Q: Are cloth diapers bulky?
A: Cloth diapers are bulkier than disposables since layers of cloth are needed for absorbency compared to the paper products and chemicals (eg. SAPs) used in disposable diapers. Overall this does not tend to be a problem as you may simply need to buy pants a size larger or select brands that are a little more generously cut. Alternatively, for very thin children, the added layers prevent their pants from falling down. Also, different brands and types of diapers fit babies differently. Some are more trim than others and we can provide you with specific recommendations if needed.
Q: Do cloth diapers leak?
A: All diapers leak occasionally; cloth or disposable diaper. Cloth diapers may leak for a variety of reasons (all of which should be correctable). They may leak if:
-they aren't sized properly--not all diapers fit all babies the same. Strive to find one that fits snuggly but not too tightly.
-they have not be done-up properly--ensure the waist is snug and without creases/folds. . .sometimes more challenging when sleep-deprived but still possible!
-they are not changed frequently enough--most babies need to be changed every 2-3hrs. Heavy wetters may need to be changed more frequently.
-there is not enough absorbency in the diaper--simply add an additional insert or booster
-the diapers have a residue causing liquids to repel--you may need to strip your diapers and then adjust your laundering routine (see our Laundering Tips page)
-it is also possible that occasionally a leak may occur simply due to how baby moves around. . .unfortunately we can't provide suggestions to prevent your little one from moving around!
Q: Which closure is better. . .snaps or hook & loop (ie.velcro)?
A: This comes down to personal preference. Generally speaking velcro is faster and easier to use. On the other hand, velcro is easier for curious babies to undo, it may snag other fabrics in the wash or dryer and overtime velcro will wear-out. Snaps will last longer than velcro, and they will never catch on fabrics in the wash or dryer. However, they sometimes make it harder to get perfect a fit if your child is "between" snaps. Snaps also take a little longer to do-up, but they are harder for babies to un-do. From our experience, in general, people new to cloth diapering, men, and babysitters or grandparents tend to prefer velcro. More experienced cloth diaper users tend to prefer snaps. Sometimes people will mix and match their diapers. For example, if the primary diaper changer prefers snaps, then most diapers may be snap, but they may also choose to have some velcro diapers for babysitters, partners, other family members to use occasionally.
Q: What is better, sized diapers or one-size diapers?
A: One-size diapers will cost less overall since they are adjustable and therefore you do not need to buy as many diapers. However, sometimes one-size diapers may not fit newborns so you might need an alternative diaper at the start. They do tend to fit a little bulkier compared to sized diapers. Fitted diapers provide a trim fit since they are sized for a more specific weight range per diaper. They do however cost a fair bit more since you have to buy multiple sizes (ie. x-small, small, medium, large). Another point to consider is the wear on both types of diapers. Thinking of it like tires for a car, if you only use all-season tires year round, then all the wear is on the one set of tires. Versus when you switch from all-season to winter tires, then your total wear is dispersed over two sets of tires. Owning two sets of tires costs more money up-front, but they will last longer than if you only use all-season tires year round. One-size diapers are like all-season tires in that all the wear falls on the one diaper. Fitted diapers disperse the wear over three or four sizes of diapers, so each size of diaper will last longer.
Q: How many cloth diapers are needed for one baby?
A: Please see our "Cloth Diapers 101--Getting Started" section at:
Q: How many cloth diapers are needed when my first child is still in diapers and a newborn is on the way?
A: To calculate, just add the number of diapers you are currently using for your first born, and then add the number needed for a newborn--please see our "Cloth Diapers 101--Getting Started" section at: www.littletreehugger.ca/category_s/74.htm Keep in mind the fit of diapers for the newborn. For example, say you have 24 one-size diapers for your first born but you are only using 12 of them. That means you have 12 that could be used for the newborn, but you will need to check if they will actually fit your newborn right away (see above FAQ related to one-size diapers). If you newborn is large enough and/or the elastics aren't stretched out, then you would have 12 diapers to use right away and therefore would only need to puchase about 12 more for the newborn. However, if your newborn is too small for the one-size diapers or if the elastics are stretched out and have not been replaced with new ones, then you probably would need to purchase 24 diapers to fit the newborn.
Q: What's better, natural fabrics or man-made fabrics?
A: Micro-fibre tends to be widely used in many cloth diapers and is usually less expensive than natural fabrics. It is very absorbent, so much so that microfibre should never be placed directly next to baby's skin. However, micro-fibre is a man-made fabric and petroleum based. Natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo (bamboo from rayon), and hemp are considered more environmentally friendly than micro-fibre and they may be a better options for babies with sensitive skin. Another advantage to natural fibres is that they may be placed directly next to baby's skin. This is particularly useful when toilet-training and when you want the baby to feel the wetness (aka. the consequence of eliminating themselves).
Q: Is it best to only buy one type or one brand of diapers or is it better to have several types and/or brands?
A: Depends on your preference. Some people want to keep it simple and will just opt for one type of diaper and one brand; then there is no confusion as to which insert goes with which diaper etc. However, most people tend to have several different types or several different brands. For example, some may like to use AIO diapers during the day, but then prefer a fitted diaper with a separate cover at night-time. Some people also like to use different closures at different times (for example, snaps during the day, but velcro at nap and night-time). Generally speaking, unless you are very certain as to what you want, we do think trying a few different brands or types is a good idea before investing in your whole diaper stash. You may find certain brands fit your baby better than other brands, or you may discover you prefer one type of diaper over another type of diaper.
Q: Are safety pins still used with cloth diapers?
A: Not anymore! Most cloth diapers secure to your baby with velcro or snaps. Some other types of diapers, like prefolds and fitted diapers, do require a closure but Snappis offer a safer and easier alternative to pins.
Q: Can cloth diapers still be used when I'm away from home?
A: If you are out-and-about for the day, just take a small wet bag with you and your set. You'll have clean cloth diapers in your bag and the wet bag to store to store your dirty ones. We highly recommend wet bags with zipper closures and if you baby is already on solid foods, then biodegradable/flushable liners are very useful as well You just need a wet bag in which to put your soiled diapers. If you are travelling, as long as you will have access to a washing machine and the diapers won't sit dirty for more than 2-3 days, then using cloth diapers is as easy as when on day trips. Alternatively, some people prefer to use a hybrid diapers (like GroVia™ or Flip™) which feature a cloth exterior but choice of either cloth or disposable interior.
Q: Can the diapers be used for more than one child?
A: Most diapers will last longer than just with one child. Sometimes you may need to replace some elastics or velcro, but they should last for at least 2 children. The water-proof PUL exteriors are more prone to breakdown than the actual absorbent parts of the diaper. Diapers that have separate covers will also last longer than AIO diapers. To help your diapers last longer (particularly those with PUL), line drying is preferred.
Q: When looking at the same type of diaper (eg. one-size pocket diapers), there is a wide range of pricing between different brands. Are all diapers created equal?
A: In our personal experience we do not find similar diapers to always be created equal. As it's been said many times over "you get what you pay for" and this also the case with cloth diapers. We test all products prior to deciding to sell them to ensure we are offering quality products to our customers. We've seen one-size pocket diapers selling anywhere from $10-$30. We've noticed that often the very cheap ones are inferior in quality and over-time do not last as long. Sometimes their cut or fit is not a good either. The companies that also manufacture these diapers generally speaking have not been as business as many established brand-known companies and they only offer shorter warranties on their products. A final point for consideration is the work-place ethics. Sometimes higher priced diapers are that way because they are manufactured in developed countries (ie. Canada or USA) where labour standards are adhered to. In the case of diapers manufactured in countries like China etc., common sense tells us that the work-place standards including wages are most likely to be less favourable for the employees making diapers that sell for $10 versus a diaper that sells for $20.
Q: What to do with the diapers when they are no longer needed?
A: If you have finished using the diapers on your child/children, they can be cleaned an passed along to another. You can sell used-diapers (often for 1/3 to 1/2 the original price) or give them away to friends/family/charities. Some types of diapers, like cotton prefolds, make excellent cleaning cloths and will last a very long time.
Q: What about potty-training?
A: Some tips we'd like to share about potty-training: Although much information today suggests to wait to potty-train until age 2-3 years old, it is possible to do it much earlier (ie. between 1-2 years old. . .or even earlier!). Cloth diapers, training pants and underwear are very helpful for potty training as they allow the child to feel the wetness they've created (disposables create a false dry environment where the child does not learn the consequence of their body functions). Plus, pull-on trainers or underwear and faster to get off the child than diapers. Some techniques we've successfully used include either letting our children go without any diaper or underwear and sticking next to them like glue so that we could get them on the potty when needed, or using cloth trainers & underwear and simply putting the child on the potty at regular intervals based on their body elimination patterns. BabyLegs leg warmers also come in handy when having the child around the house without pants. It's also very helpful to ensure your potty area is well-prepared. Not only do we keep books near the potty, but we've also even had a small wooden table built so that we can do additional activities with our child to extend their time on the potty. We keep an activity box next to the potty which contains colouring, playdough, blocks etc so we have lots of options easily at-hand. Rewards are a matter of personal discretion; some use simple verbal praise, some use stickers, and others use "treats." Determination from the primary caregiver also plays a big role in the success of potty training. Even though potty training can be challenging, and even frustrating at times, staying positive and sticking with it usually ends in success.
Some potty-training books we found very informative are:
Early-Start Potty Training, by Linda Sonna, PHD
The Diaper Free Baby, by Christine Gross-Loh
Q: What about “green” disposable diapers?
A: Like all "green" products, the consumer will need to investigate the "green" claims to determine the products environmentally-friendliness. Some disposable diapers market that they use organic cotton in their product, but there are no specifics or requirements of how much organic content exists. Although, there are a few disposable diapers that use bio-degradable materials and are made without bleaches or chemicals, most of these still contain SAPs (gel substance that absorbs liquid) and the end product still contributes tones of garbage. Keep in mind that there can be a time and place for disposable diapers, just as there is for disposable cutlery or dishes. We don't use them all the time, but occasionally when we do, it's good to select "greener" options.
Laundering
Q: How are cloth diapers cleaned?
A: If you have access to a washing machine, then you are ready to clean cloth diapers. For newborns and infants before they start on solid foods, you simply take the diaper off the baby and just toss the soiled diaper into the diaper bag/pail. Most people choose to wash diapers every second day, so when wash day comes to take the diaper bag to the laundry room, open toss the contents into the washing machine as you turn the bag inside out (no touching dirty diaper for you!), toss the bag in too, then start the wash. Although people may tailor their laundering routine to meet their specific needs, generally speaking washing diapers involves 1 rinse, 1 hot wash with detergent, 1 extra rinse cycle. Most diapers can be either hung to dry or put into your dryer on low heat. Once your baby starts on solid foods, you will need to dispose of the solid wash prior to tossing the diaper into the diaper bag/pail. To dispose of solids, you can dump the waste directly into the toilet, or there are biodegradable liners and diaper sprayers than are useful for babies with softer stools. Once solid waste has be dumped into the toilet, the diaper goes into your diaper bag/pail until wash day.
Q: What about the poop?
A: This is one we get asked the most! Fear not, it's not as bad as you may imagine and it doesn't involve swishing diapers in the toilet like in the past. For newborns and infants before they start on solid foods, their poop is water-soluble and will just wash-out in the washing machine. No need to rinse or pre-soak. Once your baby starts of solid foods you will need to dispose of the solid waste. In fact, did you know that all human waste is suppose to be properly treated in a sewage system and not added to landfill sites. . .most disposable diapers have instructions on the package telling the user to flush solids prior to tossing the diaper. If you baby has somewhat firm stools, then it may easily fall off the diaper into the toilet. For those baby's with softer stools, both biodegradable/flushable liners and/or a diaper sprayer are very useful. Biodegradable liners are a very thin paper/cloth-like sheet that sits on the diaper. After baby poops they can easily lift the stools off the diaper and the whole thing gets flushed. Alternatively, diaper sprayers are an attachment to your toilet that allows you to spray-off the stools into the toilet. Check out our YouTube video "Scoop on Poop" at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw1Yex1mZvA
Q: Do I have to use a special detergent for washing diapers?
A: Most diaper manufacturers recommend using a detergent that will not leave a residue and/or is free of dyes, perfumes and/or enzymes. There are a couple of manufacturers who recommend some "main stream" detergents. Always check the recommendations set-out by the manufacturer of the diapers that you use. If your baby has very sensitive skin, then an environmentally-friendly and cloth diaper approved detergent may be a more suitable choice over "main-stream" detergents which often contain many additives of which may irritate baby's skin.
Q: Is it unhygienic to wash soiled diapers in the washing machine?
A: No. Your washing machine was designed to keep itself clean. The drain water goes into the sewers with all the rest of the dirty water which ensures any traces of human waste are properly treated versus waste going into a landfill.
Q: Does the bag of dirty diapers smell bad?
A: Generally speaking no. . .unless you stick your nose right in there! The diaper dirty bag/pail should have a closure, either a zipper, drawstring or lid respectively, which will keep odors in. The closure should not be completely air tight or odors will worsen. We've actually had some people comment that their baby's room (when using disposable diapers) had more stink than compared to our baby's room (using cloth diapers); surprisingly to them, they could not detect any unpleasant odors. If odors are noticed, then products such as the Rockin' Green Pail Freshener may be used. If you have strong unpleasant odors, then that may be a sign that your diapers are not getting properly cleaned and you many need to adjust your laundering routine.
Q: What if my diapers really stink?
A: If you notice your diapers stink when they come out of the wash, or as soon as baby pees in them, then that indicates that you have a problem with your laundering routine. Properly cleaned diapers, once soiled, should only have a slight urine or poop smell that comes directly from the waste. If the smell is very strong then the diapers are probably not getting fully cleaned and may have some bacteria in them. A night-time diapers will also have a stronger urine odor when removed in the morning, but the odor shouldn't "knock you over." If you notice a really strong ammonia smell that means the diaper is not being cleaned properly. Time and wetness, speed the breakdown of the urea in urine which releases ammonia and causes the odor. If you are experiencing really stinky diapers, see our Laundering Tips page for more specific information on how to correct the problem.
