THE CLOTH DIAPERING THING

If you want to live simply, and are considering the environment and/or your finances, elimination communication (EC) paired with cloth diapering is the absolute best.

There are probably just as many cloth diapering methods as there are families with babies.   Here is our system.

zero to six months...

We found that the easiest and least expensive method (for newborn) is to use a traditional, flat cloth diaper (cotton, hemp, bamboo all work).  Hemp is really the king of cotton diapering fabrics but if you can't afford it, then cotton is just fine.  Before Iko was born I found some natural, unproccessed cotton flannel and made chinese prefolds- they cost almost nothing and worked great for both boys.  But, after diapering two babes they are showing their wear (again, hemp is king for longevity).  I made two sizes of diapers.  The small size fit until about 6 months.

In addition, during my first pregnancy, I knitted a some wooly soakers in various sizes from natural, unprocessed wool (Briggs and Little).  I LOVE wool covers. They are extremely breathable, warm in winter and much cooler than plastic or disposables in summer.  Iko was primarily diaperfree but his back-up was exclusively cotton chinese prefolds (with safety pins) and wool covers.

When Ash was born I received a pile of hand-me-down diapers and covers (inc. bummis). I mixed them into my stock and used the bummis covers with the chinese prefolds in the first six months. It was so much quicker than the pins and wool cover, and Iko could help diaper his brother. 

six months to completely diaperfree!

When Ash started crawling I switched to using wool diaper covers exclusively with thrifted aplix closure style cotton diapers under them.  For times when I can't potty my babe and changing is really inconvenient I use pocket diapers.

These days (20 months)  Ash is usually decked out in his wool longies (over the thrifted dipes) or padded undies (sewn by me several years ago).  Longies are the BEST diaper covers in winter if you want quick diaper changes.  

about pocket diapers...

I have done lots of research and practicing with cloth diapers and ec (infant pottying) from birth on.  If you want to cloth diaper without practicing ec then the easiest diapers (least amount of work and lowest possibility of diaper rash) are those that have a microfibre or microfleece liner next to babies skin.  Personally I prefer pocket diapers to all-in-ones or diaper-plus cover combos.  Pocket diapers rock in the cloth diapering world.  You can stuff them with anythiing absorbent, they are easy to launder and they dry quickly on the line.

BUT, I haven't (and wouldn't) use pocket diapers as the main diapering system with a newborn. Until 6-8 weeks babes tend not to have control of their bowels and poop often (healthy breastfed baby will poop up to 12 times a day).  They are often just little squirts but if left unchanged will result in a rash very quickly.

Pocket diapers are relatively expensive.  As such they are NOT OUR MAIN DIAPERING SYSTEM.  We use them when we are out of the house and when we need a break from the constant peeing and changing (usually in the evening when we just want to relax a little). 

The selection in pocket diapers has grown tremendously in the past five years (too many choices really).   It is almost impossible to figure out which diaper to buy because the reviews are so varied and the diapers fit every baby differently.  Try to go for a brand that is established and has a good reputation for quality.  I own three styles of pocket diapers - fuzzibunz, wonderoos, and mommy's touch.

FB diapers have excellent reviews and I agree. Mine were $10cdn each including shipping (on ebay) but the other pocket diapers I bought were more like $20cdn including shipping.  I bought size medium FB and have used them since Ash was about 5-6 months old (still using this size at 20mos. but he is only 20lbs.).  I have also tried wonderoos (like their fit but poor quality) and Mommy's Touch (good quality and fit is okay).

If you are going to invest in fuzzibunz you could buy a few in size small (newborn is probably a waste) and the rest in medium.  And then just hope that your babe is out of diapers by the time they outgrow the mediums.  If you are practicing ec even part-time, this is a realistic goal.

 

THE MOST IMPORTANT DIAPERING TIP FOR SIMPLE LIVING PARENTS IS....

Install a good clothes line, or preferably, several clotheslines.

Hanging diapers is the way to go and saves a ton of energy and money.  I hang mine all year long, inside or outside.

PREVENTING AND TREATING DIAPER RASH NATURALLY

First - prevent rash.

1. Diaper rash is created by wet diaper next to skin. So, take diaper off as much as possible to prevent rash.
2.  Airing out time is key.  Lie beside baby (with clean naked bum) and cuddle or nurse while they "air out".
3. Change baby immediately when soiled or wet (if their skin is sensitive especially).
4. Use diaper covers as little as possible if they are not breathable. I made wool covers and tend to use them most. In the summer I don't use a cover at all once baby is mobile. That way I can whip off the wet one immediately and lots of air can reach the skin.  And, I can potty quicker if there is no diaper cover.
5. Try ec-ing.  Hold baby over sink or bowl and see if you can get them to eliminate. Saves diapers and is generally wonderful...

If you get any redness on bum work on it immediately (it festers and worsens very fast).

1. Bathe bottom in bathroom sink with a couple capfuls of white vinegar. Pat dry and rub olive oil on bottom.  (I rub olive oil over their whole bodies after bath and they have never had soap or shampoo).
2. Use teatree (diluted with olive oil or thicker waxier medium e.g. lanolin).  Buy lanolin (purlan or lansinoh) because you can use it on your nipples too if needed.  Buy "bum balm" - in natural health food stores.  It works very well for prevention and cure.
3. Persistent or severe rash may be yeast infection or food allergy/sensitivity.
4. Never use talc or baby powder (toxic to babies), you probably already know this.
   I've never disinfected my diapers with bleach, I just use the sun in summer. If your diapers are thick and go mouldy when they are air drying inside that could be a problem.