As a black mom of three, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with parenting.
One of the most challenging aspects has been finding relatable information on cloth diapers for beginners.
When I became a first-time mom, I was determined to use cloth diapers for my baby.
But, it didn’t take long for me to realize there was not enough information for someone like me.
I searched the internet for resources and advice but felt lost and confused.
Undeterred, I decided to dive headfirst into cloth diapering and relied on trial and error to figure out what worked best for my little one.
It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to make it work.
I learned that cloth diapering is a more environmentally friendly option and saved me money in the long run.
After successfully cloth-diapering two of my children as newborns, I can confidently say it was worth the effort.
I want to share my experiences with other first-time moms interested in cloth diapering but may feel intimidated or overwhelmed.
As a Black mom, I want to provide a perspective often missing in the cloth diapering community.
This post is all about cloth diapers for beginners.
Table of Contents
When to Start Cloth Diapering?
One common question that many parents have when considering cloth diapering is, “When should I start cloth diapering?” The answer to this question is largely a matter of personal preference.
Some parents choose to start cloth diapering from the very beginning, using cloth diapers from the newborn stage.
Others prefer to wait until their baby is a few weeks or months old and has gained some weight before transitioning to cloth diapers.
If you do choose to start cloth diapering from the beginning, it’s important to make sure that you have a sufficient supply of newborn-sized cloth diapers.
Newborns require frequent diaper changes, and you may need to change their diaper as many as 12 times per day.
It’s also important to keep in mind that cloth diapers may fit differently than disposable diapers, and it may take some time to find the right fit for your baby.
Some cloth diaper brands offer a newborn sizing option, which can be a good starting point.
In my personal experience, I started cloth diapering my middle child when she was six months old.
She was a heavy wetter and would demand to be changed as soon as she tinkled, even if the disposable diaper wasn’t completely soaked.
I was tired of throwing away half-used diapers and decided to give cloth diapering a try.
To my surprise, cloth diapers worked wonders for her. They were more absorbent and kept her dry for longer periods, which made her much happier.
With our youngest child, our son, I started cloth diapering him when he was just a few months old.
After my positive experience with cloth diapering our middle child, I knew that I wanted to start with cloth diapers right from the beginning.
While there may be some trial and error involved in finding the right cloth diapering routine for your child, I encourage parents to give it a try.
In my experience, cloth diapers have been a game-changer, both for the environment and for my children’s comfort.
How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need for A Newborn?
As a first-time mom who decided to cloth diaper my newborn, one of the questions that kept popping up in my mind was, “How many newborn cloth diapers do I need?”
After doing some research and experimenting with different cloth diaper brands, I found that the number of newborn cloth diapers I needed varied depending on the brand and style of diaper.
Some brands were more absorbent and could last longer between changes, while others needed to be changed more frequently.
Additionally, the frequency of diaper changes also depends on how often your baby wets or soils his or her diaper.
Based on my experience, I would recommend having at least 24 to 36 newborn cloth diapers on hand.
This number may seem high, but it allows for frequent washing and drying of the diapers.
It’s also important to keep in mind that newborns can go through a lot of diapers in a day, especially during the first few weeks.
When deciding on the type of cloth diaper to use, it’s essential to consider your lifestyle and preferences.
For example, some parents prefer all-in-one diapers that are easy to use and require minimal prep, while others prefer prefold diapers that are more customizable and offer better absorption.
Ultimately, the number of newborn cloth diapers you need depends on your individual circumstances.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and styles until you find what works best for you and your little one.
Remember, cloth diapering is a journey, and it’s okay to make mistakes and learn along the way.
What is the Best Brand of Cloth Diapers?
When it comes to cloth diaper brands, I’ve tried a few, but my personal favorite is Alva Baby.
In my opinion, they offer the best value for the price without sacrificing quality.
Alva Baby cloth diapers come in a wide range of colors and patterns, which is a fun way to add a little personality to your baby’s diapering routine.
They also offer a variety of styles, including all-in-one, pocket, and fitted diapers, making it easy to find a style that works for you.
Over the course of a year, I filmed three YouTube videos using Alva Baby cloth diapers and posted a detailed blog post about them here.
I wanted to provide an honest review of the brand, and I can confidently say that they held up well over time.
The elastic and snaps remained in good condition, and they were easy to clean.
I also appreciated that they came with inserts, which made them more absorbent.
Overall, I highly recommend Alva Baby cloth diapers to anyone who is considering cloth diapering.
They are an affordable option without sacrificing quality, and they offer a variety of styles and patterns to choose from.
If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to check out my blog post, where I go into greater detail about my experience using Alva Baby cloth diapers.
How to Wash Cloth Diapers?
Washing cloth diapers may seem daunting, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
I’ve been washing my cloth diapers for over a year now and have developed a routine that works well for me.
In my one-year update YouTube video, I go into more depth about my cloth diaper washing routine.
Basically, I start by doing a cold rinse to remove any solids or debris.
Next, I do a hot wash with detergent, followed by another rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent has been removed.
I also use an extra rinse cycle to make sure the diapers are fully clean.
How to Strip Cloth Diapers
When I first started cloth diapering, I had to learn the hard way about stripping cloth diapers.
I noticed that my diapers were not as absorbent as they once were and had a strong odor.
After doing some research, I learned that I needed to strip my diapers to remove any buildup of detergent or minerals.
I used a mixture of hot water, bleach, and blue dawn dish soap to strip my diapers, and it worked like a charm.
Tide for Cloth Diapers
I also tried hand washing my cloth diapers when our washer broke, but I quickly learned that it was not an option for me.
It was time-consuming and not as effective as using a washing machine.
I experimented with using homemade detergent, but it did not work well for my diapers.
In the end, I found that using Tide detergent worked the best for me (like most moms will also recommend).
Cloth Diaper Shield (for poo)
One tip that I would recommend to fellow cloth diapering moms is to invest in a diaper shield and a bidet sprayer.
The diaper shield is a simple yet effective tool that helps contain the mess when rinsing poo from cloth diapers.
It fits onto your toilet bowl and catches any debris that might otherwise make a mess.
It’s an affordable accessory that can save you a lot of hassle and cleanup.
Cloth Diaper Sprayer
The cloth diaper sprayer is another game-changer for cloth diapering moms.
It attaches to your toilet and provides a high-pressure stream of water that makes it easy to remove poo from diapers.
It’s much more effective and cleaner than using your hands to remove the poo.
I learned this the hard way and wish I had invested in a cloth diaper sprayer sooner.
Overall, washing cloth diapers is not as intimidating as it may seem.
It takes some trial and error to find a routine that works for you and your diapers, but with a little patience and persistence, you can master it.
Is There A Cloth Diaper Cleaning Service?
If you’re considering cloth diapering but are hesitant about the cleaning process, it’s worth noting that cloth diaper cleaning services exist.
These services can make the process of cleaning and maintaining cloth diapers much more manageable for busy parents.
I learned about cloth diaper cleaning services the hard way.
Our washer broke, and I had to hand wash the diapers until we could get a replacement.
Unfortunately, our new machine was back-ordered, and we had to throw away our cloth diapers due to the long wait time.
If only I had known about cloth diaper cleaning services!
Some cloth diaper cleaning services have been around for a few hundred years and have provided a valuable service for generations of families.
These services typically offer pickup and delivery of soiled diapers and use eco-friendly cleaning methods to ensure that your diapers are clean and sanitized.
If you live in the Tri-State area, some cloth diaper cleaning services that you may want to consider like Diaperkind in New York City, which offers various services, including pickup and delivery, pre-folds, covers, and all-in-ones.
A cloth diaper cleaning service can make the process much more manageable for busy parents and ensure that your diapers are clean and sanitized.
Where Can I Buy Cloth Diapers in Store?
It’s important to note that while some larger retailers such as Target, Kohls, and Walmart may carry cloth diapers in store, availability can vary depending on your geographic location.
In some areas, it may be difficult to find a store that carries cloth diapers in stock, and you may have to order them online.
This is especially true if you live in a smaller state or a more rural area where natural parenting stores and specialized baby stores may be few and far between.
In my experience, I have found that it can be challenging to find cloth diapers in stores in my area, and I found it much easier to order them online.
If you do decide to purchase cloth diapers in-store, it’s important to do your research and call ahead to check availability.
Some stores may carry a limited selection of brands and styles, and it’s important to make sure they have what you need before making the trip.
How Often Should You Change Cloth Diapers?
The answer to this question varies depending on the age of your baby and the type of cloth diaper you’re using.
For newborns, it’s recommended to change cloth diapers every two to three hours, or as soon as they are wet or soiled.
Newborns have very sensitive skin, and leaving a wet or soiled diaper on for too long can cause irritation and diaper rash.
As your baby gets older, they may be able to go longer between changes, up to four to six hours, depending on their wetting habits.
It’s important to note that some cloth diapers are more absorbent than others.
For example, fitted diapers with a cover can hold more liquid and may last longer between changes than prefold or all-in-one diapers.
It’s a good idea to experiment with different types of cloth diapers and see which ones work best for your baby’s needs and lifestyle.
In addition to changing cloth diapers frequently, it’s also important to make sure they are properly washed and dried between uses.
Dirty diapers should be stored in a dry pail until wash day, and it’s recommended to wash cloth diapers every two to three days.
This helps to prevent odor and bacteria buildup.
How Long Do Cloth Diapers Last?
One of the benefits of cloth diapering is that they can last for a long time.
In fact, with proper care and maintenance, cloth diapers can last for years, even through multiple children.
The lifespan of a cloth diaper will depend on several factors, including the type of diaper, the brand, and how often they are used.
For example, all-in-one cloth diapers tend to have a shorter lifespan than prefolds because the elastic can wear out more quickly.
Additionally, high-quality cloth diapers with durable materials and sturdy snaps or Velcro will last longer than cheaper, lower-quality options.
Proper care and maintenance are essential for prolonging the lifespan of cloth diapers.
This includes washing them regularly, avoiding the use of fabric softeners or bleach, and ensuring that they are fully dried before storing them.
It’s also important to repair any damage, such as torn elastic or holes, as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
With proper care, cloth diapers can last through multiple children, which can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
It can be heartbreaking to have to throw away cloth diapers, especially if they are still in good condition.
Unfortunately, I had to do just that when our washer broke down and we were unable to replace it for an extended period of time.
Despite being only a year old, we had to get rid of our stash of cloth diapers.
However, I was impressed by the durability of the Alva Baby brand diapers we had been using.
Despite all the trial and error I put them through, they had held up remarkably well.
I had tried hand washing them, using homemade detergent, and even using TIDE detergent, but they remained in great condition.
It’s a testament to the quality of these diapers that they survived all of these different washing methods.
While it was disappointing to have to throw away our cloth diapers, it’s good to know that high-quality brands like Alva Baby can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
When investing in cloth diapers, it’s worth looking for brands that are known for their durability and longevity to get the most out of your investment.
Where to Buy Used Cloth Diapers?
Buying used cloth diapers can be an excellent way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint.
There are several places where you can buy used cloth diapers, including online marketplaces, local classifieds, and consignment shops.
One of the most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling used cloth diapers is Facebook Marketplace.
You can search for cloth diapers in your area and filter the results by brand, size, and price.
Consignment shops that specialize in children’s clothing and gear may also carry used cloth diapers.
These shops may have a limited selection of cloth diapers, but it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for a deal.
Another option for buying used cloth diapers is to purchase them from a friend or acquaintance who is no longer using them.
This can be a great way to save money and ensure that you’re buying high-quality diapers that have been well cared for.
If you know someone who has recently stopped using cloth diapers, it’s worth reaching out to see if they are interested in selling their stash.
They may be willing to give you a good deal, and you can feel good about giving the diapers a new home instead of sending them to a landfill.
When purchasing used cloth diapers from a friend, it’s still important to inspect them carefully before buying them.
Ask your friend about the age and condition of the diapers and if they have been stripped or sanitized before selling.
This will help ensure that you’re getting high-quality diapers that are in good condition.
When buying used cloth diapers, be sure to inspect them carefully and ask the seller about their condition and history.
With a little research and patience, you can find high-quality used cloth diapers at a fraction of the cost of buying new ones.
This post was all about cloth diapers for beginners.
Cloth diapering can be a great choice for parents who are looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable diapers.
While there may be a bit of a learning curve involved, with the right tips and advice, it’s a manageable and rewarding experience.
As a Black mom of three who has gone through the trial and error of cloth diapering, I hope that my insights and tips have been helpful to you.
Remember to choose the right type of diaper, establish a good washing routine, and consider purchasing from a friend or acquaintance who is no longer using cloth diapers.
If you found this blog post helpful, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for live updates and more insights on parenting and cloth diapering.
And if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
I’m always happy to connect with fellow parents and share our experiences and insights.
Thanks for reading, and happy cloth diapering!
Other posts you may like:
- The Best Brand of Cloth Diapers for Newborns in 2023
- A Postpartum Self Care Routine for New Moms
- How Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms Are Ruining My Mom Life
