Wow! We had a terrific response to our first #NewtoCloth Post: 5 Reasons to Switch to Cloth diapers. Today, I’m going to try and answer some of the great questions from that post. I’ll also answer some of the remaining questions and pose them to the participants at the twitter party tonight because I know the cloth diapering community is full of knowledgeable families with great tips and experiences.
New to Cloth Series Part 2: I’ve Decided to Cloth Diaper. Now What?
When families begin cloth diapering, each situation is unique. Some families are on a tight budget and the initial investment is the overriding factor. Other families want to use an eco-friendly solution, but value convenience over budget. Another family might be seeking the most cost effective way to take their baby from newborn to potty training using the same diapers.
Caitlin at BabyKicks has worked with a variety of families over the years, helping them get started with cloth. Here are her recommendations for families new to cloth on how to begin cloth diapering with BabyKicks.
How many diapers you need depends on how often you want to do laundry. Washing every 2 to 3 days is optimal for one child in diapers.
Average number of diaper changes to expect per child:
Newborns need 12 to 15 changes per 24 hours
Babies/Toddlers need 6 to 10 changers per 24 hours
To wash every other day (and have diapers clean while the wash is running), you will need:
18 to 24 cloth diapers for a Newborn
12 to 18 cloth diapers for a Baby/Toddler
Here are some combinations to begin cloth diapering using BabyKicks cloth diapers:
Combination 1: Most Economical
12 BabyKicks One Size Diapers (Basic Pocket, Premium Pocket, or Organic Fitted)
6 BabyKicks Hemparoo Fleece Prefolds
2 Covers of a brand of your choices
Snappi
As baby outgrows prefolds, they will need less diapers and you can use pockets exclusively.
*BabyKicks Tip: BabyKicks One Size diapers truly fit a baby from 7 lbs to 40 lbs. They fold down small enough to fit a newborn and will accommodate both slim and chunky babies without compromising comfort or practicality.
Combination 2: Simple Solution
18 BabyKicks One Size Basic Pockets or Premium Pockets
This combination will get you through the newborn period washing every other day and allow you to wash less frequently as baby grows.
*BabyKicks Tip: Pocket Diapers are made to have a trim fit and exceptional absorbency. Add some extra Joey inserts if you need additional absorbency at bed time.
Combination 3: Add a Little Variety to Your Stash
10 BabyKicks One Size Basic Pockets or Premium Pockets
6 BabyKicks Organic Fitteds
2 BabyKicks Hemparoo Fleece Prefolds
2 Covers of a brand of your choice
Snappi
*BabyKicks Tip: The BabyKicks team did a non-scientific survey on their Facebook page, asking fans to share some of their favorite covers to go over BabyKicks Organic Fitteds and Hemparoo Fleece Prefolds. Favorites included Blueberry, Rumparooz, Flip, Gen-Y, Thirsties Duo Wraps, and anything wool.
Wondering why BabyKicks uses Hemp? Here’s a great link to understanding this amazing resource.
Michelle Hill, a Family Nurse Practitioner and one of my fellow BabyKicks Ambassadors also has some Tips to help babies skin stay comfortable, dry, and rash free.
1. Change your baby’s diaper every 2 to 3 hours to prevent diaper rash. This recommendation is important for babies in both cloth and disposable diapers.
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2. A polyester or microfleece liner can help wick moisture away from baby’s skin. BabyKicks Premium Pockets come with a separate Stay Dry Liner.
3. Use a wet bag, not a diaper pail. Diaper pails are a breeding ground for bacteria and a drowning hazard.
4. Use the sun! It can help kill bacteria and fungus. Even an hour can make your diapers brighter and whiter.
5. Be aware of dietary changes that could cause rashes.
6. Use Cloth Wipes. Alcohol or preservatives in disposable wipes can irritate sensitive skin.
Be sure to join me and the BabyKicks team tonight at 8 pm CST/9 pm EST for the BabyKicks #NewtoCloth Twitter Party! Use the Rafflecopter form below to RSVP. Prize winners will be selected from party participants who RSVP and tweet at least once during the party using the hashtag #NewtoCloth (tweet must be public). If you don’t see the giveaway form, simply click “See More.”
* I am a BabyKicks Ambassador, committed to sharing information about and experiences with their products. No payment was received for this post. Affiliate links are used in this post.
When I started cloth diapering, I went with Best Bottom Diapers because my hubby’s cousin used them and recommended them. I also tried a few other diapers, but now I use Best Bottom exclusively.
http://www.babykicks.com/store/product/babykicks-organic-fitted-1044.cfm
I would really like to try the fitted diapers. These look like they would be really handy, especially for overnight. We just switched our 20 month old over to cloth a week ago and we are planning on cloth diapering our baby due in May from the beginning. I’m still trying to figure things out and try out different diapers, but we’re loving it so far! 🙂
I’d love to try the premium pocket. Love how trim they look!
Question: which diaper of the Babykicks line (or combination of products) would you recommend for a heavy wetter?
Hemparoo Fleece Prefolds or Organic Fitted. Thanks!
I would love to try one of their Organic Fitteds for nighttime.
I would love to try the fitteds
Question: Iuse cloth now, but Ihave never used fitteds. How long do fitteds last overnight compared to a oublestuffed pocket?
I want to try the organic fitted diaper!
I would love to know what enzymes should you look for in trying to find a cloth diaper safe detergent? I know there aren’t supposed to be any in there, but I don’t know the specific names of the ones to look out for.
I double up on inserts, usually cotton and hemp, which one should go on top touching baby’s skin?
I would love to try their fitted diapers.
I want to try the wipes. I only used cloth wipes with my second child for the last few months, but I’m totally on board to do it from the beginning with baby #3.
Question: How many cloth wipes do you need for full time use?
I am also curious about washing. I’d like to make my own detergent but am a little wary as I don’t know what can harm my diapers. Also – what is everyone’s normal wash routine? I want to make sure my diapers are clean but want to wash them in the most efficient way possible.
Question #2: I like the cost effectiveness of prefolds, but I’m clueless as to how they need to be folded. HELP!
Babyckicks basic pocket diaper
I need a good nighttime diaper solution so i would LOVE to win and try a fitted.
A fitted diaper
A fitted would be nice
I havea question, best drying rack? I plan to utilize the sun when I can!
I would love to try the BabyKicks Organic Fitted
Best way to strip diapers with ammonia?
I’m curious about cloth diapering a newborn. We didn’t start cloth until my 3rd DS’s circumcision healed. Now I’m due in September and would like to use cloth from day 1.
Homemade cloth diaper detergent, i can’t afford to buy it so i need know that making it myself isn’t going to destroy my diapers.
Homemade cloth diaper detergent, i can’t afford to buy it so i need know that making it myself isn’t going to destroy my diapers.
I would like to try an organic fitted
How would I successfully get my heavy wetter to survive the night with one diaper, keep his skin and the bedding dry?
When should I begin prepping diapers for newborn!?
I’d love to try the organic fitted trial pack!
I’d love to try the organic fitted trial pack!
What’s the initial start up cost for a few days worth of supply. Is it worth it to start with a newborn?
Would love to try the new Babykicks Premium pocket diaper!!
I would love to try the BabyKicks Organic Fitteds.
I would like to try the JoeyBunz and prefolds on my newborn!
I would like to try the JoeyBunz!
I would love to try these out I am.new to cloth and still trying things out
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I would love to try a custom dyed fitted diaper!
I would love to try these out.. I am née to cloth and still trying stuff out and this looks like something I would love
Darn it! I forgot all about this last night.