Yesterday, a friend asked me some questions on how to start cloth diapering her 4 months old baby. These are questions that many of you may have in mind:
Question 1. Which cloth diaper should I start off first?
There is no straightforward answer as factors to consider include:
- Baby’s shape and build: Different diaper cuttings suit different babies. Weight is only a very rough gauge. Take into account baby’s waist, thigh and rise measurements.
- Baby’s pee and poo patterns: If baby produces runny poo frequently, choose diapers that are able to contain poo well.
- Baby’s preference: For instance, some babies like to remove Velcro / Aplix tabs; some are sensitive to suedecloth or wool.
- Caregiver (Mummy, Daddy, Granny or babysitter?): Typically, Mums are more experimental with cloth diapers. Other caregivers usually prefer diapers with Velcro / Aplix tabs.
- Budget: If budget is limited, consider economical diapering options such as prefolds/flats with diaper covers and one-size diapers. If budget is UNlimited, the world is the limit!
Question 2: Do I need to buy inserts or other accessories?
The diapering accessories to buy depend on your preferred diapering system. Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide has been specially prepared for you. Download it here.
Question 3: What are the other things I need to take note, including how to wash the diapers?
Cloth diapers can be washed together with baby’s clothes and even your home clothes. I have been doing that since Vee was born. Read How to Wash Cloth Diapers — Everything You Need to Know here.
Question 4: How often to change the cloth diaper?
During the day, cloth diapers should be changed every 2 to 4 hours, when soaked or when soiled.
During the night, if breathable cloth diapers (e.g. fleece or wool) are used, they can keep baby’s skin healthy even after 12-hour nights.
Hope you find the above information useful. Happy cloth diapering! 🙂
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Get your special download: Cloth Diapering Essentials – A Quick Guide (pdf)
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Hi Mie Vee, I’ve followed your blog 🙂
Your blog is my handy source of info for cloth diapering and others too, I made a link from my blog to yours (here), since your information is very complete & clear, I recommend to visit your web for great reviews 🙂
cheers
Thank you very much for the link, hungrymama! Great to know another cloth diapering mama. 🙂
Hi Mee Vee,
Thanks for your quick guide, it is very good for me eho intend to cloth diaper my baby..i’m waiting the arrivalmof my baby in 2 wks times;)
Btw, i still confuse as what is the difference between pocket diaper and All-in-Twos?
I have bought few pieces of Moo Moo Kow as per your review, I thought i also can just change the insert without changing the diaper when the baby pee or poo as long as the diaper didn’t soiled? Or am I wrong?
Please enlighten me;)
Thanks
Fonny
Hi Fonny, congratulations on your newborn baby!
– Pocket diaper: insert is meant to be inserted into the pocket
– All-in-Two: insert has a stay-dry layer, can be laid onto diaper shell
– Some pocket diaper brands now offer inserts with stay-dry layer. This type of insert can be laid ONTO a pocket diaper. This means you can use it as a regular pocket diaper or AI2.
The regular MMK diapers come with inserts that should be inserted. So change the entire diaper after baby poos or within 2-4 hours in the day.
There’s a FAQ section on MMK’s website that explains more on how to use inserts.
Anyway, most babies fit better in one-size diapers from about 2 months old. They may look too bulky on newborns.
Hope this helps and all the best. 🙂
hi can i prewash microfiber insert and hemp together
Hi raihana, I usually prewash hemp by hand separately. A quick wash to rinse away any oil will do. 🙂