Lesson #3: Less IS more!

When it comes to cloth diapering, you need very little detergent.  Whenever I tell people how much to use they look at me like I’m nuts….I’m not.  I’ve learned my lesson in this area. 

Just like using the wrong detergent can cause build-up, skin irritation, and if left long enough, burns on your poor baby’s bum – so can using too much detergent. 

I use Allen’s Naturally with my cloth diapers and I literally use a dime size for a whole load of diapers.  I have a top loader, so if you have a front load, you should be using even less than that.  The detergent is very concentrated and it goes a long way.  This lesson can save you money (because a bottle of detergent will last what seems like forever), time (because you won’t have to be stripping your diapers that have build-up from too much detergent), and even anxiety (if it gets so bad that your sweet baby wakes up with a rash or burn on their bum). 

Lesson #2: Detergent Matters

When I started cloth diapering, I used a "free" detergent.  Scent-free, dye free, etc. and dermatologist tested.  It seemed safe to me.  However, this detergent caused massive build-up on my diapers and lead to many leaks and some skin irritations on my son because of it.  I ended up getting rid of those diapers because the build-up was so thick.

I had absolutely no idea that detergent is so impotant when cloth diapering.   The right detergent means cloth diapering successfully...no rashes, burns, or odours and very few leaks.  Because some detergents don’t rinse well, they end up leaving a residue on the diapers that builds up and causes the diapers to lose absorbency, leak, and even irritate baby’s skin.

When washing cloth diapers, you should be sure to stay away from most baby and natural oil based detergents (this shocked me).  They often leave a residue on the diapers and cause a waxy build-up which will eventually lead to diapers that not only do not absorb, but essentially repel liquids.  You should also stay away from chlorine bleach as it can breakdown the elastics and waterproof layers of some cloth diaper fabrics. You should also never use any fabric softener when drying cloth diapers in the dryer.*

A good detergent should leave your cloth diapers soft, absorbent, and smelling clean.  If your cloth diaper detergent isn’t doing this, maybe it’s time for a change!

                                                             *some information taken from www.ampdiapers.com 

Alright, let's be honest - diapers stink! It doesn't matter if you use cloth or disposable, IT'S POOP!! 

That being said, I"ve heard people say that cloth diapers stink more than disposables do and that is simply not true.  In my experience, used disposable diapers actually have more of an odor to them than cloth do. 

Like disposables, if cloth diapers are put into a diaper pail with a tight-fitting lid, odor should not be a problem.  I have read about some people using a wet pail for cloth diapering, which means the diapers are soaking in stagnant, dirty water and yes, I would think that would stink.  However, that is not necessary.   The dry pail method of cloth diapering is what we, and everyone I know, use.  This involves using a waterproof pail liner in your diaper pail, tossing the used diapers in the pail liner and when it's time to wash, throwing all of it (pail liner, diapers, liners, wet bags, etc.) into the washing machine.   

Cloth diapers that are washed in the proper detergent and rinsed well should not stink! If yours do, try stripping them (run them through a couple hot washess) or using vinegar in your wash cycle (if you have soft water).

I've done a few trade shows over the last few months and have had many discussions with people about cloth diapering.  Some people are so excited to see that cloth is becoming more popular and that it is easier than ever to cloth diaper.  Others are skeptical and are willing to discuss their questions, which I appreciate.  These people are often going by things they have heard about cloth diapering, or assumptions that they themselves are making.  I have come to realize that there are many false ideas out there about cloth diapering and what it entails.  These conversations have inspired me to do a blog series this week...Myth Busters: Cloth Diaper Edition! 

Myth #1: It's just so much work!
This is a very common complaint about cloth diapering.  I often hear things like, "Wow, I can't believe you have the time for that!" Thanks for the credit, but it's really not much work at all.

Whether you use cloth or disposable, you have to change diapers and wipe bums.  With disposable, you throw the diapers in the garbage, with cloth you throw them in a diaper pail.   Yes, you do need to dump the poop in the toilet (although, when a baby is solely breastfeeding, you don't even need to do that!), but really how much extra work is that?  Then there's the washing (more on that later in the week).  Many people state that this is too just too difficult.  Yes, it is a of bit extra work, but really, what is another load or two a week?  The washing machine takes care of all the dirty work, anyways.  All you're doing is throwing them in the washing machine and then switching them over to the clothes line or dryer.  At least you're not running out late at night because you're out of disposables! 

There are also many products that make cloth diapering even easier.  Pail liners are great because you can just dump the diapers into the washing machine and throw the bag right in with them.  Wet bags make dealing with dirty diapers easy when you're not at home and close to your diaper pail.  One of my hubby's favorites, flushable liners make dealing with poop even easier because you can just pick up the liner and throw it all into the toilet. 

Cloth diapering is really not much work at all!  Like many things, once it's a part of your routine, you really don't even notice or consider it work at all. 

Check back tomorrow for the truth about another cloth diapering myth!