WHAT GOES INTO MAKING A GREAT REUSABLE DIAPERING SYSTEM?
Why would someone want to use reusable diapers?
- Because they are so easy to use – old fashioned pins and plastic pants have been replaced by easy to use closure systems with velcro or snaps. High tech fabrics with super absorbency or waterproof qualities pair up with soft and natural textiles like cotton and wool to create comfortable and extremely functional products and systems. Cloth diapers are breathable and soft on baby’s bum.
- Because washing cloth diapers now is a breeze! Flushable liners have revolutionized cloth diapering. No rinsing, no mess.
- Because cloth diapers are extremely affordable! They can cost thousands less than single use diapers.
- And because each baby in cloth diapers will generate at least one ton less garbage destined for landfills.
Components of a successful system
The components of a successful reusable diapering system are adequate absorption, effective waterproof qualities and a good fit. A snug fit around the legs and tummy to prevent leaking is essential! Too big, baggy diapers will fall down and be ineffective. Too small and the diapers will leak! Velcro-type closure systems are a wonderful innovation in diapering because they make a snug fit possible on any baby.
Very important as well are the long-term durability of the product, the washability, and the ease of use. Make sure you know about manufacturers’ warranties, etc. A diapering system should last for at least one baby, if not more. How many diapers does the manufacturer suggest per baby? Too few diapers washed too often will not last as long as 2 – 3 dozen diapers washed twice a week. Plus – using cloth diapers should not be slavery. Make sure you buy enough diapers so that you are washing only 2-3 times per week with a newborn, and less often as the baby grows.
Make sure you purchase diapers and accessories that are suited to your lifestyle. For some parents that means that they must be able to withstand machine washing and normal temperatures. But some parents will be willing to take the time to handle more fragile fabrics with care.
Types of reusable diapers
There are tons of options! Here is a very basic rundown of the different product types.
Two piece systems: flat, prefold, contoured and fitted diapers used with a waterproof outer shell
A two-piece system consists of an absorbent diaper and a waterproof diaper cover with Velcro or snap closures. The trick is to have a good quality, absorbent diaper and a great fitting and very effective diaper cover
The different types of diapers are:
- Old fashioned flat folding diapers – very big, thin squares or rectangles of flannel, gauze, etc. These have traditionally been the least expensive option. They can be folded up and placed inside a Velcro or snap closing waterproof cover. Basic and very simple!
- The more high tech pre-fold diapers. These come in different qualities – look for those that have layers of 4X6X4 or 4X8X4. Birdseye diapers are not very absorbent, and it is easy to find the nicer 100% cotton pre-folds from India, Pakistan or China. These are the diapers most commonly used in diaper services, and you can be certain that diaper service quality pre-folds will stand up to lots of wear and tear, and last a long time. The unbleached cotton versions are gorgeous and more environmentally friendly. These should be used with Velcro or snap closing waterproof diaper covers. Make sure you have clear and detailed instructions on how to use this system properly and that you know how to fold and place the diaper inside the cover. This is a slim and trim and very versatile system of diapering. Not rocket science to use and very affordable!
- Contoured diapers. This is a diaper that is designed to fit perfectly inside a Velcro or snap closing waterproof diaper cover. It is not necessary to fold them. Make sure that the ones you purchase are very absorbent and have enough layers of really thirsty fabrics, or they will not be able to do the job, as there is very minimal coverage.
- Form-fitted diapers. These come in a range of fabrics and quality, and can have Velcro or snap closures. New and very absorbent fabrics make this a real premium and easy to use diapering system that will wash and wear beautifully. Look for unbleached cotton fleece, hemp and bamboo form-fitted diapers. Price can go from moderate to steep as you get into the more premium fabric choices, but they are still inexpensive compared to disposable diapers. Traditional flannel used for diapers is not always the best option these days. Over time the flannel can wear down, lose its nap, and become less absorbent. Also – too many layers of plain cotton can increase drying time enormously. Form-fitted diapers can be used with either a Velcro or snap closing diaper cover or a pull-on pant or soaker.
Waterproof Diaper Covers
Good diaper covers are essential to a 2 piece diapering system. They are widely available now in some exciting new fabrics – a huge improvement over the old vinyl or “plastic” pants! Make sure you purchase covers with proven track records. They should be top quality, as they are the key to leak proof diapering. But be aware that even the best diaper cover will not work without an adequately absorbent diaper! And make sure that you have been provided with thorough washing information with any covers you purchase.
PUL covers are a popular type – basically a polyurethane laminate that is bonded to easy care polyester knits, poly cotton blends or even cotton knits. Generally they can be machine washed. Some covers feature a layer of fabric and lamination, some have the lamination sandwiched inside the fabric. Covers made from PUL can be sturdy and long lasting, depending on the thickness and quality of the lamination. These diaper covers should be washed and rinsed thoroughly or they can develop a detergent residue problem (which will make them stinky and ineffective). Be proactive by washing them properly and purchasing residue free washing products. PUL covers are generally very reasonably priced and offer great value for the money.
Coated nylon covers are also widely available. In particular this is an excellent choice for lightweight pull-on pants. Note that washing instructions will be different for nylon products.
Polar Fleece is a fabulous fabric for diaper covers, slightly more deluxe in price. It is very breathable – in fact it is often called the “poor man’s wool”, and is ideal for keeping baby comfortable! There are pull-on style polar fleece covers and Velcro and snap closing fleece covers. You can find single or double layer polar fleece covers, laminated or non-laminated covers. Laminated polar fleece may be slightly less breathable, but you won’t have any of the “compression wetness” that is sometimes associated with non-laminated products, especially when a baby sits down in a wet diaper.
Wool covers are great! They are a bit more pricey, but a beautiful deluxe fabric that is very comfortable and very effective – and you will be able to function with very few covers. This is the option for parents who want a totally natural and breathable system. You can find them in pull-on style or with velcro-type closures. There are some full leg models as well, which double as wool pants. You can also find recycled sweater versions of these that are quite lovely as well. It is important with wool covers that you are provided with adequate washing information when you purchase them. Wool needs special care and handling, and must be washed with lanolin occasionally to retain its water repellent qualities.
Integrated systems: all-in-ones and pocket diapers
All-in-one diapers (AIOs) are very easy to use. They feature an absorbent inner layer with a waterproof shell attached. They are as convenient as disposable diapers. Some have 100% cotton interiors, and some come with groovy new super absorbent and quick drying fabrics like microfibre. Be careful that the model you choose has a long lasting waterproof shell that can withstand many wash and dry cycles. It should be at least as sturdy and long lasting as the cotton inside. AIOs are usually pricier than other diapering systems, and you want to be sure that they will last a long time – at least one baby! Synthetic fabrics like microfibre are extremely absorbent and will not take as long to dry. Some parents will prefer to have a more natural fabric like cotton against their baby’s skin. It really depends on you.
The much talked about pocket diapers are very similar to AIOs except that they feature a “stuffable” pocket. Theoretically they are a 2 piece system, but in actual fact they are as convenient as AIOs - hence we consider them to be an integrated system. The stuffable nature of these diapers means that you can adjust the level of absorbance you need depending on the time of day, the particular baby, the baby’s age, etc. Interesting fabrics like hemp and microfibres constitute the liners that you stuff with. Diapers can be stuffed in advance and then pocket diapers are as easy to use as AIOs! They are about the same cost as AIOs, far less expensive than disposable diapers. Parents love the seamless and soft fleece inner layer of the pocket diapers, which feels comfortable and dry to baby, and makes clean-up easy for parents.
One size fits all or size specific?
There are some ingenious diapers out there that will grow with your baby. And then there are some that claim to but will not. Looking at a sample is often the best way to tell. A tiny 6 lb baby will not always fit into a diaper that goes up to 35 lbs!
Which system suits which parent/baby?
Make sure that you buy the system that will suit your needs. A decision based on price alone can sometimes be disastrous. Remember to explain the cost benefits of reusable diapers over the 2.5 years of diapering. Even a super deluxe system of cloth diapers will cost at least $1000 less than disposable diapers!
Accessories
Flushable liners Often thes liners can make the difference between parents using cloth diapers or not. No more rinsing poopy diapers in the toilet. Pull out your flushable liner, throw it into the toilet, throw your diaper into a pail until you are ready to wash. So easy! An alternative to the flushable liners are reusable liners made of microfleece. These soft and cozy but thin layers will wick moisture away from baby’s skin – and make clean-ups easier.
Snappis are very cool little gadgets that replace pins. Simply stretch and stick in your diaper to transform a flat, pre-fold or contoured diaper into a form-fitted diaper.
Transitional diapering system: gDiapers
Although not a completely reusable cloth diaper, the new gDiaper system does have a reusable component – which is why it is included here. Basically this system consists of a washable and waterproof outer shell – the diaper cover (or “little g” pant), and a disposable insert. The inserts do have an absorbent gel inside, but they are flushable. They make a great alternative to disposable diapers and are way more eco-friendly – although they do generate more waste than cloth diapers.
If you use this system exclusively, it will cost about the same as using disposable diapers. Some parents will want to use this system in conjunction with cloth diapers. For instance, traveling with gDiapers could be a convenient option.