Tips for Moving to Cloth Diapers

Author: Kara Piper

To use cloth diapers full-time, you'll need approximately 12-18 diapers a day, with either a built-in waterproof layer or separate covers. Separate covers do not need to be changed unless soiled, so you can get by on about 3 per day. For newborn covers, you may want to have a few extra.

Buy a few Cloth Diapers first

If you're looking to cloth diaper a newborn full-time from Day 1, the best advice is to begin purchasing in advance so that you'll have everything ready. Keep in mind that you don't have to go all or nothing. Start with a small variety before you purchase a larger amount of the ones you like best. Try cloth diapers at home during the day, and expand your usage to nights and outings over time as you gain confidence in your diapers.

If you want to start out using cloth diapers full-time but don't have the funds to buy 2-3 days worth of your favorite style, consider temporarily bulking up your stash with cheaper alternatives and/or washing every day. Remember, every time you use a cloth diaper, you are saving money, saving environmental resources, lessening your child's total chemical exposure, etc.

Helpful Accessories for Cloth Diapers (and ways to get by without if necessary)

--dry pail
Just an empty container to hold used diapers. A lid is optional, if kept out of reach.

--pail liner
Made of the same material as diaper covers, these keep your pail clean and can be washed with the diapers.

--wet bags
Just like a pail liner, but small enough to travel with your wet diapers safely zipped inside. Usually has a decorative outer layer.

--diaper sprayer
This mini-shower hooks to your toilet's water supply line and removes poop from diapers quickly and thoroughly.

--snappi
This little invention holds a diaper in place with little plastic teeth instead of pins. Works great for getting a snug fit with a prefold.

All of the inventions above are well worth it in terms of convenience. However, you can get by using plastic grocery bags to hold your used diapers, using other methods to remove poop (see above), and using a wrap cover to hold your unpinned prefolds in place.

About the Author:

Kara Piper is an attached mother of four children, doula and La Leche League Leader who is passionate about cloth diapering and babywearing. She's also the owner of Mom & Baby Naturally, an online boutique. For more expert advice visit her website at http://www.momandbabynaturally.com/articles.php

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Get Started with Cloth Diapers

When it comes to diapers you just have to rely on the trial and error process before you finally settle for one that will provide your baby with the quality  and comfort he or she deserves.  However, when it comes to a diaper cover it's really a matter of style and comfort considering that the prices are really very competitive.

You might fall in love right away with a certain diaper cover design only to find out that it doesn't really fit you or your baby's requirements.  You may find it leaks or rubs your baby's legs giving a rash.  Usually the right choice of diaper and cover will make a difference in getting peace and quiet all day long. It is not enough that you snuggle your baby with a diaper especially when you want your little angel to look picture perfect all the time. Looking great is however just a bonus because your choice of diaper cover can spell the difference in your baby's comfort.

If you're a new Mom then suffiice it to say that a baby diaper cover is just like it sounds.  It's a cover you use over your baby's diaper to keep the moisture in and to some style or not have your baby looking like he or she is running around in their underware. If you are buying a bare diaper which means it does not have a built-in cover then you need to choose from the various styles of diaper covers most of which are water proof.

You will need one diaper cover for up to five diaper changes provided you are using quality and waterproof cover which can be made of wool or plastic which is synthetic. Most moms opt for a wool cover which is outfitted with a Velcro and is elastic on both the legs and waist. This type of cover is the best there is when it comes to holding the baby's mess but you have to contend with slow diaper changing. Wool diaper cover requires separate washing but you only have to launder the cover every two to three weeks unless they are soiled.

The choice of a baby diaper cover may seem trivial but you will realize the importance of making the right choice once you start having sleepless days and nights worrying about your baby's constant fidgeting or crying.  It's wise to spend some time choosing your diaper cover as the right choice will save you time in the end.

There are some really great new companies that have come out with some new diaper covers that are extremely functional and yet still keeps your baby's comfort in mind. Companies like Kushies, Fuzzi Bunz, Bumkins and more are all available here at CuteBottom.com.

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