Are you a parent looking for the best way to take care of your baby's cloth diapers? If so, you’re not alone- more and more parents are turning to cloth diapers for their babies. Not only do they help to reduce waste, but cloth diapers also create a softer surface on your baby's skin against harsh synthetics found in disposable options.
But if you're going to use them, it is important that you know how to safely wash and care for them. We’ve put together this blog post so that you can gain insight into the best practices when it comes to caring for those precious little bundles of joy!
What Are Cloth Diapers?
Cloth diapers have come a long way in recent years, with nearly a dozen different types available to choose from. They range from pocket diapers to all-in-ones, as well as hybrid and fitted options.
Each type is designed to fit babies of different shapes and sizes, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit that won't leak. Additionally, there are cloth diapers designed for babies who are more active or sleep more soundly than others. The best option for your baby will depend on their size, body type, activity level, and sleep needs.
It's important to factor in these details when making a buying decision, as the wrong type of diaper may lead to leaks or discomfort. Of course, many parents opt for multiple types of cloth diapers so they can switch between styles depending on their baby's needs at any given time. Ultimately, no matter what your baby's shape, size, or activity level is like, there is sure to be an option out there that will work perfectly for them.
Some of the various types of cloth diapers that are available for your choices include the following:
- Prefold cloth diapers
- Hybrid cloth diapers
- All-in-one cloth diapers
- Pocket cloth diapers
- One-size cloth diapers
What Are the Benefits of Cloth Diapers?
Cloth diapers offer an array of advantages for parents and families looking to be more eco-friendly. Some of the benefits of cloth diapers include the following:
- Cost: The cost of using disposable diapers can be quite substantial. Assuming that a single diaper costs around $0.20 each, you may find yourself shelling out about $540 for one year's worth of diapers. This expense is even higher if you opt for pricier brands or eco-friendly options like cloth diapers. If your baby needs diapers for up to 2.5 years, the total cost could reach over $1350—that’s a lot of money.
- Environmentally friendly: Cloth diapers are a far better choice for the environment than disposable diapers. They reduce the amount of waste going out from your home since cloth diapers can be washed and reused multiple times, saving you money in the long run.
- Safe for your baby's health: Cloth diapers are much better for your baby's health than disposables because they are free of potentially harmful chemicals and other ingredients that can cause or worsen skin irritation or inflammation. Additionally, the cloth is more breathable than disposable diapers, allowing your baby to regulate its temperature better and keep it dryer for longer. This helps prevent the development of diaper rash and other skin conditions.
- Soft for your baby's skin: Cloth diapers are also known to be gentler on your baby's sensitive skin due to their softer texture and more natural material.
How To Wash Cloth Diapers
When it comes washing your baby's clothes, or more specifically, their cloth diapers, there are two distinct steps to keep in mind: a shorter “pre wash” cycle and a longer “main wash” cycle. The prewash cycle helps remove the surface soil from the diapers, while the main wash is designed to get everything fully clean.
Depending on your machine's make and model, you may need to adjust the cycle settings for optimal performance. To ensure that your diapers remain sanitary after washing, experiment with different cycles until you find one that works best for your machine. Below, we will go over the simple steps you should follow to safely wash your children's cloth diapers
Prep Your Diapers for Washing
Owning cloth diapers for your children will also require you to have diaper liners at some points. Diaper liners are a popular choice among cloth diapering parents, as they provide an extra layer of protection between your baby's skin and the diaper itself. Not only do these liners keep the diaper clean, but they also provide an easy way to dispose of solids.
Depending on the type of liner you use, some can be thrown in the trash, while others are designed to be flushed down the toilet. No matter what liners you have, these need to be removed before washing your cloth diapers.
Washing Your Diapers
When it comes to washing your cloth diapers, the type of detergent you use matters as much as the washing cycle you choose. A laundry detergent that is being used with cloth diapers must be safe for various reasons.
Using a mild detergent designed for sensitive skin can help guard against irritation and skin sensitivities that occur from harsh chemicals in regular detergents. The perfect laundry detergent for the job is from Tru Earth. We offer a specially designed laundry detergent strip made especially for babies.
These strips provide a convenient, effective way to clean cloth diapers while still being eco-friendly. Each pre-measured strip is formulated with ultra-concentrated hypoallergenic cleaning power that seeks out and dislodges dirt molecules and stains before they can permanently set into the fabric.
In addition, this product is paraben-free, phosphate-free, dye-free, chlorine bleach-free, 1,4 dioxane-free, and biodegradable in accordance with OECD 310D regulations.
Simply use one of our specially designed laundry detergent strips for babies and set your washer to a cold water rinse setting, followed by a hot wash. Cold water is particularly effective at reducing staining, while a hot water wash will do an even better job of completely sanitizing the diapers.
Drying Your Cloth Diapers
The most common method of drying cloth diapers is to use a dryer on any regular setting. This will not damage the diaper if the dryer is functioning correctly. It is important to allow the diapers to cool completely before removing them, as this will help preserve the elastic and make sure it does not become over-stressed.
Alternatively, you may air dry your diapers by hanging them or placing them in direct sunlight. However, air drying may leave certain fabrics such as cotton feeling less soft than when dried in a machine. To soften these materials, you can shake out the diapers or put them in the dryer for a few minutes on a low setting with no heat.
