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

Diaper covers have been around for ages. Even before the convenience of disposable diapers. The covers were a standard in every baby’s closet. When the convenience of disposable diapers appeared, cloth diaper use fell. Disposable diapers offered convenience, safety, and usability. In tough economic times however, the cost of disposable diapers is an added expense. Most people are revisiting using cloth diapers. Consumers can save up to 80 percent by switching from disposable diapers to cloth diapers. Not only do cloth diapers save money, but they are great for the environment. However, cloth diapers used to get a bad rap. The thought of fumbling with baby safety pins, unattractive plastic covers and the odors and leaks were the main reasons people steered away from using cloth diapers. However, the new diapering systems are not at all what they used to be.

What to Look For in Diaper Covers

Diaper covers should be breathable, soft, and waterproof. Leg bindings should be made of a material that prevents chaffing yet provide a snug fit. The latching mechanism should be able to allow easy changing and size adjusting. The material of the cover should be able to stand up and wash clean after any kind of staining including fecal stains. There are many designs, fabrics, and styles to choose from. Choose a diaper cover that suits the baby's taste.

Diaper Cover for Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are by far user friendlier than their old counterparts. Instead of clumsy pins, new cloth diapers use Velcro, and odors and leaks are controlled by diaper covers. Diaper covers are no longer plain and plastic. They come in different styles, colors, and material. The diapers covers can be pull up covers. These are easy to put on, simply pull the diaper cover over the cloth diaper. Another form the covers come in, are the diaper wraps. These are convenient to use. Lay the child on the wrap and close either the front or the sides.  Wool diaper covers are high absorbent, have antibacterial properties, and are breathable.

Diaper Covers for Disposable Diapers

Diaper covers and bloomers can be used to cover disposable diapers. The diaper covers can be used to transform an unsightly diaper into fashion statement. Disposable diapers tend to sag when used.  Diapers covers are designed to fit snuggly and hide the sag. These disposable diaper covers can also be pull-ups or wraps. The versatile covers can be used as panties or as shorts.

Diaper Covers For Trendy Babies

Not only do diaper covers have a practical purpose they are also fashionable and trendy. Diaper covers are now an accessory. Diaper covers can be made from fashionable prints, materials, and designs.  The can also been made from natural materials like wool which are extremely comfortable for the babies. Covers materials can range from denim to the more expensive soft organic merino wool. Some trendy diapers even have a couture feel with well-designed styles and ruffles. To even make the diaper covers more trendy consider purchasing embroidered and personalized covers. The personalized covers can become a treasured baby item that can memorialize a childhood.