Using Cloth Diapers From The Start

Using cloth diapers can seem like a daunting task all on it's own. Trying to use cloth diapers right from the start can seem like an overwhelming task… After all, you're not only trying to get to know your new baby, but trying to learn the ins and outs of cloth diapers, AND compete with the dirty laundry cloth diapering brings along with it.

The nice thing is that it doesn't HAVE to be hard at all. Here are my tips for you.

• Learn about cloth diapers BEFORE your baby gets here. Decide what kind of cloth diapers you want to use, attend a cloth diapering class, purchase a copy of "The Do It Yourself Cloth Diapering Handbook". If you plan on using prefold or flatfold diapers, practice folding BEFORE baby gets here. You can practice on a stuffed animal or doll - Motherhood Naturally actually sells diapers made for beginners learning how to fold, you can get one free with the purchase of "Diaper Maps" a complete guide to folding cloth diapers!
• I don't recommend stocking up on ONE type of diaper before baby gets here. My reasons are simple: every baby is not shaped the same. Neither is every cloth diaper. Ask around for diapers that seem to be the most versatile, or decide to use prefolds until you have time to order different diapers after you've tried a few and know what will work. In my experience, I have found FuzziBunz and Snap-Ez pocket diapers to be great not only for fitting many babies, but for ease of use. Personally, I do prefer pockets because #1 they are easy to clean and dry fast, and #2 you can customize their absorbency, and #3 they don't need a cover! Of course, everyone has their own favorites - those are just mine!
• Prewash all of your diapers before your due date. If this is your first, this will probably be done before you enter your third trimester purely out of excitement. This is fine! If you have brand new diapers like prefolds, they will need to be washed several times before they will be ready for use. This removes the stiffness, helps them "quilt" and puff up and get nice and soft for your new baby's bottom. As far as what detergent to use - avoid baby detergents - the softeners added to the detergents will create a waxy residue on your diapers and hinder their effectiveness. Be careful about other detergents you buy from the store, too. Many contain harsh chemicals that are not only harmful to us as adults (and babies) but also not good for our environment. They may also build up in your diapers over time causing issues with absorbency, odor, and stiffness. 
• Get your diapers assembled and ready to go. Once your diapers have been washed and dried, it's time to find out how to store them. Generally, diaper stackers will work fine for preemie/infant prefolds and other diaper styles. But once you get into bigger diapers (or right from the start!) I love the Cloth Diaper Storage Sling™ for clean cloth diaper storage. This sling also allows you to assemble your covers, diaper fasteners and other supplies all in one place. You can store your diapers in this or on your changing table, if you use cloth wipes you can store them in a disposable wipes container and once baby arrives you can make your own diaper wipe solution and pour it right on your wipes in the plastic box.
• Get to know how you wash your diapers. It may even be helpful to post a paper on your washing routine right on your washer so that whoever is doing laundry will know exactly how to wash them. There is a free form available for download from www.motherhoodnaturally.com/info.htm
• Let your family and friends know you do intend to use cloth diapers when your baby is born and to please be supportive of this decision. The last thing you need as a new mom is to be bombarded by well-meaning friends and family that don't really understand why you want to use cloth diapers. Encourage them to learn about cloth diapers by taking a class, or reading "The Cloth Diapering Handbook"
• If you choose to use pocket diapers, try to have them pre-stuffed so there is no work involved when you start to use them. Include them in your hospital bag or birth supplies (depending on where you plan to birth) so you have them with you and ready for use. If you use prefolds and want to use the easiest fold known as the "trifold", you can actually pre-fold your prefolds (if that makes sense) into the trifold design so you can just grab it, put it in a cover and put it on your baby. That will save a small amount of hassle when it comes to preparing to diaper your baby.
• Have enough diapers on hand to get you through 2-3 days before having to wash. No doubt, when you have a baby, your laundry multiplies. You don't need the added stress of having to wash your diapers every day. I don't recommend storing your diapers for longer then 3 days between washings (your fabric can break down quicker and odors can develop that are hard to remove), but it is certainly a relief to have enough diapers to get you through a few days at a time.

• If you are using prefolds, invest in some Snappi diaper fasteners. These are very quick and easy to use compared to pins.