We have been cloth diapering for our child, Penguin over 2 years now. Sporting that fluffy bum around parks, playgrounds, one-day road trips, and even on long vacations.
We started with triangle nappies hand sewn at home and by local tailors. But then we wanted something that is convenient but not disposable. It should work well for a few hours instead of a few minutes. It was then when I had bumped in modern cloth diapering (MCD) through social media and Amazon. Well, I had my fair share of a learning curve on this cloth diapering journey. Oh, how I wish had known these 5 things before starting cloth diapering.
Surprising things you wish to know before cloth diapering
1. Try and then make a stash.
Confession! When I started cloth diapering, I was unaware that what works other’s baby might not work for my child. I stocked in multiple brands and types and tried hands. Sigh! Got confused.
Rather I should have started with 1-2 pocket diapers and one sleeper or any other combination with cover diapers of any brand. Say like Bumberry has a starter pack which includes a pocket diaper with -microfiber inserts, a cover diaper with bamboo inserts, and a sleeper. Pocket and cover can be used for daytime while sleeper is designed especially for night time diapering. Once one is confident what works best for the baby, make a stash.
Recently in our stash, we added Bumberry sleepers, I like how it keeps my baby dry up to 8 hours considering that he is heavy wetter. It is easily available, pocket-friendly and good quality cloth diapers. Did I mention customer service? I have a previous experience with them where they resolved my doubts.
It is okay even if you start with pre-loved diapers. There are many buy/sell groups online or on social media, you can one, try for a week or so. Then add more in your stash. Just ensure that you bleach them once before using them.
2. Find your ever-helpful tribe
I got to know about cloth diapers from social media. Brought few diapers from multiple brands, prepped them, and got Penguin, my son wears them. Then started the trouble diapers were leaking, few started stinking. I was almost ready to switch to disposables. Meanwhile, I connected with other moms who were cloth diapering. I found my tribe of moms who helped me with the right fit and wash routine.
3. Nighttime and day time diapers are different
Initially, I used to wake up twice or even thrice during night time to change my child’s pocket or cover diapers. We even used dry sheets underneath sheets to keep him dry. But waking up every night was not possible and I hesitated night time cloth diapering. Weeks later I found out about AIOs and boosters and night routine was back. Nighttime diapers have greater absorbency compared to day ones keeping baby dry overnight.
4. Have a strong wash routine.
It’s not okay to pile up all used diapers for almost 3-4 days and wash together. Neither does cloth diapering works if you store your soiled diaper without rinsing off the poop. You need to have a regular cloth diapering laundry routine. If you are unaware of it check with the manufacturer or you can check my previous post “Cloth diaper laundry routine“.
5. Cute prints can make you a shopaholic
I was never a shopaholic for cute things until I started cloth diapering. Every time a new print was launched, I always got an itch to add it to my cloth diaper collection.
Give me a high five if you are a cloth diapering parent and agree with me. Do you have any different experience let me know in comments?
If you are a parent/ aunt/ uncle/grandparent who want to know most things about cloth diapering before starting, do let me know your queries I would try to help you.
Until next time,
Happy cloth diapering.
Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links. These links provide me with a small percentage commission at no extra cost to you. For more information read the disclosure.
Very useful information. I got excited when I saw cloth diapering category in your blog. I did cloth diapering to my daughter during 2013-2015 time and can totally relate to the 5th point!!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Sandhya. I am so happy to know that you also chose to cloth diaper for almost 2 years. Cheers.
Pingback: Evolution of parenting - Life with my Penguin
Pingback: The World Outside My Window #WordsMatter - Life with my Penguin
I used cloth diapers for Viraj but trust me not so much as there were some myths or say confusion…bit you have clearly cleared all of them…
Hope you can help others now. Thanks for sharing your experience
The prints are so cute….love cloth diapers they are great for baby skin and the environment.
Thanks for stopping by Sharavari
When we try something new this things happened. But its good right! I didnt use cloth diaper coz i got to know about it later but I suggest all new moms to use cloth diaper. Your post will help them a lot
Thanks for stopping by Sayeri
I too recently came across cloth diapers and came to know its importance .. But one should be very careful for its wash routine, otherwise these are the healthier option..
I started using cloth diapers for my daughter when she was 4 months old and after that I realized it was the best thing I have done
Glad to hear that. Thanks for stopping by
Cloth diaper I have used for my second child , they are super duper hit, no rashes, infection. Even in those printed cloth diaper little one bump look so cute.
Agree the cute can sell anyone.. Thanks for sharing your experience
Cute things make me want to shop too. A very honest take on cloth diapering
Thanks for reading Dr. Amrita
I so wish I had known these points years ago dear, quite a useful post 🙂
Glad to hear that
I can Understand what your are trying to say here. I too has similar thoughts when I started Cloth Diapering. I started with 2 diapers, then 3 more and then few more and end up with a big statsh of over 20 CD.
Glad to hear that Gunjan. Thanks for stopping by
Cloth diapering is the best practise, however due to busy schedules and ease of disposable diapers got us hooked to them. I am so glad to see that now these cloth diapers are even better than those disposable ones.
Yes. More options are coming up in the market. Thanks for stopping by
I have limited knowledge about cloth diapers, so this post was definitely useful for me. I had no idea cloth diapers too have night time diapers.
Glad you found it informative. Thanks for visiting
This is a very informative post for people who wants to use cloth diapers. I wish I had known this earlier.
Thanks for reading.
To be honest, I was a disposable diaper mom and only used cloth diaper when I started training karma to make her understand wetness. But this is a really frank and useful post for all moms who want to go the cloth diapering route. Few of my (soon to be moms) friends will find this very informative. sharing with them.
Looking at the stash collection on the social media groups I had to keep calm stating we are fine with it! We have enough and enough. Mine is a humble stash till date
As a new mom few years ago I didn’t have knowledge about readymade cloth diapers that are available in such lovely designs and range. They sound convenient and hassle-free.
Yes they make life easier. Thanks for reading
I know cloth diapering is the best for the child as well as for pocket and environment too.One need practice to use it and yes rightly mentioned those cute prints would make you want to buy more.
Thanks for echoing my thoughts Deepa
Thanks this is useful. I also use cloth diapers but not confident enough to use at night. Also they start stinking v quickly.
Cloth diapers stink due to build up or when not cleaned properly. Maybe my earlier post on cloth diaper laundry routine could help you. Thanks for dropping by