Simplify Your Wash Routine

Laundering cloth diapers should be simple. In my opinion, if your wash routine isn’t simple you’re not doing it right. Overcomplicating your wash and especially adding too many extras in with your wash can cause issues, especially if used over time. Smartipants diapers has made it pretty clear on what is ‘ok’ to use on their one size pocket diaper and what is not. Most of us know dyes, enzymes, fragrances, whiteners, and brighteners are all things you should avoid in your wash. What else should we avoid in our NORMAL wash routine? So, let’s go over some additives that can complicate your washing routine and eventually cause you issues.

FABRIC SOFTENER

Whether it be liquid softener that is added to your wash, or detergents with fabric softener included, this is something you want to avoid like the plaque. DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER ON YOUR DIAPERS! I don’t think I can emphasize this enough. Fabric softener leaves residue on your diapers that will affect the absorbency. If you diapers don’t absorb then they aren’t doing their job! This residue on the diapers is also a magnet for stink! Steer clear, my friends!

VINEGAR

Did you know vinegar is a softener? It breaks down minerals and is a natural antimicrobial, which is why you may hear about people using it often in their wash routines. Vinegar should be avoided in diapers that contain PUL. Vinegar will break down soft plastics, such as PUL and will wear on your elastic. Vinegar should only be used when absolutely necessary and with care-never too much!

BAKING SODA

Baking soda absorbs odor, as well as breaks down fibers. As you’ll come to find, many additives have pros as well as their cons. Baking soda can be helpful when you have stink issues, but on a normal basis should be avoided as an additive in your wash. Smartipants specifically recommends against regular use of baking soda. It should be noted that any diapers containing bamboo rayon should NEVER be washed with baking soda, since baking soda breaks down fibers it will destroy the bamboo rayon.

BLEACH

I would hope most know that adding chlorine bleach to your wash is a BIG no-no. This can break down your cotton fibers and ruin the PUL, as well as affect the elastic in your diapers. If you NEED to add “bleach” to your wash to help with stink or residue, choose an oxygen bleach. Oxygen bleach is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and washing soda. Please remember less is more when it comes to additives like these and they should not be used in your regular wash routine.


A simple wash routine is your best bet to finding cloth diaper laundering happiness. The wash routine that has been working for our family for years is a cold rinse, hot wash with 1/4th the recommended amount of original powder Tide with a cold rise, followed by a 2nd cold rinse.


What wash routine is working for you?

Contributed by: Alex

Importance of Newborn Diapers with Small Babies

 I started my newborn stash little by little with AIO, AI2, prefolds, fitteds, and covers. I wanted to have a variety of diapers. Since I wasn’t really sure what I would like on a newborn baby. Newborn babies are so tiny and some have tiny legs. Some one-size diapers do not work well and will cause you a lot of headaches and leaks. The first few days, I found myself reaching for the AIO and AI2 diapers more than my fitteds and prefolds. Reason being was because I couldn’t find a diaper cover that would snuggle his legs without having leaks. His one-size diapers were still too big. 

  What is a mom to do in this situation? 

Consider buying a small stash of newborn diapers or using sized diapers. I took the newborn diaper route and I am so glad I did. I used smartipants and a few other brands that ended up not being my favorite. Nonetheless I recommend buying a newborn cloth diaper stashes since babies are so little and delicate not to mention tiny diapers are just too cute. The sized diapers are also a great alternative, the only thing with that is having to buy diapers as they grow. In my opinion buying newborn diapers and transitioning to one size was great. My son now fits into one-size diapers and he is now 4 months. A word of advice would be to try different types and brands of diapers before settling into one. You may find that the diaper you least thought would work, ends up being your favorite. Cloth diapering a baby can be challenging at times but once you figure out what works best, it’s easy.  


What worked best for you ? 

Contributed by: Pollyanna

How Diaper Covers Can Save You Big Bucks

Cloth diaper covers can be a real budget saver especially if you are looking to cloth diaper multiple children and your primary goal in cloth diapering is cost savings. Cloth diaper covers provide an inexpensive alternative to pockets, AIO’s and fitted diapers.

Here are some of the main reasons that diaper covers make up the majority of my cloth diaper stash.

• Cloth diaper covers are one of the most inexpensive types of cloth diapers.
• Cloth diaper covers can be used multiple times before laundering. Simply wipe down the inside of the cover and let dry. Once dry, replace with a new insert and re-apply to baby.
• Many cloth diaper covers are available with double gussets to help keep the poop in the diaper.
• Cloth diaper covers can be used with different types of inserts, for instance: stay dry, prefolds, flats, or even over fitteds.
• Cloth diaper covers come in many different fabrics: PUL, TPU, fleece, and even wool.
• Cloth diaper covers are available in aplix or snaps.
• Many cloth diaper covers are available in the “one size” option which allows for small, medium, and large settings. Therefore it grows with your child. No need to purchase different sizes as your child grows.

The next time you think that cloth diaper covers might be too difficult to try or too expensive, why not pick up a few to try. Cloth diaper covers can be used with almost any type of insert or fabric making them very versatile. For those hot summer months, fleece or wool cloth diaper covers actually allow your baby’s bum to breathe and stay cooler.

Next time you are tempted to purchase a cloth diaper, (because we all know you will) make it a cloth diaper cover. You won’t be sorry you spent the little amount of money for the great versatility.

Are you a cloth diaper cover fan?

If so, why??

Contributed by: Julie