Simply washing your diapering items on hot with a good detergent will routinely help to wash away bacteria. If you are able to put your laundry in the sun to dry, that will also help to kill most germs.

However, if your baby has an infection in the diaper area, your diapering items (diapers, covers, wipes, inserts, and liners) will need to be disinfected each time you use them until about a week after the symptoms disappear. Below are some remedies that may help. Please keep in mind that we are not scientists or doctors, and cannot diagnose or offer treatment for any medical condition. This is simply information that has been researched and compiled from various sources. Also, please be sure to check with manufacturer’s washing instructions and warranty information before starting any disinfecting routine.

Remedy chart for disinfecting cloth diapers

*GSE is said to be 10 to 100 times more effective than chlorine bleach, tea tree oil, colloidal silver, and iodine.

The most common disinfectant used in laundry is Chlorine Bleach, which kills 99.9% of germs. We have not included Chlorine Bleach on our chart, as it is toxic to the environment.

Sources include:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/washing-machines-loaded-bacteria-dirty-clothes/story?id=10751420#.T5BG3Nn4yeI

http://answers.flu.gov/questions/6062

http://econutssoap.com/how-to-disinfect-laundry/

http://jac.oxfordjournals.org/content/45/5/639.full

http://moldremovalfacts.com/tag/kill-mold-with-hydrogen-peroxide/

http://preparedness.families.com/blog/germ-laundering#

http://presscore.ca/nbg/index.php?entry=entry100824-114627

http://thehousingforum.com/how-to-disinfect-laundry/

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/three-ways-to-kill-mold-naturally.html?page=2

http://www.ehow.com/facts_7466895_kill-yeast-laundry.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_12132108_kill-mrsa-bacteria-bedding.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4969090_kill-bacteria-grapefruit-seed-concentrate.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5638063_sanitize-laundry.html

http://www.ehow.com/info_7956702_natural-oil-kill-black-mold.html

http://www.ehow.com/way_5587959_homemade-mold-cleaner-concrete.html

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-disinfect-laundry-without-bleach/

http://www.landofvos.com/articles/kitchen7.html

http://www.nutriteam.com/gsewhat.html

http://arizona.openrepository.com/arizona/bitstream/10150/194201/1/azu_etd_10340_sip1_m.pdf

As always, let me know if you have any questions!

~Sonya

~Written by Sonya Choron 5/17/13

Thirsties Duo AIO is an All-In-One diaper. This means that the waterproof layer and absorbency are sewn together. There is a tunnel inside the diaper, in which you may add a Hemp Insert if additional absorbency is needed.

I have made two charts. One for size 1 and one for size 2. You will not buy both at the same time. The warranty for your diapers starts from the day of purchase, so only purchase the diapers that your baby can wear now.

Size 1:

Product		System	Sizing	Price Each	Qty needed	Cost
Duo AIO Starter Package 6-18 lbs
Duo AIO		All in One diaper	1	$15.75	20	$315.00
Hemp Insert		Insert	Small	$9.00	5	$45.00
Booty Love		Diaper Ointment	2 oz	$14.95	1	$14.95
Booty Luster		Wipes Spray	4 oz8 oz	$6.25$11.00	11	$17.25
Fab Wipes		Cloth Wipes	8×8	$12.25	5	$61.25
Diaper Pail Liner		Diaper Pail Liner	One size	$20.00	2	$40.00
Diaper Duffle		Diaper Bag Duffle	One size	$7.25	1	$7.25
					Total	$500.70

Size 2:

Product		System	Sizing	Price Each	Qty needed	Cost
Duo AIO Starter Package 18-40 lbs
Duo AIO		All in One diaper	2	$15.75	14	$220.50
Hemp Insert		Insert	Large	$9.00	7	$63.00
Booty Love		Diaper Ointment	2 oz	$14.95	1	$14.95
Booty Luster		Wipes Spray	4 oz8 oz	$6.25$11.00	11	$17.25
Fab Wipes		Cloth Wipes	8×8	$12.25	5	$61.25
Diaper Pail Liner		Diaper Pail Liner	One size	$20.00	2	$40.00
Diaper Duffle		Diaper Bag Duffle	One size	$7.25	1	$7.25
					Total	$424.20

Please choose from the two charts depending on what size your baby is. Weight and age recommendations are general, so please take a look at our sizing chart for your baby’s measurements.

Please send me an email at support@thirstiesbaby.com if you have any questions!

(*This post originally posted in July 2012.)

~Sonya

Prefolds are one of my favorite diapers to recommend. They are made of natural fibers, easy to clean, durable, and simple to use. If they are made of the proper fabric and thickness, they are also very absorbent. All prefolds are not made alike. The design and fabric can vary from one manufacturer to the next.

Prefold definition: Rectangular diapers that have more layers in the middle and fewer layers on the sides..

You may see the prefolds labeled as 4x8x4 or 4x6x4. That pertains to the layers of fabric in the diaper.

4x8x4 = 4 on both sides, and 8 in the middle

4x6x4 = 4 on both sides, and 6 in the middle

Uses

Prefolds can be folded and laid into a trim cover, or folded and fastened on baby. Prefolds need a waterproof cover over the top.

Other uses:

·        Trifold and use as an insert

·        Grab for a burp cloth or a changing table mishap.

·        Use for cleaning cloths once they have fulfilled their purpose for diapers

Cost:

Cost can vary from $1.00 – $8.00 per prefold.

How many do you need?

Diapers:

Newborn: 20-24 diapers (plus 7-8 covers)
6-12 months: 14-18 diapers (plus 4-5 covers)
12-24 months: 12-16 diapers (plus 3-4 covers)
Potty Learning: 4-8 diapers (plus 2 covers)

*A single Thirsties Duo Wrap or Thirsties Diaper Cover can be wiped clean and reused several times before requiring a full washing.

Sizing:

Prefolds come in sized versions, or duo-sized versions. Sized versions come in sizes from newborn to XL. Duo-sized versions such as the Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold come in size 1 and 2.

Different types of prefolds:

Sometimes a prefold is marked as a certain type of prefold. Those labels can mean where the prefold is made, or what the prefold is made out of, regardless of brand.

Indian Prefold

 Typically made from 100% cotton gauze. Thinner fabric and thread is used, so may be less durable than a heavier duty prefold such as a Chinese Prefold, but softer and more absorbent than a Chinese Prefold. Wash 3x before use.

CPF/Chinese Prefold

Made in China and exported. Typically made from 100% cotton twill. Comes in multiple absorbencies and sizes. Pilling may be an issue and they are not as soft as Indian Prefolds, but fabric and stitching is very durable. Wash 3x before use.

UBCPF/Unbleached Chinese Prefold

Made in China and exported. Made from 100% unbleached cotton twill. Comes in multiple absorbencies and sizes. Pilling may be an issue and they are not as soft as Indian Prefolds, but fabric and stitching is very durable. The unbleached diapers have not gone through a whitening process, and are hence softer. They come with many of the original cotton oils still in the fabric and may require extensive washing to make them absorbent. Wash 7x before use.

DSQ/Diaper Service Quality

These prefolds are considered to be the best quality, but any diaper can be called a DSQ as there is no minimum absorbency or thickness requirement to get that classification.

Stay-Dry Prefold

Cotton prefold made traditionally with more layers in the middle and less on the sides, but back side of prefold has a fleece layer.

What is the difference in the materials?

Prefold diapers can be bleached or unbleached. Unbleached fabrics will be softer and more durable than bleached.

100% cotton twill – very durable and absorbent

100% woven cotton (Birdseye; Terry/Flannel, Gauze)- durable and absorbent

Bamboo/cotton – very soft and absorbent, resistant to mold and mildew

Bamboo terry – very soft, resistant to mold and mildew

Bamboo velour – very soft, resistant to mold and mildew (not for use with a Snappi Fastener)

Hemp/cotton fleece – more durable and absorbent than cotton alone, resistant to mold and mildew

Hemp/cotton jersey – more durable and absorbent than cotton alone, resistant to mold and mildew (not for use with a Snappi Fastener)

Hemp/cotton muslin – more durable and absorbent than cotton alone, resistant to mold and mildew

Cotton/polyester (inner layers are polyester or a blend) – more durable than cotton alone, but less absorbent

Cotton/rayon (inner layers are rayon or a blend) – more durability than cotton alone, but less absorbent

Washing

Prep:

All prefolds will need to be washed AT LEAST 3 times to rid them of the natural oils and waxes present in the fibers. As a guideline, wash bleached prefolds at least 3 times, and unbleached prefolds 7 times before using. Maximum absorbency should be reached after 8 washes. Prefolds will generally shrink 5-10% after washing.

Care:

Prefolds are a durable diapering option, and natural fibers are easier to clean than man-made fibers. Please follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions.

Folding

Trifold Method

Trifolding means folding the diaper into thirds. This can also be called a Newspaper Fold. You do not need to fasten the diaper on baby when using this method as the diaper is laid into the waterproof cover. When Trifolding, the cover you choose to use over the top needs to be trim and snug like our Duo Wrap.

Here is a diagram of the trifold method in the Thirsties Duo Wrap:

The prefold MUST be up against the baby’s skin. If the cover sags, the diaper will sag, and leaks could be an issue. Trifolding may be done with any kind of prefold.

Fold & Fasten Method

If you are using a generously sized cover such as our Diaper Cover, then you will want to fold and fasten the prefold on baby. A sized cover may not be trim enough to hold a trifold prefold in place. Keeping the diaper up against baby’s skin is very important!

You may also prefer to fasten the diaper if there are leak issues. There are many different ways to fold a prefold or flat diaper. The type of fold you use can depend on where you need the most absorbency, as well as how large the diaper is that you are folding.

Folding Techniques

Angel Wing Fold: http://iownappies.co.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Terry%20Folds.pdf

Kite Fold: http://iownappies.co.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Terry%20Folds.pdf

Origami Fold: http://iownappies.co.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Terry%20Folds.pdf

Safari Fold http://www.diaperjungle.com/folding-diapers.html

Terry Square Fold: http://iownappies.co.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Terry%20Folds.pdf

Triangle Fold: http://iownappies.co.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Terry%20Folds.pdf

Fastening

If you choose to fold and fasten the prefold, here are your options:

•  Snappi

“A Snappi cloth diaper fastener is a small, stretchy device used to secure a prefold, flat, or contoured cloth diaper. The Snappi’s three “claws” grab the top layer of the fabric to hold it in place.” http://www.ehow.com/how_2089585_use-snappi-cloth-diaper-fastener.html

• Diaper Pins

Yes, the old fashioned diaper pins are still around! You will need two pins, one for the right side and one for the left side.

How to pin a woven prefold:

http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/videos/DiaperPinning.wmv

• Boingo fasteners

You will need two fasteners, one for the right side and one for the left side. “Just hook on one side of the diaper, pull, grip and you’re done. Boingo fasteners grip on the sides of the diaper which prevents uncomfortable compression on baby’s tummy and delicate areas”

http://boingobaby.com/faqs.htm

So why prefolds?

Affordability: Prefolds used with covers is one of the most economical systems that are available.

Durability: Prefolds should last for multiple kids. There are no components to wear out, and cotton and hemp are very durable fabrics.

Ease of laundering: Prefolds are made from natural fibers, which make them easier to clean.

Sustainability: Since prefold diapers last a long time, you will probably not have to replace the diapers with multiple children. They are typically made from natural fibers and take less processing than a man-made fiber.

Organic options: There are organic prefolds, which tend to be more expensive, but keep many toxic chemicals out of the growing and manufacturing process.

References:

http://www.diaperpincorner.com/2003/06/prefolds-101-understanding-the-differences/

As always, let me know if you have any questions! support@thirstiesbaby.com

~Sonya

Picture courtesy: http://sarawharding.hubpages.com/hub/The-No-Sew-T-shirt-Diaper#

I was inspired after reading an article about how to cloth diaper for little to no cost. This article spoke about how diapering products can be made from items that are already within the household. If they are not, they may be available free from community pantries or at low cost from thrift stores. Although I can sew, and used to be quite crafty, some of these ideas had never crossed my mind. Using a tee-shirt for a diaper? What a great way to re-purpose a readily available item. We realize that not everyone can purchase ready-made diapers, and for many, this can be valuable information for providing diapers and covers for their baby. This can also be a useful resource if you already have diapers, but run out and are in a pinch. (I know this has happened to some of you!)

Homemade diapers can be made from new/used fabrics, or upcycled household items such as:

• Tee-shirts and other clothing (natural fibers)
• Flannel or cotton receiving blankets and burp cloths
• Linens such as flannel or cotton sheets
• Hand towels, kitchen towels, bath towels, washcloths

Important: Diapers and inserts must be made from absorbent materials. Fabrics made from natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, and bamboo work the best. Generally, you want to stay away from loosely woven fabrics.

No-Sew Method:

• Tee-shirts:  http://sarawharding.hubpages.com/hub/The-No-Sew-T-shirt-Diaper#

No sewing, no cutting. Simply fold, and use a diaper pin or snappi to secure it.

• Receiving blankets:

Cotton flannel receiving blankets can be folded into a diaper and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi.

Folding methods: http://iownappies.co.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Terry%20Folds.pdf

• Household items: Cut into a diaper or insert shape suitable for diapering. You may need to sew or serge the edges if the material will fray after washing.

For an estimate of how large to cut a flat diaper:

Small: 27 long x 27 wide

Large: 30 long x 30 wide

Folding methods: http://iownappies.co.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Terry%20Folds.pdf

Sew Method: 

• All kinds of diapers: http://www.diapersewing.com/
• Upcycle Clothing : http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html

Homemade diaper covers can be made from new/used fabrics, or upcycled household items such as:

• Wool or fleece clothing
• Fleece receiving blankets
• Fleece baby pants

Important: Covers must be made from materials that do not readily absorb liquid. Wool and polyester fleece are two materials that will work for covers.

No-Sew Method:

• Fleece receiving blankets

Triangle fold: http://iownappies.co.uk/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Terry%20Folds.pdf

• Fleece baby pants

Simply use ready made fleece pants for a diaper cover in a pinch.

Sew Method:

• Upcycle from old wool sweaters: http://sewingdork.blogspot.com/2009/11/how-to-make-wool-diaper-cover-from-wool.html

http://sewingdork.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-make-wool-soaker-pants.html

• Upcycle Clothing : http://fernandfaerie.com/frugaldiapering.html
• Upcycle from fleece blankets:

http://katrinassqs.blogspot.com/2007/10/free-soaker-pattern.html

http://www.diapersewing.com/fleece_with_snaps.htm

For free diaper/cover patterns, and tutorials on how to sew diapering items, please check out this article from Mothering: http://www.mothering.com/community/t/717638/diaper-making-tutorials-and-free-patterns
I hope this information will be useful. If you have any questions, please let me know!

~Sonya

Cloth diapers are certainly in a different category that most other laundry. They have soil and germs that must be cleaned and rinsed away, stains that need to be lifted, and layers of fabric to clean through. An adequate amount of detergent and water must be used to achieve clean diapers. But what about hot/warm water vs cold?

My answer would be yes, but not as well. According to my findings, warm rinses and hot washes win in the diaper arena. Thirsties previously recommended a cold pre-wash, hot wash, and two cold rinses. We have adapted our care instructions to a warm prewash, hot wash, and two warm rinses. We believe that this routine will clean and rinse your diapers most effectively. Our washing instructions conform to the RDA recommendations – a trusted source by consumers and businesses alike. Take a look at why it is recommended to use warmer water temperatures for washing cloth diapers:

• Warm Pre-wash – soil is more easily removed at the temperature it is put in at (body temperature is warm)
• Hot Wash – many detergents are activated and/or work better at hot temperatures, powder detergents are dissolved at hotter temperatures, yeast is killed at temps over 122 Fahrenheit
• Two Warm Rinses – residues are released more effectively, more water will release from the fabric shortening drying time

Now keep in mind, this is not to say that you cannot achieve clean diapers with cold water. If you do want or need to use cold water for your laundry, then it is recommended to add additional liquid detergent, more water, and/or additional wash time. The RDA has a great article titled Laundry Science that is very helpful in understanding the factors in washing, and how to adjust the wash routine if needed.

What is the routine that works best for you?

~Sonya

Before I get to the list, I would like to address why it is so important to use a cloth diaper safe detergent.

 Why do we say to use a cloth diaper safe detergent?

It is not simply to sell our own. From experience, we can see what some ingredients can do to cloth diapers, and what problems it creates for the users. Cloth diapers have unique washing needs compared to our clothing. They become heavily soiled yet need gentle care to keep them in good condition. The diapers need to stay absorbent, the elastic needs to stay stretchy, the Aplix needs to stay sticky, and the waterproofing needs to stay waterproof. Let’s take a look at standard detergents and why we don’t recommend using them:

• Mainstream detergents can cause leaking, odors, diaper rash, and may also damage your diapering products.
• Standard detergents can leave a residue on your diapers that will affect the absorbency. Result: Leaking, odors and/or diaper rash
• Many contain oxygen bleach, Borax, or other harsh ingredients.  Although these ingredients do clean well, they can have ill effects on diapering items. When used on a regular basis, oxygen bleach can deteriorate certain components such as fleece, fold over elastic, PUL, or hook and loop fasteners. Borax can damage Aplix (hook and loop) fasteners.
• Many contain chemical fragrance and dyes. Result: Possible irritation to baby’s skin
• Brighteners are residues left intentionally on the fabric. These make the fabric appear to be brighter, but it is not actually cleaner. Result: Possible irritation to baby’s skin; possible leaking, odors, and diaper rash
• Please keep in mind, just because a detergent says it is cloth diaper safe, it does not mean it is approved by Thirsties to use on our products. 
• Pure soaps can cause repelling, leaking, and diaper odor. We do not recommend the use of Fels Naptha, Castille soap, or other pure soaps on your absorbent diapers.
• Fabric softeners in detergent or added to the washer or dryer will coat the fibers of the diapers causing them to repel rather than absorb (causing leaks).
• Important! These ingredients or additives can void your warranty: Chlorine bleach; Oxygen bleach; pure soap; washing soda as an additive; and Borax. Also, sanitize cycles in HE washing machines for anything with components.

Below is a list of detergents recommended for use on Thirsties products. They have good reviews for cleaning, and the ingredients have been screened for harsh additives. If you see a * after the detergent name, it is HE safe.

Allens Naturally Liquid*

Country Save Liquid

Ecover Laundry Liquid

Ecover Powder*

Mountain Green Free and Clear Baby*

Mountain Green Ultra Baby*

Nature Clean Laundry Liquid

Nature Clean Powder*

Planet Delicate Laundry Wash*

Planet 2X Ultra Laundry Detergent HE*

Planet Ultra Powdered Laundry Detergent

Vaska*

For hard water, you may also use Calgon Water Softener as needed, along with your detergent.

For Thirsties recommendations on how to wash your diapers, please visit:  http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/customer-center/cloth-diaper-care/

Our care and use instructions are in line with the RDA washing guidelines: http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/wash/

To find out how a specific detergent rates, please visit:

http://pinstripesandpolkadots.com/detergentchoices.htm

http://www.diaperjungle.com/detergent-chart.html

Helpful tips:

-It is important not to use additives along with your detergent unless otherwise suggested by Thirsties. Detergents are PH balanced, and if you add something you can throw off the PH balance of the wash water. This can cause issues with rash or odor.

-Use the specified amount of detergent for your machine type. Hard water may need a bit more, but be careful not to add too much.

-Remember to always add an extra rinse after the wash cycle.

-Use an adequate water level. Diapering items should be soaked and covered with water in the washer to ensure proper cleanliness.

We know that cloth diapering is an investment. Following the manufacturer’s care and use instructions and using a recommended detergent will help avoid potential problems and additional cost. We recommend printing the care and use instructions and keeping them by the washer for reference. We are with you on this journey! Feel free to send any questions to support@thirstiesbaby.com!

~Sonya

cloth diapers (thanks, Alison!) (Photo credit: ethan.john)

You will want to make sure that your diapers are fitting well to ensure baby’s comfort and to avoid leaking. Below are some tips to help ensure a good fit.

Don’t try to size up to soon, or extend the diaper’s use beyond its capability. Using a diaper that is to big will cause sagging and gapping. Using a diaper that is to small will not offer enough absorbency, and will most likely be too tight.

Try before you buy. One kind of diaper will not work for all babies, as all body types are different. Also, a baby may fit differently in say a pocket diaper compared to an AIO diaper. You can use a trial program for trying different types of diapers. Also, whether the diapers are sized, one sized, or duo sized makes a difference in the fit.

Snug as a bug in a rug.  Make sure your diapers are snug on baby, but not tight. There should be no gaps between the waist or leg openings and baby’s skin, and the absorbency should be up against the skin. Gently stretch  the leg openings as you are putting the diaper or cover on baby, and stretch the wings up and over to give the diaper a secure and gap-free fit. Make sure the elastic is lying flat, and not folded in. If your diapers have snap closures, utilize both snaps on each side. Generally, hook and loop fasteners should be fastened straight across, not angled.

* Your baby should not have deep red indentations left from the diaper – that means it is too tight. Slight indentations and light red marks around pressure areas are normal.

Avoid diaper sag. Make sure that the diaper is pulled up and not sagging. Where the top of the diaper falls on baby depends on the length of the torso. With experience, you will know exactly where the diaper should fall on baby, but it should be near the waist.

Regularly check the elastic for wear. If a diaper or cover has stretched out elastic at the legs or waist, then it is likely that you will have leaking issues.

I hope these tips are of use to you. If you have any questions, please send them to me at support@thirstiesbaby.com.

~Sonya

Newborn Baby Portraits (Photo credit: kristaguenin)

You may ask why cloth diapering a newborn is different than diapering an older baby. It is different for a number of reasons. Newborns have thinner thighs, affecting the fit. Newborns have runnier stools, which can be a leak issue. New babies have umbilical cord stumps which can get in the way of the diaper. Newborn babies also eliminate very often. If your newborn baby is your first, then you will also be in the process of learning how to diaper.

We are happy to try to help with tips and information that will help your venture into cloth diapering successful from the start!

Fit tips:

You will want to choose a diaper that fits a newborn well, otherwise you will have leaking. You can expect a newborn to weigh between 6-10 lbs. The diaper will need to fall below the belly button until the belly button heals. You may want to choose a diaper with an umbilical cord cutout, or you will have to fold the diaper and/or cover down to fit which will create extra bulk. Newborns typically have skinny thighs, and it is important that the diapers be snug at the leg openings as well as the waist.

Note: Generally, one size diapers do not fit newborns!

What if your baby is premature?

If your baby is a preemie, then you will need to purchase preemie diapers. Fitted diapers or fastened prefolds will be your best leak-proof options, especially when dealing with liquid breast fed stools. Many people choose to use disposables until the baby fits into newborn diapers, but there are cloth options.

How many diapers?

You will need about 12 diapers a day for a newborn, sometimes more. We recommend that you wash every other day, meaning you will need 24 + diapers in rotation. If you choose to use a two piece system such as prefolds/covers or fitteds/covers, you will also need about 8 covers. If you plan on fastening prefolds, you will need to buy a few fasteners such as a Snappi.

How do I know what kind of diaper to choose?

We suggest a trial program to find out what type of diaper will work for you before buying a whole stash. You can also try prefolds and covers if you sign up for a diaper service. You can find a list of Thirsties retailers that offer our diapers in a trial here.

Note: Please keep in mind, you will have leaking once in a while no matter what diaper you are using!

Nighttime diapering

You will want to make sure that the diaper you use at nighttime is absorbent enough to last 3+ hours between feedings. What you use in the daytime for 1/5 hours or 2 hours may not last for extended periods at nighttime. You do not want to intentionally wake the baby up to change the diapers, unless they are soiled. Newborns do not go a lot at once, but go very often. Fitted diapers and prefold diapers are good nighttime options.

Practice!

You can practice on a doll or teddy bear before the baby is actually born. That way, you will not be so nervous when your new bundle arrives! If using a two piece system, you will want to make sure that the diaper is tucked into the cover to avoid wicking (liquid leaking onto the cover). You will want to make sure that there are no gaps around the waist or legs. You can see a great article on how to change diapers here.

Diaper Changes

Give yourself some extra time at diaper changes, and keep extra diapers, wipes, and wipe spray within reach. Always have a towel/diaper handy at the changing station to “block” any explosions or sudden leaks – newborn babies are notorious for going again after you have wiped them! Newborns also produce a lot of gas, and this makes their bowel movements more explosive. It is a wise idea to lay a prefold diaper or towel over the diaper area while changing.

How do I wash the diapers?

We recommend washing your cloth diapers every 2 days. You will avoid a lot of headaches if you follow the manufacturers’ washing instructions to wash the diapers. You can print out a copy from the website to keep by your washer until you get the hang of it. Use a cloth diaper safe detergent. If you have a High Efficiency machine, be sure to use the HE instructions. If you want to cloth diaper but do not want to wash the diapers, you can enlist the help of a diaper service.

What do you do with the poo?

Newborns have liquid stools until they start eating solids. Babies who are exclusively breast fed have stools that are water soluble, and thus it is not necessary to rinse the soil off before washing. If that makes you cringe, then there are diaper sprayers that you can hook onto the toilet’s water supply. If using a diaper sprayer, you simply take the soiled diaper, hold over the toilet, and spray the soil into the toilet. You then put the diaper in the diaper pail until wash day.

Babies who are formula fed do not have stools that are water soluble. You will need to scrape or rinse off the soil from the diaper. To scrape, some use a spatula and dispose in the toilet. Or, you can use a diaper sprayer as outlined above.

Many parents stay away from cloth diapering because of “The Ick Factor”. The truth is, having a baby has its icky moments whether you cloth diaper or not! Icky, sticky, dirty, gross, funny, precious, innocent, heart-warming… it all comes in one package. Cloth diapering is one way to care for your baby in the most natural way possible.

Enjoy that little bundle of joy – this stage does not last long!

Please send any questions you may have to support@thirstiesbaby.com.

~Sonya

I remember when my son was a newborn, and I invested in a stash of organic one-size hemp/cotton fitted diapers. I was so excited that I would have a stash of organic, absorbent, and premium diapers. After I washed them up and tried them on my baby, I realized that they were way too big and bulky. They were also not very soft, which was a big issue with me. I wanted nothing but softness and comfort for my baby. (I am sure that resonates with all of you!) Being that I could not return them, I had to use them, knowing that they were making my baby uncomfortable. They were very absorbent, which is important, but they also made him very hot. They also only fit him for a short period.

The moral of the story is; you don’t need the fancy diapers to cloth diaper. It is an investment, and the basic and affordable diapers may work just as well or better as the premium options. Enter the Prefold diaper.

Prefolds are a very versatile and affordable cloth diapering option. They are very durable, and have uses beyond cloth diapering. They are made from natural fibers which are easier to clean. This has become one of my most recommended cloth diapering options!

Now for some of you, this may bring visions of the old fashioned flat diapers, pins, and vinyl pants. But cloth diapers have a new twist, even when using prefolds and covers. There is no longer a need for diaper pins with many of the new cover designs – simply trifold the prefold and lay into the cover. Please see the illustration below.

You will want to make sure to use a trim cover such as our Duo Wrap to keep the prefold in place and up against baby’s skin. The price of the Duo Wrap/Duo Hemp Prefold combo is about $384 per child from birth to potty training. This pricing is based on a stash of 20 diapers and 7 covers in size 1, and 12 diapers and 3 covers in size 2. You will need at least this amount if you wash every other day. Prefolds should last you through more than one child, compounding the savings.

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Prefolds/Wraps: $384

Total water/energy/detergent and washer/dryer upkeep per child for 2.5 years: $502

Cheapest Disposables: $2000 +

Cloth diaper savings: $1114 +

Now, if the environmental and health benefits do not convert most parents, then it is usually the cost savings that will!

We are here to answer any questions that you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Email: support@thirstiesbaby.com

Chat link and phone number: http://www.thirstiesbaby.com/

~Sonya

Clothes Line (Photo credit: Mathew Knott)

There is no way around the fact that commercial washers and dryers have made laundry much easier and more convenient. Just pop the clothes in, and take them back out when they are done! Most of us truly live in a world of convenience. But have you ever asked yourself what this extra convenience is costing you? Also, what do people do if they do not have an automatic dryer?

Many foreign households do not even own a dryer. They either hang their clothes outside, or have a line in their laundry room. Since dryers do not usually exist in their country, I don’t think that they feel like they are lacking in any way. My family did not have an automatic dryer when I was young. I have many fond memories of dancing with the sheets in the wind!

You may wonder what the benefits of line drying are, and we are glad to offer our findings.

Line drying helps preserve the textiles of your diapering items…

Drying with high heat damages textile fibers and components. Diapers and covers with components must be kept out of high heat, or the items will quickly break down. You will see evidence of wear as fading color, tears, weakened seams, stretched out elastic, and hook and loop that no longer grips. Components containing spandex or other elastic materials can become permanently stretched out or warped by regular full-heat drying cycles over time.

Fact: Lint is actually fibers that come out of the fabric in the washer and dryer!

Saves on energy expenses…

Appliances take up the better part of your energy bills. Every time that you choose to line dry your diapers or clothing, you will be saving money. Besides the cost of the drying line or rack, line drying is FREE! LaundryList.org estimates the cost savings at $25 a month. I also found a cost chart on How Much Electricity do Appliances Use at Energy.gov, but it is not certain what size household it correlates to. According to the California Energy Commission, “the average clothes dryer will cost you approximately $1,530 to operate” in its lifetime.

Reduces pollution…

The energy we use creates pollution. In regards to a clothes dryer, you will have CO2 emissions stemming from the energy production, and also the production of the clothes dryer. According to Green Living Tips, “the energy consumed by a clothes dryer can be anywhere from 1800 to 5000 watts per hour, or 1.8 to 5KwHr. Given that 1.5 pounds of carbon emissions per kilowatt hour are generated in the production of electricity by a coal fired power station (give or take a bit), over a year this comes to a considerable amount.”

Disinfects…

Sunshine will help to disinfect your laundry. UV rays are said to kill mold, and bacteria such as E-coli, Influenza, Norovirus, Rotovirus, Samonella, and Staph.

The sun fades stains naturally. You simply lay the laundry in the sun, and the stains will fade away!

The wind will blow fresh air into your laundry, which will remove odors.

You can use any of the following to line dry your diapering items:

-Clothes line and clothes pins outside
-Clothes line and clothes pins inside
-A drying rack outside
-A drying rack inside
- Wall dryer inside
-Ceiling dryer inside

There is a plethora of options here: http://www.tiptheplanet.com/index.php?title=Air_dry_washing

I personally live in a community with a Homeowner’s Association, but luckily (in this case) there is no one on the board to enforce the rules. I use a drying rack outside for my laundry. I can use the rack outside when it is nice, or in the laundry room when it is not.

Tips:

• If you are buying a clothes line, make sure it is sturdy and keep it taught.
• If you are buying a drying rack, you will need a large one for a full load of diapers.
• You will want to wipe down the clothes line or rack periodically to keep it clean.
• To add a light perfume to your line dried items, plant some aromatic plants such as lavender, thyme, lilac, and lemon verbena near an outside clothes line.  You can find other suggestions for plantings here and here. If you want to dry at night, you can plant a nighttime bloomer such as jasmine, gardenia, and evening primrose. You can find other night blooming options here.

Cautions:

• If drying outside, do not put your line under trees, or the birds will dirty your laundry again!
• If drying in the sun, dry the diapers with the inside facing up. Try to keep covers out of the direct sunlight to avoid fading colors and harming components.
• If you live within a homeowner’s association, they may have regulations restricting a clothesline or drying clothes outside.
• We do not recommend to line dry items outside in freezing weather. Freezing can cause the fibers to break or weaken.
• If drying outside and the temperature is more than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure that the items have good ventilation. On extremely hot days, you may want to line dry in the morning or evening.

To help soften natural fibers when line drying:

• Wind helps to soften fabric and aids in drying. It also keeps your items from “overheating”. Try to place your rack or line where there will be good ventilation.
• Fluff out the fabric before and after hanging by “snapping” them in the air a couple of times.
• To soften natural fiber diapers after line drying, you can throw them in the dryer for 5 minutes with some wool dryer balls.
• For natural fiber diapering items, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
• Avoid hanging during the hottest part of the day. The longer the diapers take to dry, the softer they will be.

Searching for websites about line drying? These may be of interest to you:
Project Laundry List
Tip the Planet

As you can see, the benefits of line drying go beyond cost savings. I do not mind the extra 5-10 minutes it takes to hang the laundry to dry. I actually enjoy it! If you are line drying outside, it is a great way to get your recommended 15 minutes of fresh air each day.

If you have any questions, please send them to me at support@thirstiesbaby.com.

Happy Cloth Diapering!

~Sonya

Related articles

• Drying Rack Love (seetravelmag.com)
• Hang-Drying Laundry to Save the Planet (learningaboutsocialenterprise.wordpress.com)