part of the diaper into the toilet and swish it around under the water until all of the solids are removed. Flushing a time or two can help!
Alternatively, you can get a diaper sprayer and shield. We have friends that use it and swear by it. However, I’m not bothered by getting my hands a little dirty on occasion. Judge your own comfort level and decide from there!
Take the rinsed diaper to the diaper pail and drop it in. Sprinkle a bit of baking soda over the diaper to prevent odors, then you’re good to go!
Cloth Diapering On-the-Go
The only major difference between cloth diapering while out and about vs. at home is that when you’re out, you’re putting the diapers in wet bags instead of the diaper pail. If baby is exclusively breastfed, just put everything in one wet bag. If baby is not exclusively breastfed, keep one wet bag for wet diapers and wipes and another for soiled diapers, covers, and wipes.
When you get home, rinse off the soiled diapers, covers, and wipes in the toilet then put those and the wet diapers (and the diaper bags) into the diaper pail. Sprinkle with baking soda, wash your hands, and carry on!
Laundering Cloth Diapers
When your diaper pail is full, it’s laundry time! We generally wash diapers every day or so. That’s frequent enough to keep smells at bay without being terribly inconvenient or too much extra work.
To wash, remove the pail liner and dump its contents into the washing machine, then throw the liner in as well. Run a rinse cycle first, then wash with hot water (we use the “heavy soil” setting), then run an extra rinse.
If you notice any odors, add a splash of vinegar or some baking soda when you run the wash cycle. For our detergent, we use Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Detergent (not the pods) and it has always done a great job.
After washing, it’s time to dry. Hang dry diaper covers, wet bags, and the pail liner. Toss the pre-folds and wipes into the dryer and dry on high heat. Use unscented wool dryer balls to reduce static.
Do not use laundry softeners, scent boosters, or dryer sheets with cloth diapers!
Dealing with Stains
If you are bothered by stains, hang the diapers in the sun to dry. The stains (even the really bad ones – looking at you, blueberries!) will disappear. If they’re particularly stubborn or it’s cloudy, you may have to sun them a second time. You could do this every wash cycle, every couple weeks, or when you’re packing the diapers away at the end of your diapering time. The sun works wonders!
What’s your cloth diaper routine? Share your best tips below!
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