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Why use cloth diapers?
The average child uses between $1,500 and $2000 worth of disposable diapers by the time he or she is potty trained.
It takes approximately 250-500 years for a diaper to decompose in a landfill. If each parent used one cloth diaper a day, he or she could prevent 1,000 diapers from going to their local landfill.
Essentials for Cloth Diapering
- 2-3 dozen prefold diapers
- 4-6 diaper covers
- 2-3 Snappi diaper fasteners
- 6-10 diaper doublers
- 2-3 All-in-One diapers (for time away from home)
- Flushable diaper liners
- 2-3 dozen washcloths for wipes
- Charlie’s Soap Laundry detergent
- Trash can or diaper pail with lid
- Changing pad with cover
Washing instructions
New prefold diapers, diaper doublers and all-in one diapers should be washed 3-5 times before initial use to increase absorbency and remove any residue from the manufacturing process.
Washcloths can be used instead of paper disposable baby wipes that contain chemicals. Simply wet a washcloth before placing baby on changing pad and throw used washcloths into the diaper pail for washing with diapers.
Wet diapers can go straight into a dry pail. Messy diapers can be taken care of in a couple of ways. If using flushable diaper liners, remove liner and dispose either by flushing or throwing away in a small trash can keep near your changing station. (You’ll want a small can that can be taken out often.) The diaper can then be placed in a dry pail.
If flushable liners are not used and the baby is breastfed, the diaper can go straight into the dry pail as bowel movements of breastfed babies wash away in the presoak setting of your washer. Formula fed babies or babies eating foods will have a firmer bowel movement that can be dumped into the toilet and flushed.
Most parents wash cloth diapers every other day. Set your washer to presoak in cold water with detergent, followed by a hot water wash with detergent and an extra rinse cycle. Most diaper covers should be line dried. Always secure Velcro tabs before washing. Do not use fabric softener and this can make the diapers less absorbent. If diapers are still stained after washing, consider placing them outside for some direct sunlight.
Remember, the more diapers you have, the longer they will last as they will not need to be washed as often.
About Tanya:
Tanya Wilson has more than 10 years experience in the juvenile products retail industry. She is the Owner / Manager of Blessed Baby Inc.
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