As we all know, during the time of our parents, cloth diapering was not an easy task. You wash the cloth as well as the linens since the poop and urine has 95% of chance to leak. Not to mention the pins that might accidentally pinch your babies while you place the nappies or while they are wearing it.
You also have to learn on how to fold it so it will fit your baby properly and they can move comfortably.
Before, aside from purpose of saving money since disposable diapers are quite expensive,inaccessibility to it was also one of the reasons why they opted to use cloth diapers.
Disposable diapers are not all the time available in some local stores (especially in far flung places) so you have to go to the malls or big groceries in order for you to get your disposable nappies.
These days Disposable diapers are the most popular to use. Almost all of the babies use disposable diapers (even adults) for the reason that there are more varieties to choose from and some disposable diapers are very affordable nowadays.
The time I saw a friend of mine post a picture of her baby and noticed that the little one is wearing a modern cloth diaper.
Out of curiosity, i asked my friend how is she doing it since i know that she is a working mom. Because for what i know, cloth diapering then and now is a CHORE. Not to mention additional wash load. But as soon as we talked about the benefits of cloth diapers, i soon came to realize that aside from that fact that it is eco-friendly, i can say that you can save tons of money from this cloth diapering system.
Before switching to cloth diapers, i researched first the benefits that i can get from this cloth diapers and here are some things i can share to you which i can prove that it is true
1.Your baby will never have UTI when using cloth diapers
2.Your baby can prevent nasty nappy rash due to the bleach of the disposable nappies
3.Money Saver
* Sample Computation
As a Disposable Diaper User for almost 7 months, i spent an average of Php9.00 per diaper of my baby.
Does it affect my water bill?
No. Because i have a system in washing these. I wash them per batch together with the clothes that my baby used. In effect, i have one full load every other day or every two days.
I have an 8month old baby boy and i have been using disposable diapers for almost 7 months.Switching over to cloth diapers after using disposables has rough times at first since i had to deal with wet clothes and getting personal with poop. Yes, i still use disposables part-time while i am getting started because i still have to figure it all out what cloth diaper brand i choose, what inserts, when should i use the liners, what laundry detergent is safe for the cloth diapers, how to properly wash it etc. etc. etc.
Good thing with social media, cloth diaper forums and with the help of my friend, i found my way to my starter kit of cloth diapers.
I started my stash with ALVA cloth diapers. These are cheapest but trust worthy when it comes to its quality . ALVA cloth diapers comes in two version/model. I will not make a detailed review here but i will give you just a brief specifications of the The ALVA 3.0 and 4.0.
Photos Courtesy of Baby Nate's Online Shop
What's the difference? If you look closely at the snap colors, the snaps of the 4.0 is much more hip since it is very colorful.
This is good for dads and grandparents who change the nappies of the little ones. They have a color guide on where to snap the diaper closer according to the preferred size of the nappies. The design of the diaper closer also has difference. Alva 4.0 has a square shaped design while the Alva 3.0 has a round design.
The both have Gussets that prevent diaper leaks but Alva 4.0 has Double gussets while the 3.0 has single gusset.With regards to the prints, both have plain and printed designs you can choose from.
As we go back to my starter stash, the ALVA (3.0)for the reasons that i read it is the cheapest yet has a good quality. Since i am just starting, i opted to use this brand.
For those who are newbies like me who are wondering bout the terminologies for these cloth diapering system, let me give you a brief information.
TYPES OF CLOTH DIAPERS
An "All in One" diaper, or AIO
This consists of waterproof outer layer, an absorbent cloth which they call as soakers and an inner layer. This is similar to disposable diapers.It also comes in to versions.
One with all the pieces sewn together as one complete set or with pieces that partially detach with snaps (for faster drying). An All in One Diaper can be used once and then needs to be washed.
An "All in Two" diaper, or AI2
All in two nappies consists of an outer waterproof shell like a diaper cover and an insert that you put into the shell. It lies directly against your baby's tush. Some of the inserts can be attach with snaps or Velcro, and some, you can insert under flaps in the cover.
The insert is made of absorbent material. Some inserts are topped with a stay-dry fabric for your baby's comfort.
The good thing about this is that when your baby needs a diaper change, you can just remove the used insert and replace with a fresh one then keep the same shell. You just have to change the whole thing if the shell got soiled too.
Hybrid diaper
A hybrid is similar to an AI2 diaper, with two parts making up the whole. The only difference is that you have an option to use a cloth or disposable insert.Pocket diaper
In this photo, i used a bamboo charcoal insert.
A pocket diaper is the one that i bought for my baby. This consists of a waterproof outer layer and an inner layer of fabric that has a pocket opening where you place the insert.
An insert is stuffed into the pocket opening before wearing and then taken out for washing. Pocket diapers' absorbency will rely on the insert used.
The inner layer of fabric is made of stay-dry material to keep your baby comfortable. Pocket diapers have elastic around the legs and waist and fasten with snaps or tabs.Pocket diapers are also used once, then needs to be washed.
Types of Inserts (I will be making a review only of the inserts that i used for my baby)
An insert is also called a booster or doubler that helps a baby's diaper absorb moisture.Inserts can be made of any absorbent material, such as microfiber, bamboo, hemp, or cotton.
Microfiber
Hemp
Bamboo Charcoal
Please take note of the absorbency level of each inserts. You can mix and match it according to your baby's demand.
For heavy wetters, i would prefer a 1 Bamboo Trifold and 1 Bamboo charcoal for an all nighter nappy. I use the MF Inserts only during day time since it absorbs fast so you have to change it more often.
*No matter how absorbent your inserts are, keep in mind that you still have to change the nappies from 2 to 3 hours to prevent urine build up that will soon turn to ammonia that causes nasty nappy rash.
How to properly dry your cloth diapers?
Notes to Cloth Nappies User:
1.Avoid using heavy/thick creams for the bums because it blocks the absorbency of the cloth diapers.When cloth diapering, you don't really need to use rash creams unless your baby really needs it.In this case, you have to apply very thin layer only.
2.DO NOT BLEACH your cloth diapers
3.Do not use laundry detergent with BLEACH or Fabric softener
4.Wash Cloth Diapers and inserts separately
5.Do a monthly stripping to avoid stinky cloth diapers
Laundry detergent that i use for my cloth nappies
1.Messy Bessy Baby Laundry Detergent
2. Human Nature Tough Love
3.Smart Steps Laundry Detergent
How do i do the Stripping?
1. Soak diapers in water with laundry detergent (No Bleach or Fabric Softener) for an hour or two. WHat i usually do is i place this under direct sunlight
You may use baking soda or vinegar in water instead of laundry detergent.This is not advisable for those who uses hard water.
2.Rinse the cloth diapers thoroughly and line dry preferably in direct sunlight.
Can you use cloth diapers when traveling?
Yes. All you have to do is place the clean cloth nappies with ready inserts inside the CDs, store in a Zip Lock. As for the wet and soiled nappies, you should buy a wet bag especially if you love to travel with your little one. Wet bags can accommodate 3 to 4 nappies.
