1. How many diapers and covers will I need to get started?
2. Do I need to wash the diapers before first use?
3. How do I wash cloth diapers?
4. What detergent should I use?
5. Will the diapers shrink?
6. Is it possible to cloth diaper without a washer?
7. Is it unsanitary to have poopy water in our washer?
8. What if my cloth diapers are leaking?
9. What if there is a strong urine smell coming from the diapers when I wash?
10. Is it true that cloth diapered children potty train faster?
11. Is it really cheaper to use cloth versus disposable?

How many diapers and covers

will I need to get started?

• It depends on how often you want to do laundry. 

• The average newborn uses 8-12 diapers per day.  After the first 8 months or so, the average baby will use approximately 6-8 diapers per day. 

• In order to do laundry every 2-3 days, it is recommended to have 3-4 dozen diapers and 6-8 diaper covers per size. 

• Don't forget, wet diaper covers can be dried out and used more than once before washing. 

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Do I need to wash the diapers before first use?

• Yes.  Organic cotton contains natural oils in it that repels water causing the urine to roll off and leak. 
• It is recommended that you wash and dry your new diapers 4-5 times prior to first use. 
• The organic cotton diapers should reach their maximum absorption level by 10-12 washes. 

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How do I wash cloth diapers?

• Dry Pail method:  When the diapers are wet or soiled just put them into the diaper pail without water.  (Soaking the diapers in the diaper pail isn't needed and is a drowning hazard.)

• If they are especially soiled, shake the solids off into the toilet or rinse the diaper in the toilet before putting it into the pail.  If baby is exclusively breastfed, it isn't necessary to rinse the diapers in the toilet, just put them into the pail until wash day.  (Breastfed poo is like yogurt and washes out without any problem.)

• Washing:  (Two washes should be sufficient.) 

• Put the diapers into the washing machine.  First, machine wash cold.  (Cold water helps to get out protein (poo) stains.) 

• Then, machine wash hot.  (Hot water helps to kill bacteria.) 

• It is recommended to use only 1/2 the amount of detergent in each wash.  The diapers will get clean and this will help prevent any detergent build-up. 

• You can add 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar into the last rinse cycle.  (Vinegar is a natural fabric softener, mildew inhibitor and helps reduce detergent build-up.)

• You can add 1/2 cup baking soda to either the first or second wash to help freshen the diapers, if needed.

• An extra rinse cycle helps to get any extra detergent out of the diapers.  But this step is up to you and if your baby is sensitive to detergents.

• Drying:  Throw the diapers in the dryer and dry on medium heat.  (The dryer helps to soften the diapers.) 

• Or, hang the diapers on the clothesline to dry in the sun.  (The sun is a natural whitener and sanitizer.)

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What detergent should I use?

• Any "free and clear" detergent should work well.  Our favorites include Shaklee®, Mountain Green®,  and Seventh Generation®.
• Please remember, do not use Dreft®, Ivory Snow®, pure soap or any fabric softeners as these products put a coating on the diapers making them water-repellant causing the diapers to leak.

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Will the diapers shrink?

• The diapers will shrink most after the first wash and dry. 
• They will continue to shrink a little for a few more washes. 
• Shrinkage was considered when the diapers were designed. 

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Is it possible to cloth diaper

without a washing machine?

• Laundromat washing is simple.  The only thing that tends to be a "chore" is carrying the heavy pail. 
• If you wash twice per week, you can get the extra large pail liner for the diaper pail. 
• When ready to wash , simply pull the draw string and go.  Dump the diapers in for a cold wash and then a second hot wash and you're done.  Just dry them and head home.

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Is it unsanitary to have

poopy water in our washer?

• Actually, the water from the washer and the toilet go to the same place.

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What if my cloth diapers are leaking?

• Cloth diapers should not leak.  Leaky diapers can be attributed to a number of reasons.  The following are the most common:
• Not changing the diaper frequently enough.  This is very common especially for those parents who have switched from disposable diapers to cloth diapers.  Cloth diapers need to be changed about every 2 hours or as needed.  Heavy wetters and newborns may require more frequent changes. 
• Detergent build-up or using the wrong detergent and/or fabric softener.  Remember, do not use Dreft®, Ivory Snow®, pure soap, or fabric softeners.  These products put a light coating on the diapers causing them to repel water.  It's a good idea give the diapers an extra rinse cycle with hot water without detergent to help remove any excess detergent build-up. 

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What if there is a strong urine smell

coming from the diapers when I wash?

• There should not be a strong urine smell after two washes.  The following are good ways to help if there is a strong urine smell:

• You could use 1/2 cup baking soda in the wash, followed by 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in the final rinse.

• Or, just add 1/2 cup vinegar to the final rinse cycle.

• It is recommended to only fill your washer 2/3-3/4 full so the diapers can agitate properly.  (We have found that a super capacity top-loading washer will take a maximum of 24 diapers.)

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Is it true that cloth diapered

children potty train faster?

• Yes.  The child feels the wetness and is able to associate it with the full bladder feeling prior to feeling wet after he/she urinates. 

• It has been said that they train, on average, 6 months faster.  So, they do learn quicker.

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Is it really cheaper to use

 cloth versus disposables?

• Yes, it's true.  Most people can save $1700+ by using cloth diapers, this includes using organic cotton diapers!  Oftentimes, the diapers will make it through 2 children, cutting the cost even more!

• Read more about the cost comparison...

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