If you smell urine or feces or see a bulging diaper, it’s time for a change. If you’re not sure, don’t be shy — take a whiff from close up or a peek beneath the diaper. A newborn can easily go through a dozen or more clean diapers per day, so plan to check at least every hour or two.
Some cloth diaper proponents still use the “wet pail” method, in which some water (and perhaps cleaners or anti-odor agents) are kept in the pail with the dirty diapers. This method may degrade cloth diaper components (like seams or hook-and-loop closures) more quickly, though, and is not generally recommended by manufacturers. Do not leave the child alone on a changing table while you rinse a diaper off. Unless you have a helper, take care of that after you finish the diaper change.
Shake solid feces into the toilet, and/or scrape off unformed poop with a spatula, plastic spoon, or other tool that is set aside for that specific purpose. Flush. Rinse the diaper to remove as much poop as you can, and place the diaper in the pail for washing. If your baby is having only breast milk, there is no need to rinse or dump because breast milk will be broken down in the wash washer. Instead of rinsing in the sink (or dunking in the toilet), you can buy a diaper sprayer attachment that easily connects to the water line for your toilet.
Allow your baby’s bottom to air dry for around 15-30 seconds before applying the new diaper — you can fan them with your hand or the clean diaper to speed the drying process. If you choose to apply a diaper cream, use one that is designed for cloth diapers. Others may interfere with the absorbent qualities of the cloth. If you’re putting the diaper on a baby boy, place the folded part of the diaper in the front. If the baby is a girl, put the folded part in the back. This is because boys tend to wet more in the front of the diaper, while girls wet more in the middle and back of the diaper. [5] X Expert Source Jessie DavidsonChild Care Specialist Expert Interview. 11 June 2021. Make sure the back of the diaper comes up to the baby’s mid-back. It should fit snugly, but not be so tight that it pinches. [6] X Expert Source Jessie DavidsonChild Care Specialist Expert Interview. 11 June 2021.
If necessary, add an oxygenated bleach, not chlorine bleach. Also, instead of adding a residue-creating fabric softener, you can (if desired) add white vinegar to the wash.
PUL (polyurethane laminate) covers always need to be air dried. Check the care instructions for your particular diaper brand. Wool covers must be hand washed in cold water and air dried.
Ask other parents questions like “Which of these did you find prevents leaks better?” or “How hard is it to undo and redo these snaps if the baby is fussy?” Just as no two babies are exactly alike, no single diaper type is best for every baby. The only sure way to know what works best in your case is to try out several types.
Follow the included directions and markings that show you how and where to fold the diaper. Use a “snappi” (a flexible plastic harness with gripping “teeth”) to hold the diaper together (or, if you insist, safety pins), or place a diaper cover that snaps over it.
Shop for extra inserts (also called soakers) of various thicknesses. Thicker inserts provide the baby with extra protection for nap and nighttime. If fashion plays into your decision-making, pocket diaper exteriors often come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Wool diaper covers are great for nighttime use instead of a PUL cover. Just be sure to read about washing and applying lanolin to waterproof them.
You won’t need more than three days’ worth of diapers, because by that point your diaper pail will be overflowing with dirty diapers waiting for a wash. Expect to wash diapers every other day. Never leave dirty diapers unwashed for more than three days.
You may think you’ll need to use disposables when you’re away from home (for instance, when out shopping), but it’s really not any more difficult to use cloth diapers when on the road. Just make sure to bring along a dirty diaper storage bag that seals securely (you can purchase these alongside cloth diapering supplies).
Play it safe and wash the diapers yourself before using them.
Some cloth brands offer a “one-size” diaper that will fit from right after the newborn stage until potty training. These can save you money (because they’ll fit longer), but may not necessarily provide the same level of fit and leak protection. Try one out and see how it works for you. [19] X Research source
Keep in mind the two-to-three day diaper supply plan. This means you don’t need a box full of diaper pins or a giant pail that could hold a week’s worth of diapers.
