What is the least expensive diapering system?
The least expensive option is to use prefolds with covers. (such as AMP Organic Cotton or Grovia Bamboo Prefolds)
Which cloth diaper is as easy as disposables?
The easiest diapers to use are all-in-ones or pocket diapers. Daycares, and family members often like these diapers best. If you choose a diaper with an aplix closure (velcro) they're as easy as pie!
Which cloth diaper is best for newborns?
One of the absolute best newborn diapering systems is a fitted diaper \ plus a diaper cover (Thirsties Size 1 Duo Wrap or the Blueberry Capri newborn cover). Fitted diapers, such as the Sustainablebabyish or Kanga Care fitteds are incredible at containing newborn poop. Pair it with a diaper cover that features leg gussets for virtually leak proof system.
We do not necessarily recommend one-size diapers from the get-go. One-size diapers are ultra-convenient, particularly if you have more than one child in the diaper stage. However, many one-size diapers do not fit babies well until they are around 11-14 pounds (approximately 2-3 months of age). Now, every baby is different, but we generally suggest waiting until you’re out of the newborn stage to add a ton of these diapers into your stash. Please keep this in mind as an ill-fitting diaper will be prone to leaks and the source of much frustration!
Some sized diapers (in most cases you only need 2 sizes from birth to potty training) fit well right from the newborn stage. Check out the Thirsties DUO, the AMP Sized or the Applecheeks size one diapers.
Tell me about one-size cloth diapers. They seem like the perfect option, fitting from birth right up to toilet training.
Fitted diapers, cloth diaper covers, pocket diapers, and all-in-one diapers are available in both sized options and one-size options, varying by manufacturer. One size cloth diapers work with your growing baby and can even be used on multiple diaper-wearing children in the home of different ages. The majority of diapers on the market today, not to mention the most popular cloth diapers, are one-size systems.
There are however, some drawbacks to one-size cloth diapers. Many one-size diapers do not fit newborns well until they are around 11-14 pounds (approximately 2-3 months of age). Similarly, they may fit too small on toddlers who have not yet reached potty training. This has led some companies, such as Thirsties, to create a two-size diaper, predicated on the idea that a two-size approach ensures an optimal fit for the wee-est baby up to the biggest toddler.
One-size diapers typically will not offer as trim of a fit as a sized diaper will. Simply put, there’s more material. This does not interfere with the function of the diaper itself, but is something to consider if you’re after an uber trim fit.
Overall, one-size cloth diapers are fantastic; you just need to keep in mind the potential fit issues that can occur on a newborn or large toddler.
I’m interested in organic cloth diapers.
Many parents are now choosing to place natural fibers next to their baby’s bottom. Crops such as hemp, bamboo, and cotton can be grown organically, offering parents a very earth-friendly natural cloth diapering option.
One of our favorite organic cloth diapers is the bumGenius Elemental. The diaper offers a super trim fit and dries quickly given the diaper design. The Bumgenius has a PUL outer, so if you are looking for an all-natural system, you may want to consider pairing an organic prefold with a wool cover for example.
Natural fibers do not offer the stay dry feeling that fleece does. However, feeling wetness is not bad for the baby. In fact, it often helps little ones toilet train earlier.
Which diapers should I use for daycare?
We highly recommend keeping it as simple as possible for daycare. Choose either all-in-one or pocket diapers with aplix (Velcro), not snaps. If you go with pocket diapers, make certain they are sent to daycare pre-stuffed.
We also recommend laying disposable diaper liners in each diaper ahead of time so handling poopy diapers is a breeze. An odor and waterproof wetbag large enough to hold a day’s worth of diapers is also a must have.
Which cloth diaper is best for night time?
Finding a night-time solution that works for you is always possible, whether your baby is a super-soaker or not.
Typically, two options work best for nighttime, irrespective of the cloth diapering system you use during the day.
(1) Pocket Diaper. Take a pocket diaper and add two to three inserts. Be careful not to over-stuff so that it doesn’t fit properly (and potentially leaks), but you want to ensure you have enough absorbent material to handle a long night stretch. We typically recommend that you use a combination of microfiber and hemp inserts. Place the microfiber insert on top of the hemp insert and stuff both into the pocket opening. Microfiber is a fast absorbing material, which will soak up wetness from your baby quickly. Although hemp absorbs more slowly, it can hold an incredible amount of liquid. Alternatively, use a flip organic cotton insert in the pocket. This is an incredibly absorbent insert that should stand up to a night!
(2) Fitted + Cover. Fitteds offer great absorbency and if you pair it with a wool cover for great breathability and absorbency (wool can hold up to 30% of its weight in liquid) you'll have no problems. This is our fav! Check out the Bumboo Bamboo Fitted cloth diaper - so soft, so absorbent.
Which cloth diaper is the trimmest?
Cloth Diapers vary in their trimness. If a trim fit is important to you, or you’re looking to add a few diapers to your stash perfect for under jeans, then we recommend you try one of the following diapers:
- BG Elemental
- GroVia All-in-One
- Tots Bots Easy Fit
Should I go with snaps or velcro/aplix?
Snaps typically last longer than Velcro as Velcro does tend to wear over time, particularly if you regularly place your diapers in the drier. However, Velcro makes for super quick and easy changes, and also allows you to find the perfect snugness around the waist. Snaps can be challenging if you have a super-wiggly baby, but many parents prefer them for how well they last. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice. We like to have a mix.
How do I measure my baby for sizing?
There are three measurements you will need: waist, leg, and rise.
- Waist: Measure approximately 1 inch below the belly button (where the top of the diaper will sit).
- Leg: Measure around the fullest part of baby’s thigh. You will essentially follow where the diaper elastic would normally be.
- Rise: Measure from 1 inch below the belly button, up to the level of the belly button in the back.
I’m still stuck…I don’t know which kind or which brands to select.
Give us a call or drop us an e-mail…we’re happy to help you make a selection that will be suited to your needs.