FAQ's
Here are some FAQ's. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email me at dfwclothdiapergroup@hotmail.com or ask on the Facebook page.
ARE CLOTH DIAPERS REALLY CHEAPER THAN DISPOSABLES?
Yes! Especially if you use the CD's for more than 1 child. Another bonus is they are resellable. When you are done with them, or if you simply don't like a certain kind, you can sell them to earn back some of your investment.
Here's a link to a cost calculator to get an idea of how long it will take before the CD's have paid for themselves.
If you are concerned about the upfront cost, there are a couple of options. You could start off by only buying 1-2 diapers a week/payday. That's 1-2 fewer disposables you will be using. Eventually, you will have enough to cloth diaper part time, which will save you more money to buy enough to go full time.
You could also register for cloth diapers, or ask for them as gifts for your baby. There are only so many toys and clothes one baby needs, so cloth diapers are a great gift! After all, they are more interested in the packaging than the actual gift, right?
HOW MANY WILL I NEED?
It all depends on how many kids you have, how old each child is, and how often you will wash. But here is an idea of how many you will need for one day:
Newborn (1-3 weeks): 10-12 diaper changes per day.
Infants (up to around 12 months): 8-10 changes per day.
Toddlers: 6-8 changes per day.
It is recommended to wash every 2-3 days, but some wash everyday. This really just depends on your preference, and how many diapers you have. Once you decide how often you will wash, just multiply that number by the number of diapers listed above (example, double the number if you will wash every other day). It is also handy to have a few extras as backup.
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HOW DO I CD A NEWBORN?
Prefolds and covers are the most economical for CDing a NB. Some pockets, AIO's and fitteds are made in NB sizes. Most OS diapers are best for babies ~10lbs+. Of course, if you have larger babies, then they will fit in the OS sooner.
WHAT ABOUT WIPES?
You may purchase cloth wipes, or even use baby washcloths. Plain water, homemade or pre-made wipe solutions give you options for what you prefer. You may use a spray bottle to spray the wipe or baby's bottom, then just wash the wipes with the diapers. Another method is to soak the wipes in the solution, then put them in a wipes container with lid.
This is a good resource for homemade wipes solution recipes.
HOW DO I CD OUT OF THE HOUSE?
Pack enough cloth diapers for your trip (one for every 2 hours, plus extra just in case), wipes (either disposable, or cloth wipes in a wetbag or ziplock baggie), and a travel size wetbag in your diaper bag. That's it! Change diaper as usual, but put the used diaper in the wetbag.
TRAVELING WITH CLOTH DIAPERS
It IS possible to travel while using cloth diapers. If you will only be gone for a few days, you may not need to wash while gone. If it is a longer trip, see if you can find washing facilities near where you will be staying. Another option is to use hybrid diapers, where you have a disposable option. You could handwash and line dry the covers, and just throw away (or flush, if it's flushable) the disposable inserts.
Flats are a great choice, because they pack well, wash and dry easily. PUL covers handwash and dry easily. This is a great option for camping or when you will not have access to a washing machine, since flats handwash the best out of all the cloth diaper options.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO BUY?
Well, that's really up to you! It seems intimidating at first, with so many options. We suggest trying out several different types of CD's, as well as different brands to see what you like. What works for one baby, may not work for another. There are many sites that offer trial CD packages.
Visit one of our local Cloth Diaper Shops to get the hands on experience before you buy! The experienced shop owners can also help you figure out which type of diaper is best for your family.
Here is a link with reviews of many CD's:
http://www.diaperpin.com/diapers/diaperpages.asp
You may also buy a few, see what you like, and go from there. If you like what you tried, then buy more. If not, then try something else. This is good especially if you are only buying 1-2 diapers a week until you have a full stash. You can sell what you don't like to re-coop some of your money. Buying used is a great way to try out different brands, while saving a little money!
CAN I CD AT NIGHT?
Of course!! You may have to try a couple of different options, depending on your baby. If you have a heavy wetter, hemp and bamboo inserts are more absorbant than microfiber (found in most pockets). Fitteds with a cover (especially wool covers) are a popular choice for overnight. You can also use a pocket diaper, where you can add as much (or as little) absorbancy as your child needs.
I LIKE TO SEW, CAN I MAKE MY OWN CD'S?
Here is a link to get more info! The Nappy Shoppe in Plano sells DIY supplies.
We are hoping to add DIY classes soon to the Group for you to learn how to make your own diapers.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO CD?
Honestly, not much! You need the diapers, and the washing machine! Here's a list of some things that may make it easier:
Wetbag/Diaper Pail: You can use a diaper pail or a trash can lined with a pail liner, or just hang up a wetbag. The wetbag/pail liner is waterproof to prevent leaks and any stink that may seep out.
Travel wetbag: Or you can just use a plastic grocery bag or ziplock bags.
Diaper Sprayer: This attaches to the toilet to spray poo off of the diaper into the toilet. It is not necessary, but some prefer this method (other methods are mentioned on the Washing Info page).
Wipes: You can buy or make wipes, or just use baby washcloths. These are not optional, though! You will need some sort of wipes.
Snappi or Diaper Pins: If you use fitteds (without snaps/velcro) or prefolds then you will need some of these to fasten the diaper. Snappis can be found at most CD stores.
ARE CLOTH DIAPERS REALLY CHEAPER THAN DISPOSABLES?
Yes! Especially if you use the CD's for more than 1 child. Another bonus is they are resellable. When you are done with them, or if you simply don't like a certain kind, you can sell them to earn back some of your investment.
Here's a link to a cost calculator to get an idea of how long it will take before the CD's have paid for themselves.
If you are concerned about the upfront cost, there are a couple of options. You could start off by only buying 1-2 diapers a week/payday. That's 1-2 fewer disposables you will be using. Eventually, you will have enough to cloth diaper part time, which will save you more money to buy enough to go full time.
You could also register for cloth diapers, or ask for them as gifts for your baby. There are only so many toys and clothes one baby needs, so cloth diapers are a great gift! After all, they are more interested in the packaging than the actual gift, right?
HOW MANY WILL I NEED?
It all depends on how many kids you have, how old each child is, and how often you will wash. But here is an idea of how many you will need for one day:
Newborn (1-3 weeks): 10-12 diaper changes per day.
Infants (up to around 12 months): 8-10 changes per day.
Toddlers: 6-8 changes per day.
It is recommended to wash every 2-3 days, but some wash everyday. This really just depends on your preference, and how many diapers you have. Once you decide how often you will wash, just multiply that number by the number of diapers listed above (example, double the number if you will wash every other day). It is also handy to have a few extras as backup.
.
HOW DO I CD A NEWBORN?
Prefolds and covers are the most economical for CDing a NB. Some pockets, AIO's and fitteds are made in NB sizes. Most OS diapers are best for babies ~10lbs+. Of course, if you have larger babies, then they will fit in the OS sooner.
WHAT ABOUT WIPES?
You may purchase cloth wipes, or even use baby washcloths. Plain water, homemade or pre-made wipe solutions give you options for what you prefer. You may use a spray bottle to spray the wipe or baby's bottom, then just wash the wipes with the diapers. Another method is to soak the wipes in the solution, then put them in a wipes container with lid.
This is a good resource for homemade wipes solution recipes.
HOW DO I CD OUT OF THE HOUSE?
Pack enough cloth diapers for your trip (one for every 2 hours, plus extra just in case), wipes (either disposable, or cloth wipes in a wetbag or ziplock baggie), and a travel size wetbag in your diaper bag. That's it! Change diaper as usual, but put the used diaper in the wetbag.
TRAVELING WITH CLOTH DIAPERS
It IS possible to travel while using cloth diapers. If you will only be gone for a few days, you may not need to wash while gone. If it is a longer trip, see if you can find washing facilities near where you will be staying. Another option is to use hybrid diapers, where you have a disposable option. You could handwash and line dry the covers, and just throw away (or flush, if it's flushable) the disposable inserts.
Flats are a great choice, because they pack well, wash and dry easily. PUL covers handwash and dry easily. This is a great option for camping or when you will not have access to a washing machine, since flats handwash the best out of all the cloth diaper options.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO BUY?
Well, that's really up to you! It seems intimidating at first, with so many options. We suggest trying out several different types of CD's, as well as different brands to see what you like. What works for one baby, may not work for another. There are many sites that offer trial CD packages.
Visit one of our local Cloth Diaper Shops to get the hands on experience before you buy! The experienced shop owners can also help you figure out which type of diaper is best for your family.
Here is a link with reviews of many CD's:
http://www.diaperpin.com/diapers/diaperpages.asp
You may also buy a few, see what you like, and go from there. If you like what you tried, then buy more. If not, then try something else. This is good especially if you are only buying 1-2 diapers a week until you have a full stash. You can sell what you don't like to re-coop some of your money. Buying used is a great way to try out different brands, while saving a little money!
CAN I CD AT NIGHT?
Of course!! You may have to try a couple of different options, depending on your baby. If you have a heavy wetter, hemp and bamboo inserts are more absorbant than microfiber (found in most pockets). Fitteds with a cover (especially wool covers) are a popular choice for overnight. You can also use a pocket diaper, where you can add as much (or as little) absorbancy as your child needs.
I LIKE TO SEW, CAN I MAKE MY OWN CD'S?
Here is a link to get more info! The Nappy Shoppe in Plano sells DIY supplies.
We are hoping to add DIY classes soon to the Group for you to learn how to make your own diapers.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO CD?
Honestly, not much! You need the diapers, and the washing machine! Here's a list of some things that may make it easier:
Wetbag/Diaper Pail: You can use a diaper pail or a trash can lined with a pail liner, or just hang up a wetbag. The wetbag/pail liner is waterproof to prevent leaks and any stink that may seep out.
Travel wetbag: Or you can just use a plastic grocery bag or ziplock bags.
Diaper Sprayer: This attaches to the toilet to spray poo off of the diaper into the toilet. It is not necessary, but some prefer this method (other methods are mentioned on the Washing Info page).
Wipes: You can buy or make wipes, or just use baby washcloths. These are not optional, though! You will need some sort of wipes.
Snappi or Diaper Pins: If you use fitteds (without snaps/velcro) or prefolds then you will need some of these to fasten the diaper. Snappis can be found at most CD stores.
