Have you been researching the pros and cons of cloth diapers v/s disposables? Do you know all about cloth diapering benefits but still confused about how exactly to start cloth diapering? Most probably the first question that comes to your mind is, “How many cloth diapers do I need”? In today’s post, I will answer this question and talk about the different cloth diapering essentials you will need to get started with cloth diapering.
Related reading : Diaper bag checklist.
This post is sponsored by Bumberry Diapers, but all opinions expressed here are my own.
A CLOTH DIAPERING CHECKLIST FOR BEGINNERS
Cloth Diapers
To answer the question of how many cloth diapers you will need. Well, a cloth diaper stash of 24-30 should be enough in order to cloth diaper exclusively and be able to have an alternate day wash routine.
There are many different styles of cloth diapers available, so the style of cloth diaper can be something that suits you and your baby.
There is everything from prefolds, pocket diapers, covers to all in one style cloth diapers to choose from.
Our cloth diaper stash consisted mostly of diaper covers and pocket style diapers as I felt these styles could easily last the entire duration of diapering a baby from birth to potty training.
Bumberry was one of my first choices when it came to cloth diapers. The brand makes many beautiful cloth diapers in solid colors which make it easy to mix and match different diapers with different outfits. The inserts that come with the diaper covers too are made of high-quality materials and are wet free. I even bought extra inserts to go with the different diaper covers.
Our Bumberry Diapers lasted from 2 months of age to 26 months of age (until the end of potty training) and still look brand new.
Wipes
Some go with using soft cloth wipes and others use disposable baby wipes. My favorites are: Water wipes and Mama earth bamboo wipes.
Diaper cream
Make sure to use a natural diaper safe cream. Many diaper creams leave a stain on the diaper.
One product I found useful as a diaper balm when using cloth diapers was Earth mama angel baby diaper balm. Its made of natural ingredients and doesn’t leave any visible or difficult to remove stains.
If you are wondering, how to avoid a diaper rash? Well, the simple answer is to give your baby short time periods of diaper free time. Changing cloth diapers frequently, say every 3-4 hours during the day also helps keep diaper area dry and clean.
Night sleepers and extra inserts
For night diapering, you may need to add a few extra inserts for better absorption. If you find adding extra inserts too bulky on your baby, you can try the new Bumberry Sleeper Diaper.
The Bumberry sleeper diaper has two partially stitched wet free inserts on either side of the diaper which helps adjust absorbency and saves time. The overlapping wet free inserts are made of 2 layers of microfiber each and an additional wet-free fabric that keeps the baby’s bum dry. There’s an additional pocket to cater to the needs of heavy wetters too.
Wet Bag
A wet bag is a bag that you carry in your diaper bag when you are out and about. It is used to neatly dispose of soiled diapers during travel. An easy way to carry a used cloth diaper without anyone knowing!
They contain the odor and can be used to put in soiled clothes, burp clothes, and napkins too. A wet bag is like a catch-all for dirty baby things, keeping soiled clothes separated from the other diaper bag contents.
Cloth Diaper Pail
A cloth diaper pail comes in handy to collect used diapers at home. You don’t need something fancy, any type of long cylindrical tub with a cover will do. If you worry about stains or odors you can add a diaper pail liner too, to keep the odors in.
Cloth diaper sprayer
A cloth diaper sprayer is an attachment that can be fixed in your toilet and used to knock off solid waste from a cloth diaper. Once solids are removed you can add the soiled diaper to the diaper pail.
Laundry detergent
Choose a Cloth diaper safe laundry detergent. If your baby has sensitive skin you may want to try a fragrance-free detergent.
Foldable drying rack
A sturdy foldable drying rack is the best bet in city homes. If you have a backyard, place the rack in direct sun. Sun drying of cloth nappies is the best way to retain whiteness and remove stains off the inserts.
Other accessories depending on individual preferences: Snappies and flushable diaper liners
These are not really essentials, but depending on your individual preferences. You may prefer using prefolds, and when using prefolds, a snappi is a must. A Snappi is a cloth diaper fastener that can hold the cloth nappy in place and is the safer option compared to the use of safety pins.
Some parents also like using flushable diaper liners so that one cloth diaper cover can be used for more than 1 pee. These prevent the staining of the cloth diaper.
There you go!
These are all the cloth diapering essentials you need to start cloth diapering. What cloth diapering essentials listed here do you think made your mom life easier? For me having a cloth diaper sprayer and a good quality wet bag definitely made the yucky part of cloth diapering more easier at home and on the go.
Though I never used a pail. We had extra large wetbags. Agree with you on essentials for cloth diapering experience
I’m in love with the flushable diaper liners even though tese are new to us. Just love how easy the cleaning part is now!