March 31, 2012. Samuel Valero
The following article includes 5 questions I pulled from my Frequently Asked Questions List regarding cloth diapers and cloth diapering. The answers are based on my own experience, as well as the experiences I have compiled from other parents’ responses.
Of All The Diaper Types, Which is The Most Economical.
Prefolds are the least expensive type of diaper. Even if you want organic cloth diapers (recommended for higher quality diaper and less pesticide-related skin issues), you will spend less on organic prefolds than you would for organic fitted, pocket or all in one diapers. You can get prefolds for as low as $1 per diaper, and maybe as high as $4.50.
Finding the absolute cheapest prefolds may not be the most desirable option. DOn’t let money be the complete bottom line. However, you can find some that are less than $2 that are really decent. Osocozy prefolds are priced around there.
Now, keep in mind, if you plan on using prefolds with diaper covers, your costs will be a bit higher. If you choose to pin or fasten prefolds with a snappy, you will save much more. If you buy really nice covers, you will spend more. You can, of course, get cheaper diaper covers, for as low as $5 each. But I would suggest to get at least mid range quality covers. You can get these for anywhere from $10-$20.
How Can I Prevent Diaper Rash?
There are a couple things to consider. Rash can occur for two main reasons:
- Too much moisture from pee, causing irritation, friction and bacteria, which leads to rash.
- An allergic reaction from some product, like detergent, lotion, soap, shampoo, cream, etc.
I suggest making diaper changes as frequently as possible. Most cloth diapers are just not as absorbent as disposables. I recommend changing your baby’s diapers, at worst, every hour to and hour and a half, and at best, every time you know your baby has peed. Try EC (elimination communication), which I have found just about completely avoids all diaper rash.
For the allergic reaction scenario, stick to a decent cloth diaper detergent. this usually means a detergent with no additives, like softeners, enzymes, whiteners and other such chemical ingredients. However, also avoid certain eco-detergents that may have oils that result in build-up and repelling in some cloth diapers.
I actually suggest you look into elimination communication (EC). The more you actually keep your baby out of diapers, or change their diapers, the dryer they will be. This is so much better for their skin. We practice EC and we have had only mild diaper rash once or twice, which has gone away very quickly once we notice it.
What Kind Of Detergent Should I Use?
As I said above, you want to avoid detergents with softeners, whiteners, brighteners or any such additives. The chemicals found in so many commercial detergents can cause allergic reaction. Furthermore, they will deteriorate your diapers faster. Certainly, you should be striving for completely non-toxic.
Check out detergents like Charlie’s Soap. Rockin’ Green is another cloth diapering favorite.
What Nighttime Diaper System Do you Use?
System 1: One thing we tried was to simply use a waterproof cover with a prefold underneath. We used a Bummis waterproof cover with a prefold, a doubler and a liner.
You can always add a doubler, which is a secondary absorbent layer. A liner is usually made of fleece, and it reduces wetness for baby by wicking the pee away from their skin, and into the absorbent layer. Doublers and liners are great for nighttime.
System 2: You can also try pocket diapers. Just use them as directed. The good fit of these diapers helps to avoid leaks. You can also try adding a doubler in pocket diapers.
System 3: When all else is failing, simply try a couple nights with a disposable.
How Much Money Will I Save Using Cloth Diapers Instead Of Disposables?
Of course, what yousave depends on what diapering system you use. A prefold system will save you more than using all in ones. That said, in general you will save anywhere from $400-$2000 a year! This is because disposables users spend anywhere from $1500-$2500 per year. Buy all of your cloth diapers for the year for $500, and you may be saving $2000 that year.
Updated March 31, 2012. Published May 29, 2011. Samuel Valero
