Cloth Diapering 101

How many cloth diapers do I need?

Newborns will need between approx. 10-12 diaper changes a day.

After 3 months your baby will need approx. 6-10 changes a day.

Remember that you do need to change cloth diapers more frequently than you would a disposable. I suggest every 3-4 hours. Although they can go longer if you have a light wetter.  

How do I wash my cloth diapers?

For Cutesy Tushies pocket cloth diapers, I suggest using a cloth diaper safe detergent.  I like Tushie Wash, available at Cutesy Tushies.   You can also use Rock in Green (RnG).

First, if the diaper is soiled, you need to dump the solids into the toilet and rinse off the rest. You can get a sprayer that you attach to the back of your toilet. Then place the diaper and insert (taken out) in a dry diaper pail.

Turn the water to COLD and on the highest water level setting, run a quick rinse cycle. I've learned that this helps get the diapers clean easier. Then run your regular washing cycle, on the WARM setting with the highest water level.  After the cycle has ended run another rinse cycle on COLD. This extra rinse cycle helps get the extra detergent out that can cause smelly diapers.  If you use a diaper safe detergent you should have minimal build-up. DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTNER!!!!

Dry diapers on MEDIUM heat, since all dryers are different, find a drying time that works for you. I suggest you to take the diapers out after they are dry and leave the inserts in for the duration of the cycle. DO NOT USE DRYER SHEETS!!!

If you have velcro tabs on your diaper, use the added laundry tab to prevent "washer snakes"!  I do add dryer tabs to the velcro diapers.

Stinky diapers and stripping diapers 

You might notice that over time your diapers might not smell so fresh anymore, even right after being washed. They might even begin to not work as well as they once did. This is due to detergent build up. To some degree of build up will happen. If this happens to you, you just need to strip your diapers of the residue, which is very easy to do. You then need to switch detergents or it will happen again and again. Before stripping your diapers make sure they are clean.

Run one cycle on HOT  (one hot wash cycle every once in a while will not ruin the PUL layer) on the highest water setting, follow that by multiple rinse cycles WARM until there are no more soap bubbles. You will need to peek in the washer when it is swishing the diapers around to check for bubbles. I was amazed when I first stripped my diapers at how much detergent was still in my inserts/diapers. Keep in mind that agitation bubbles will go away after a few seconds and detergent bubbles will linger on the top of the water.

Why are my cloth diapers leaking?

There can be several reasons a cloth diaper will leak. It can be frustrating trying to figure out why a cloth diaper or any diaper for that matter is leaking. If you are new to cloth diapers be patient, it will all be worth it in the end.  It can take a few weeks to get the hang of cloth diapers.  Every baby needs a different amount of absorbency.  More than likely leaking can be due to not enough absorbency.  Try adding an additional insert to see if that solves the problem.  Also size plays a major factor.  If you are unsure of what size to order please send me an email and I can help you determine what size will be best for your baby.

1. Prior to washing your diapers before use, the best way to seal any holes in them made by the sewing process is to put them in your dryer on hot for 10 minutes. Then wash your new diapers well before use. I know it's hard to wait.. But you need to. Wash diapers 2-3 times prior to using. There can sometimes be residue left on the fabrics from the manufacturer that can affect absorbency.

2. Don't use diaper creams. These can affect absorbency. Typically babies who use cloth diapers don't get as many rashes. If you do need to use a diaper cream, use a liner against the skin. Walmart or Target carry them online.

3. If the diaper is leaking out the front, make sure the insert isn't pushing the lining fabric against the baby's skin. Also if you have a boy, they wet in the front, and if your baby is a heavy wetter you may need a doubler in the front to hold the extra wetness.

4. If the diaper is leaking out of the side leg openings, change the diaper and pull out the insert. If the insert is saturated, then you need more frequent diaper changes or you need an additional insert for added absorbency. Also make sure that you have the diaper fitted snugly around the legs. There should be no gaps around the legs. If there is a gap, tighten the waist or you may need a smaller diaper. You may also have a repellency issue. Cutesy Tushies have a fleece lining which wicks moisture away from the skin into the microfiber insert below. If you are not using additive free detergent, buildup from the detergent is staying on the diaper and affects absorbency.

5. If the diaper is leaking out the back, make sure that insert is tucked all the way in. Make sure it is not pressing against the baby�s skin/clothes. Sometimes girls will leak out of the back if they have a really big pee. You may need to add an additional insert to increase absorbency.  Or for boys add an additonal insert to the front of the diaper.

6. While there is a PUL layer built into the diaper, sometimes moisture can find its way to the outside of the diaper.   This is called wicking.  Since most outer prints are cotton, you may notice after a few pee's or one really large pee, that around the legs might get damp.  This doesn't happen all the time, I found that it happens more often if the diaper doesn't fit properly and the legs curl inward around the gussets.   This happens more for skinny babies.

7.  Please keep in mind that not every diaper works the same on every baby.   What works best for one baby might not work for another.  If you are unsure try one out first to see if it works for your baby before placing a large order. 

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