So, you want to bring cloth diapers to the hospital? Before you place that order or pack that bag, here are 6 Tips for Bringing Cloth Diapers to the Hospital:
1. Bring Enough: Most newborns go through 8 to 12 diaper changes in a 24 hour period.
2. Have a Wash Plan: Most manufacturers recommend washing soiled cloth diapers every 2 to 3 days. Make sure you and your partner have a plan to wash during your stay or as soon as you arrive home.
3. Consider Flats and Covers: Many people suggest going with flats or prefolds with covers for the newborn stage. This would be ideal for the hospital because you could reuse a cover multiple times and bring 8 to 12 covers and a stack of 24 to 36 prefolds, depending on how often you can send your wash home. This will also vary, depending on the length of your stay. Many families recommend Bummis or Thirsties covers and prefolds come sized. (I personally dislike pre-folds, so I did not choose this route).
4. Research AI2s: AI2 diapers can also be a good option in this scenario. These allow you to lay the insert on top of the cover and reuse the cover, as long as it doesn’t become soiled. SoftBums are a good choice here because they are a one-size diaper, but the smallest setting is definitely right for a tiny newborn, plus they offer small pods. I tried an AI2 system with a newborn and often found that newborn poop would sneak past the inserts onto the edges of the cover, so I couldn’t reuse it (many AI2 systems do not have wipe-able covers).
5. Rent: A newborn cloth diaper rental might be the way to go if you plan to cloth diaper from birth. I purchased some used and clearanced newborn diapers to use on my baby this time and plan to re-sell them, but definitely considered a rental. I say go with aplix AIOS for the simplest newborn diapering experience!
6. Wet Bags Aplenty: Bring large wet bags and several medium wet bags to the hospital. I would recommend the new Funky Fluff Hanging Wet Bag, as it is very large and zips up. This is ideal for transporting diapers.
Considering cloth diapers for baby after a c-section? Read about my experiences and see my recommendations here.
Disclosure: Affiliate links included in this post.
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