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1. Cloth Diapers: Fact vs. Fiction

To learn more about advantages of cloth diapers and the health risks and environmental impact of disposable diapers, click here.

Fiction Fact

Cloth diapers are hard to care for Cloth diapers are so easy to care for Perhaps cloth diapers were hard to care for at one time. But modern cloth diapers are so easy - with inventions like the Mini-Shower and flushable liners, the rewards are worth the little bit of extra work. Cloth diapers leak Cloth diapers leak less than disposables Old cloth diapers and poorly designed covers definitely leaked. But modern cloth diapers actually leak less than disposables! Did you know that many moms actually switch to cloth diapers because they were fed up with disposables leaking? Yes, it's true! Cloth diapers will give my baby diaper rash Cloth diapers minimize diaper rash The rate of diaper rash has increased from 7% to over 78% since 1955, comparable with the increased rate of disposable diaper use. The chemicals, ultra-absorbent gels, and the formation of ammonia associated with disposables are the culprit. We have met many moms who finally switched to cloth diapers specifically to help their baby's bottom heal. Of course, they never turned back! Cloth diapers require dunking in the toilet Cloth diapers are easy to clean There are two wonderful inventions that eliminate dunking your cloth diapers in the toilet: a Mini-Shower and flushable liners. The poop of exclusively breastfed babies is actually water-soluble: so, while your baby is an infant, just drop the diaper in your diaper pail and let your washing machine do the work during the initial rinse. After your baby starts solids, you can use a biodegradable, flushable liner. Just pull the liner out of the diaper and drop it into your toilet! In between these times, when your baby is just starting solids, the Mini-Shower makes cleaning easier. Cloth diapers are expensive Cloth diapers can save you thousands of dollars Depending on which cloth diapering system you decide to use, you can save approximately $1,500 per child. If you decide to use the same cloth diapers for two children, you can save $4,000! Cloth diapers require pins No diaper sold on our site requires pins That's right! Gone are the days of sticking you or your baby with a pin! Yikes, who would want that? Modern cloth diapers use snaps, Velcro/Aplix, or a wonderful new invention created by a dad: a  Snappi! It's debatable whether cloth diapers are really better for the environment Cloth diapers are best for the environment - hands down! We are aware that early studies of cloth diapers and disposables indicated that cloth diapers pollute just as much as disposables. These early studies were funded by disposable diaper companies. Recent studies done by independent researchers indicate that without a doubt, cloth diapers are better for the environment.

Review of Studies:

Disposable Nappies: A Case Study in Waste Prevention, Women's Environmental Network, 2003.

"Thus the Landbank study shows that disposable nappies use 3.5 times as much energy, 8 times as much non-regenerable raw materials and 90 times as much renewable material as reusable nappies. They produce 2.3 times as much waste water and 60 times as much solid waste, and require between 4 and 30 times as much land for growing natural materials as reusable nappies.  Landbank also showed that both systems used similar amounts of fossil fuel energy."

Getting to the Bottom of Nappy Rash, The British Journal of General Practice, 1997.

"Disposable nappies give little protection" ...against diaper rash.

Acute Respiratory Effects of Diaper Emissions, Anderson Laboratories, Inc., 1999.

"The results demonstrate that some types of disposable diapers emit mixtures of chemicals that are toxic to the respiratory tract. Disposable diapers should be considered as one of the factors that might cause or exacerbate asthmatic conditions."

Scrotal Temperature is Increased in Disposable Plastic Lined Nappies, Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, 2000.

"Male reproductive health has deteriorated in recent decades. It is proposed that increased testicular temperature in early childhood, due to the use of modern disposable plastic lined nappies (diapers), could be an important factor contributing to this decline...  This study shows that scrotal temperature, which closely reflects testicular temperature, is increased in boys wearing disposable plastic lined nappies. The physiological testicular cooling mechanism is blunted and often completely abolished during plastic nappy use."

2. Sorting through different types of cloth diapers.

		Prefolds Prefolds are the most economical and versatile way to cloth diaper. Prefolds are soft, absorbent, and can be adjusted to fit your baby. Pins are no longer needed to fasten prefolds - just use a Snappi ! Another option is to just fold a prefold into thirds and lay inside a cover, which means you don't need to fasten the prefold! Choose between bleached and unbleached. (A waterproof cover is needed.) Cost: $1.25 - $8.95
		Contours Contour diapers are similar to prefolds except they are preformed to fit your baby - that means they don't need to be folded. You can use a Snappi to fasten them, but you can also lay them inside a snug cover and you're set to go! (A waterproof cover is needed.) Cost: $7.95-$11.95
		Fitteds Fitted diapers are shaped like disposables and close with snaps or Velcro. The big advantage to a fitted diaper is that they have elastic at the legs and back, which makes them excellent at containing messes. Not all fitted diapers contain messes equally, though, but Kissaluvs are known for being virtually leak-free (one of the best newborn diapers).  By using a fitted diaper instead of prefolds or contours, your covers will get dirty less often, leaving them available for reuse. In addition, you can choose to use a cover made from wool or fleece. (A waterproof cover is needed.) Cost: $10.95 - $22.95
		Pocket Diapers Whoa, cloth diapers have come a long way! Pocket diapers are as easy to use as disposables! These diapers keep your baby's skin dry and rash-free, are easy to use, and dry quickly. They consist of a waterproof outer layer sewn to an internal layer of fleece. An absorbent insert is stuffed between these two layers. When your baby pees, the moisture travels through the fleece and is absorbed by the insert, leaving only the dry fleece touching your baby's skin! Many people consider these "All-In-Ones" because no additional cover is needed.   Fuzzi Bunz close with snaps and Happy Heiny's close with Velcro (excellent for daycare and babysitters).  The most popular, innovative one-size (meaning they fit from 12 lbs through potty learning) pocket diapers on the market is made by bumGenius!. (An insert is needed.) Cost: $17.95 - $25.95
		All-In-Ones All-In-Ones are truly as easy to use as disposables! These diapers are very similar to pocket diapers, except the absorbent part of the diaper either snaps or is sewn to the inside of the waterproof outer. That means you don't need to "stuff" the diaper with an insert. All In Ones are ready to use... no additional cover or insert is needed. bumGenius! makes both a One-Size AIO (made of organic cotton inside) and a sized AIO, and they are among the trimmest cloth diapers available. Cost: $15.95 - $25.95
		Hybrids Hybrids are a waterproof cloth outer with a cloth inner OR a disposable inner. Typically recommended for travel when cloth diapers are not an option, you can lay a disposable insert inside the cover. Cost: $12.95 - $16.95

3. Which cloth diapers are best for us?

Which diapering system is best for you and your baby depends on what is most important to you. Would you like the least expensive diapering system? Do you want to use diapers that are environmentally friendly? Do you want the trimmest cloth diaper available? Or would you simply like the easiest to use cloth diaper? Read on! (Keep in mind that many parents use a combination of different diapering systems and that their favorites change as their baby's needs change.)

What is the least expensive diapering system?

There are two cloth diapering systems that are the least expensive.  The first would be to use prefolds and covers.  The second option is to use a "one-size" diapering system.  Keep in mind that while one-size diapers typically last through potty learning, they don't fit newborns very well.  We recommend starting with a one-size diaper when your baby is 12 lbs (2-3 months old).  Here are some favorite one-size systems: bumGenius! One-Size pocket diapers, GroVia diapering system, Rumparooz One-Size diapers and Fuzzi Bunz One-Size diapers.

Which cloth diaper is as easy as disposables?

Well, most cloth diapering moms feel that any type of cloth diaper is as easy to use as a disposable with a little practice. But, for those a little hesitant to make the switch to cloth diapers, we recommend bumGenius! All In Ones, bumGenius! One-Size pocket diapers, Fuzzi Bunz, and GroVia diapers.

Which cloth diaper is best for newborns?

A   Kissaluvs Size 0 newborn diaper will contain the runny, newborn messes that newborns are so well know for! Match this fitted diaper with a Prorap Classic or Thirsties Cover, and your newborn days will be carefree!  Want a newborn diaper that may leak slightly more than Kissaluvs (still a lot less than disposables!), but is easier to use?  Try X-Small bumGenius! All-In-Ones!

Which cloth diaper contains messes the best?

Kissaluvs fitted diapers are known for containing the runny poop of breastfed babies. Here's what makes these diapers work so well: the thick, deep pile terry stops poop in its tracks and the stretchy, snug fit around the thighs and back keeps it from escaping. If you use Kissaluvs for the first six months, you will have virtually no blowouts... much better than disposables!

Which cloth diaper is best for night time?

Many parents use a pocket diaper (bumGenius, Fuzzi Bunz, or Happy Heiny's) with two or three inserts for night time, naps, and long trips. For very heavy wetters (for example, babies who nurse through the night), we recommend a super absorbent fitted diaper (like a Happy Hempys) with a doubler for extra absorbency and a wool or fleece cover. Our most popular, leak free (for 12+ hours!) night time cover is a Sugar Peas Fleece Cover.

Which cloth diapers last the longest?

How long your cloth diapers last will definitely depend on how they are cared for, and the quality of the sewing, materials, and design.  We only sell cloth diapers with wonderful sewmanship, materials, and design!  Our diaper service quality prefolds tend to last longer than any other diaper.  These high quality prefolds can last for 3 - 6 years.  Diaper covers typically last for at least 6 months, and sometimes longer if carefully taken care of.  Pocket diapers and All-In-Ones tend to last through 3 years, or one child.

Snaps or Velcro/Aplix?

In general, snaps last longer than velcro.  Pocket diapers and All-In-Ones with snaps may last through a second child, whereas those with velcro will last through only one child.  However, if you're handy with a sewing or snap machine, both velcro and snaps can be replaced.  Velcro is hands down easier to get on off babies.  However, older babies may love to pull velcro tabs off!  This means that you may want to always have shorts, pants, or a onesie over a diaper with velcro to keep the diaper from coming off.

Which cloth diapers have the best resale value?

bumGenius!, Kissaluvs, and Fuzzi Bunz.  If properly taken care of, these cloth diapers can be sold for 60% of their retail price!

Which cloth diaper and cover is best for the environment?

You are truly amazing!  Not  only are you doing your part to preserve the environment by not using disposables, but you also want to use environmentally friendly cloth diapers!  We have a great selection of organic diapers.  Some great ones are bumGenius! Elemental Organic All-In-Ones, Kissaluvs Fitted Diapers, and   Little Beetle ONE  with a wool cover.

4. How many cloth diapers do I need?

Keep in mind that babies grow at different rates and have different needs. In general, here is how many diapers you will need if you are washing every 1 - 1.5 days:

Age Diapers Needed Waterproof covers needed if not using Pocket Diapers or All-In-Ones

Newborn to 5 months (12 diaper changes each day.) 18-24 diapers 6-8 covers 5 Months to 1 Year (8-10 diaper changes each day.) 12-18 diapers 4-6 covers  1 Year + (4-8 diaper changes each day.)  8-12 diapers  4 covers

5. What cloth diapering accessories do you recommend?

We recommend starting simple!  If you're on the fence about cloth diapering, skip these accessories until your mind is made up!  Once you're cloth diapering, you won't want to miss these accessories!

		Flushable Liners or Mini-Shower For Newborns: The poop of breastfed babies is too runy for flushable liners to work well.  They'll just disintegrate!  However, a Mini-Shower will make clean-up easy, minimizing stains. For 6 months+: Use flushable liners or a Mini-Shower for quick and easy clean-up of solids.  Dads especially love these! Cost: $0.06/flushable liner or $44.95 for Mini-Shower
		Diaper Pail Liners Gone are the days of wet pails!  Pick up any tall kitchen garbage can at your local store, and use one of these handy pail liners inside of it!  When it's time to wash your cloth diapers, just carry the full pail liner to your washing machine.  Wash and dry the pail liner along with your diapers.  Pail liners transport your diapers and keep your pail clean!  It's great to have two pail liners, so you can use your pail when you're washing one liner.  But, you can certainly get by with one! Cost: $16.95 - $19.95
		Cloth Wipes Cloth wipes not only work better than disposable wipes, but they save so much money!  You'll need about 18-24 cloth wipes for newborns, and 12-18 for older babies.  Choose a different color and use them for hands and faces, too! Cost: $0.90 - $2.00 each
		Detergent that is Safe for Cloth Diapers You'll definitely want to choose a detergent that is safe for your cloth diapers to protect your investment!  What do we mean by "safe"?  Basically, you want your detergent to rinse completely clean, and you don't want a harsh detergent that will shorten the lifetime of your diapers.  See our recommended cloth diaper detergent list here. Cost: $0.08 - $0.25 per load
		Zippered Wet Bag When you're out and about, you'll want to put your used cloth diapers into a waterproof bag that doesn't leak odors!  Either reuse your plastic grocery bags, or use one of these cute zippered wet bags.  You'll need one or two.  Just wash with your diapers! Cost: $15.95

6. Cost comparison: cloth diapers vs. disposables

From Consumer Reports, April 2007, "On the one hand, disposable diapers are undeniably convenient, but they're also costly: You can expect to spend $1,500 to $2,000 or more on disposables by the time your baby is out of them."

Save $1,300 - $1,900 with Cloth Diapers

Here is our own break-down of how you can save with cloth diapers!  Our numbers are based on cloth diapering or using disposables for 3 years.  We even include the cost of accessories and washing!

Option 1 - Economical (Prefolds with One-Size Pocket Diapers at night) Option 2 - Most Popular (Kissaluvs Size 0, then One-Size Pocket Diapers) Option 3 - Convenient (XS, S, M, L sizes of Easy to Use Diapers)

Cost of Cloth Diapers $372  $718  $931 Cost of Accessories $154  $154  $154 Cost of Washing $423  $423  $423 Total Cloth Diapering Cost $949  $1,295  $1,508 Cost of Disposables $2,839  $2,839  $2,839 SAVINGS $1,890  $1,544  $1,331

Save $4,000 when Using the Same Cloth Diapers for 2 Children!

If you take great care of your diapers, you can reuse them for a second child!  That's when savings start getting serious!  Rather than reinvesting in cloth diapers, all you need to pay for is washing the diapers!

Using the 3 options above, you would save $4,306, $3960, $3747 if reusing the diapers for a second child!

Details

Cloth Diaper Details: Cost of washing and drying 1 load is estimated to be $0.50.  Charlie's Soap costs $0.08/load.  Total cost of laundry is based on washing one load every 1.5 days for 3 years.

Disposable Diaper Details: Number of diapers needed based off of 12 diapers per day for the first 3 months, then 8 diapers per day until 3 years old.  This gives 9,000 total disposable diapers for one baby.  Average cost of a disposable according to Consumer Reports is 26.5 cents, giving $2,385.  Diaper genie inserts cost 3 cents/diaper, adding $226.80.  1 disposable wipe/diaper at 3 cents/wipe adds another $226.80.  Total cost, excluding gas, extra diaper rash cream, washing baby's clothes more often due to poop leaking, extra trash collection fees, etc.: $2,838.60.  We have excluded sales tax in both our disposable and cloth diaper calculations.

7. Washing instructions

Regular wash routine:

There are many opinions about diaper washing, and many people have developed additional steps and routines based on their individual needs. Here is a simple routine that has worked for us. We recommend starting simple and adjust only if necessary for your baby or water-type.

• If soiled, use the mini-shower to remove poop from diaper. Leave the diaper wet enough that it almost drips. Keeping the diaper wet until it is washed will help reduce stains.
• Toss into a dry pail; wash every day or every other day.
• Wash no more than 12 - 18 diapers at a time.
• Use your washer's highest water level.
• Pre-rinse with cold water and no detergent.
• Use a regular hot water cycle and 1/3-1/2 cup everyday detergent.
• Dry diapers in the dryer or hang dry or a combination of both.

Here are some things to avoid:

• No chlorine bleach. It will break down fibers and noticeably shorten the life of your diapers. In addition, it will most likely irritate your baby's skin.
• No "Free" or "Free and Clear" detergents (like Tide Free).
• No fabric softeners, which coat fabric and reduce absorbency.

We recommend:

• Tide (not Tide Free)
• Allen's Naturally
• Charlie's Soap

Stinky Diapers?

Use baking soda and vinegar! Here's how:

• Do a cold rinse.
• Add 1/2 cup baking soda and a Downy ball filled to the top with distilled white vinegar. You can add 2 tablespoons of detergent, if you wish. Start your washer's hot cycle.
• After the diapers have agitated, but before the hot water has drained, stop the cycle (this can be done on some washers by leaving the lid up).
• Let the diapers soak overnight.
• Close the lid in the morning to complete the cycle.

8. The complete checklist

We have put together a complete checklist for birth through potty training for three different cloth diapering options and accessories. This will give you an idea of how many diapers, covers, and accessories you may need in any given size along with the associated cost. Remember that high quality, well-known brands have great resale values!

Option 1 - Economical

Prefolds with bumGenius! One-Size Pocket Diapers at Night

How Many Description Price Each Total

24 Infant Prefolds $2.00 $48.00 18 Premium Prefolds $2.50 $45.00 2 Snappis $2.49 $4.98 2 Toddler Snappis $3.49  $6.98  8 Prorap Covers, Newborn $7.50 $60.00 6 Thirsties Covers, Small $10.95 $65.70 4 Thirsties Covers, Medium $10.95 $43.80 4 Thirsties Covers, Large $10.95 $43.80 3 bumGenius! One-Size Diapers $17.95 $53.85 Subtotal $372.11      Accessories  $153.63 TOTAL $525.74

Option 2 - Most Popular

Kissaluvs Size 0 for the Newborn Stage, Transitioning to a One-Size diaper (in this example, bumGenius! One-Size Pocket Diapers)

How Many Description Price Each Total

24 Kissaluvs Fitted Diapers, Size 0, Unbleached $11.95 $286.80 8 Prorap Covers, Newborn $7.50 $60.00 6 Thirsties Covers, Small $10.95 $65.70 18 bumGenius! One-Size Pocket Diapers $16.95 $305.10 Subtotal $717.60     Accessories  $153.63 TOTAL $871.23

* Feel free to substitute prefolds for Kissaluvs to save money.
* Can substitute X-Small bumGenius All-In-Ones for Kissaluvs.  All-In-Ones may leak a little more (still not quite as much as disposables), but are super easy to use.

Option 3 - Convenient

Sized Diapers in 4 Sizes (in this example, bumGenius! and Fuzzi Bunz)

How Many Description Price Each Total

24 bumGenius! V3.0 All-In-One, Size X-Small $11.95 $286.80 18 Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Size, Size Small $16.95 $305.10 12  Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Size, Size Medium $16.95   $203.40 8  Fuzzi Bunz Perfect Size, Size Large $16.95  $135.60 Subtotal $930.90      Accessories  $153.63 TOTAL $1,084.53

Cloth Diaper Accessories

How Many Description Price Each Total

24 Kissaluvs Awesome Wipes $1.12 $26.88 1 Mini-Shower $44.95 $44.95 2 Diaper Pail Liners $19.95 $39.90 2 Wahmies Regular Zippered Wet Bags $15.95 $31.90 1 Baby Bits $10.00 $10.00 TOTAL $153.63