Just a short note today:

We recently talked to a pediatrician who told us that she is seeing a lot more cloth diapers these days than she used to.   Most people are probably using cloth diapers now because they cannot afford throwaway diapers anymore, but it is still difficult to get decent diaper covers in any store that we have checked out.  Walmart has those horrible vinyl diaper covers that do more harm than good, for example…  So we looked online and found the Swaddlebees ABC Cloth Diaper Cover, for example, available in all sizes, that look much better. They are not AIO diapers, mind you, so in addition to these you would still need traditional or prefold diapers, but you can pick them up anywhere really or buy Indian Prefold Diapers – Unbleached or similar prefolds online.

If you are not using cloth diapers yet but want to be well prepared for the bad times ahead, get a decent amount of diapers (about 40 should do it) and probably 6-8 diaper covers, that should do it, and remember that you have to wash new diapers at least 4 times before they absorb moisture properly.

3 Responses to “Cloth diapers, again”
  1. Washing new diapers in hot water is really important. Firstly, it gets rid of any manufacturing chemicals, and secondly it primes the fibres in the fabric. Especially fabrics like hemp and bamboo that get more absorbant the more you wash!

    We use a combination of prefolds, and all in ones. With a total stash of about 20 diapers for 2 children. Plus covers.

    Thanks for a great post.

  2. Hi Kiera,

    Thanks for your comment.

    When you mentioned how many cloth diapers you have, I went to the basement to count how many I had just hung on the line…

    We use about 10 diapers per child and 3 diaper covers per child within 24 hours, and so, since we line-dry and don’t wash every day, my stash is a little higher :)

    We use AiOs at night, and traditional cloth diapers as well as prefolds during the day.

    Greetings,
    Rose

  3. Great blog!
    I just want to share that using wool for diaper covers is one of the most time honored and natural ways to cover cloth bums. Wool is naturally anti-bacterial, and breathable. Lanolizing wool covers now and then enhances their moisture resistance. Wool covers can be made easily by using 100% wool sweaters, or can be knitted or crocheted. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need more information about wear and care of wool!

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