The world of cloth diapering has changed much since the days of flats and pins... we have plastic looking rubber pants that yellow over time, retain odour and leaks... now we have modern fabric materials that is soft, do not crack or retain odor, and they certainly don't leak! Polyurethane Laminate fabrics were developed for the medical industry and hold up well in the washer and dryer. High tech microfleece wicks moisture away from baby's skin and keeps them dry and rash free. Solids roll off the microfleece easily, eliminating the need for dunking or rinsing. Use of aplix and plastic snaps make diaper changes quick and easy.
Hate pins? Now we have ther Snappi fastener... made from a stretchable non-toxic material that is shaped like an elongated T with grips on each end. These grips embed in the diaper fabric to ensure a snug-fitting diaper with enough natural movement for your baby.
The flats are thin and not absorbent and hence requires very frequent diaper change. Then welcome to world of microfibre and hemp fabric. We have in stock various inserts to make cloth diapers trim and yet highly absorbent.
Find out more about cloth diapering in Cloth Diapering FAQ.
Difference between Bummis, bumGenius, Happy Heiny's, Fuzzi Bunz and Mommy's Touch?
Bummis Super Whisper Wrap or Super Print is simply a waterproof wrap. Bummis Cotton is 100% cotton and so the most breathable but NOT recommended for heavy wetter or for overnight.
Bummis Trainers are outer waterproof cover stuff with 3 layers of thirsties terry cloth. All you ever need for toilet training.
bumGenius, Fuzzi Bunz, Happy Heiny's and Mommy's Touch are pocketed diapering system. It is 1 layer of waterproof cover sew together with 1 layer of fleece to form a pocket. Fuzzi Bunz is a very soft, polyester cover using snap. bumGenius and Happy Heiny's One Size is a one-size polyester outer with aplix enclosure. Mommy's Touch is a one-size polyester outer with snaps.
Which is a better system?
ALL DEPENDS ON YOUR PREFERENCE! There is NO perfect system for everyone.
You can prestuff pocketed diaper so using it is just like using a disposable except it is washable.
Aplix/Velcro is more daddy and grandparents friendly. Also highly recommended for wriggy children who hate wearing any diapers.
Fleece will keep baby feeling dry and much easier to wash (since poo does not stick to it and so can just use shower head to flush poo into toilet bowl) but you can make do with a fleece liner on top of the inserts and diaper cover.
For newborn who poo and pee frequently, I highly recommend using a diaper cover since it is cheaper, easy to change inserts and fast to dry.
For active toddler, pocketed diaper is easier as the inserts on cover as a tendency to lump up around the crotch.
It is easier to customise the absorbency of a pocketed diaper especially for heavy wetters.
Will it be HOT?
The PUL used is usually 1mil or 2mil BREATHABLE material.
Fleece used is ultra-soft and although it feels thick, it is not warm for the child.
How many do I need?
Getting started using cloth diapers is very easy. The first thing you need to do is to decide how often you want to wash diapers. Most people wash them daily or every alternate day. The next thing you have to decide is what types of diapers you want to use and what brands you want to use. Because different types and different brands work best for different babies, a good idea would be to buy a few samples of diapers and covers and try them. Once you decide which you like best, you can buy more of your favourites. The ones you decide you don't like as much can be sold to other cloth diapering parents.
I would encourage you to separate the washing of the covers from the inserts. Wash the covers once you are free. The covers dry fast (2 hours to less than a day) compared to the inserts (1 to 2 days). In this way, you are able to reuse the covers more often.
The diapers you will need for your baby from birth to potty-training are: (estimated)
| Infant (0 to 6 mths) | - 300 pcs of disposables nappy liners or 24 pcs of fleece liners (*)
- 36 pcs of flats or diaper liners or diaper doublers (**)
- 8 pcs of diaper covers (small and medium size)
|
| Baby (6 mths to 18 mths) | - 24 pcs of flats or diaper liners or diaper doublers (*)
- 8 pcs of diaper covers (medium and large size)
|
| Toddler (18 mths & above) | - 12 pcs of flats or diaper liners or diaper doublers (*)
- 3 pcs of diaper covers (large and X-large size)
- 12 pcs of cloth training pants
|
Or if you are opting for one-size pocket diaper system, you will need 18pcs (24pcs would be a better choice) of covers and 36pcs diaper inserts.
The size may vary depending on the size of your child. Proper measurement is needed for both the waist and the thighs for best fit.
(*) The disposables nappy liners can be washed and reuse if only stained with pees.
(**) These flats and doublers can be used throughout the entire period of cloth diapering the child. Each can last for at least two years.
