Cloth Diaper Challenge Do-Over

By: Natali Morris
Topics: Infants ,; Toddlers

I am restarting my 30-day cloth diaper (CD) challenge. I had to go back to what the diapering community calls "sposies" (disposable diapers), but I take full responsibility for the failure. It is only a reflection on the fact that cloth diapering takes a little more organization at first.

I wasn't really ready to start the challenge on Monday, but I got a little overzealous and jumped the gun. My stash wasn't complete and I needed time to get organized. I had washed the SoftBums samples once, but then a blog commentator said I needed to wash them three times. I didn't know that.

Question: Is that wash and dry three times? Or just wash three times and then dry once and for all? And where is that written? It wasn't on the labeling for the diapers or inserts.

Also, I ordered a wet bag because I wasn't sure that the Diaper Genie II would work with the two-in-ones. The wet bag just came in yesterday with a whole new stash of Rumparooz, which now I have to wash three times.

And finally, I am a little concerned about travel. We are taking a trip to Grandma's house this weekend. Any cloth diapering travel tips I should be aware of? The first time I took a road trip with my son I failed to bring a plastic bag to hold the soiled diaper. It isn't fun to sit in the front seat with a poppy diaper at your feet, driving around looking for a dumpster. Learned that one the hard way. How can I avoid a similar mistake while cloth diapering on the go?

My stash should be dried and ready to go by tomorrow, so we'll officially start the challenge then. I hope the CD community gives me a pass on this one. They have been tremendously supportive and encouraging this week, so I certainly don't want to disappoint them all.

Do-over!

Natali Morris is the host of Loaded on CNET TV and other CNET podcasts. She also contributes technology reports for CBS News.
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by johnnswife24 November 15, 2010 10:48 PM EST: Don't worry, you're doing great!! When I first ordered my prefolds from Cotton Babies (my favorite online retailer!), there was an insert with washing instructions and that's where I learned you had to "prep" or pre-wash the diapers. There's definitely a learning curve but I love cloth, I've saved money & my very sensitive babies have fewer rashes. Keep asking questions & rolling with the punches, before long it'll all be second nature.

As others have said, traveling with cloth works, you just need a wet bag. I actually prefer prefolds or flats for travel...AIOs are more convenient but the plain cotton dipes won't get as "funky" if you aren't able to wash them for awhile. Just my preference though.; Reply to this comment


by lovemyclothdiapers November 12, 2010 1:51 PM EST: Just wash them 3 times and then dry once, they will continue to increase in absorbency until they have been washed 6 times.
As far as traveling, if it's just for the day or overnight, just take a wetbag and wash them when you get home. It would be exactly the same as if you were home all day. If you're going to be gone for longer than you have diapers, just ask to wash them at Grandma's. When we travel home to our parents we use cloth and wash them there. No big deal b/c they used cloth with us. If we're going on vacation and there's not a washer available, we use disposable for the vacation.; Reply to this comment


by cslbaby November 12, 2010 11:37 AM EST: Yep you are just fine- get things prepped and ready to go and then start.
Everything should be washed 3-5x and dried. They can line dry so you don't have to spend the money on the dryer.

You need to do that so that they will be the most absorbant (which you want)!

As far as travel, use your wet bag. Throw the dirties in there (if you have a planet one some of them have a dry zipper and a wet zipper so you can carry cleans & dirties).
So just have your wetbag, a changing pad, wipes. If you are only going to be gone a few days then you should have plenty to wait to wash until you get home. If gone for more than 2 days, bring some detergent and wash there.

Good luck!; Reply to this comment


by KHarris228 November 12, 2010 10:53 AM EST: I actually think its easier to travel with cloth (I'm a recent convert to cloth). ;)

I have a small wet bag that I bring. If you don't want to order another, gallon size ziploc bags work great. I bring all the diapers I'll need for those days, plus a couple extra to be safe. I use flushable liners, so I just change my baby in the friend/family/hotel's bathroom and dump the poop in the toilet. Then put my diaper in the wet bag. I think its easier that disposables because you don't have to ask, "um... where can I throw away this poopy diaper in your house so your home wont reek?" LOL

In my diaper bag I always keep an extra diaper and a ziploc bag in case of diaper changes needed while running errands. I just tuck the ziploc bag in my diaper bag til I get home, no driving around with poopy diapers at your feet. :)

I think its kind of 'common knowledge' among cloth 'experts' to wash 3-5 times before you use the new diapers. I think that's why its not on the diaper packages. Depending on where you buy them, some stores will give you a little handout with your order explaining some basics of cloth diapering. That's where I learned that it needed to be done (and word of mouth on forums and such).

If you decide you really like cloth and want to stick with it and order any more, KuWaii are my favorite brand. They are cheap and I have never had any leaks and the fit nice and trim. My 3 month old baby and my 5 year old could BOTH fit in the one size (my 5 year old needed one for night time). KuWaii and BumGenius are my favorites, but I have more KuWaii since the price is much better and they are every bit as good of quality.; Reply to this comment


by MamaBiehl November 12, 2010 10:53 AM EST: Lol! Of course you get a do-over!! There's definitely a learning curve to cloth diapers!

With the rumparooz, I only washed and dried them once and never had any leaks!

For traveling, You might think about using flushable liners (bummis and grovia make them). That way, when you are traveling you can just flush the insert and not have to worry about poop in the diaper! If you don't have time to get those, just get some fleece from a store and cut it into strips to fit in the diaper. Then you can just throw the fleece away in the trash can. I say fleece because it draws moisture away from the baby's skin!

I think it's cool that you were excited to get going! Hope it all works out!; Reply to this comment


by cdtoday November 12, 2010 10:48 AM EST: I use the flip disposable inserts (in lots of other diapers too). I also use a small plastic container that snaps closed for in the car. Keeps the smell in. I have a bunch of plastic grocery bags stuffed in the diaper bag just in case I forget my wet bag (happens to me all the time with 3 kids). For airplanes...disposable till we get to the other end. If this is too stressful, try a different way. There are some CD 'nazis' out there, but most of us are hybrids. Do the best you can and be at peace with that.; Reply to this comment


by leegee_02 November 12, 2010 10:13 AM EST: I'm sorry if I repeat some information, as I don't have time at the moment to read through all previous comments. I've only been exclusively CDing for about 3 months, primarily with Fuzzi Bunz, but here are my words of wisdom:
-A wet bag is a MUST. I have one that has a wet pouch and a dry pouch, which is nice since CDs take up a lot more room in your diaper bag. You can simply place 1 or 2 clean ones in the dry pouch with some wipes and be on your way.
-In my dry pail, I have a LARGE wet bag inside of a 13 gallon trash can with a lid. The trash cans are MUCH cheaper than a diaper pail. For my wet pail, I used a cleaned out cat litter bucket. I only put the inserts from my pocket diapers in the wet, just to keep the urine from drying in and leading to an ammonia smell...ick! I also rinse the diaper itself and wring it out each time.
-Buy some disposable/flushable/biodegradable liners if your child has a "pooing" pattern or is predictable and you can just pull the whole liner out and flush. However, and I'm sorry I don't know the details of your little ones' age or your method of feeding, but if you're breastfeeding, a sprayer is a MUST. You can't just "knock" that poo off, lol! Another way of spraying your diapers without purchasing a (at least) $45 sprayer is if your shower is close enough to your toilet and you have a shower head you can pull down. Just a thought...
-At first I wasn't brave enough to head out for more than an hour with my daughter in a cloth diaper, but quickly got over that. It's just as simple as sposies, if you are organized enough (I am about to switch to cloth wipes because I think it's a pain to have to go to the trash and throw out my wipes each time I change her pants).
-As far as the trip to g-mas goes, just check with her if it's okay to use her washing machine, if need be. I recently spent a week at my sister's following the birth of her 2nd child and she had a utility sink which I loved for rinsing my diapers :-) I just took my LARGE wet bag along for storing until it was time to wash. I also use Rockin' Green detergent which has a few different formulas and a nice variety of scents.

I wish you the best of luck on this endeavor and I have confidence that with enough patience, organization, and desire, anyone can cloth diaper!; Reply to this comment


by danaann517 November 12, 2010 10:08 AM EST: First, I have to tell you that my husband was very upset that I was criticizing you after your original segment on cloth vs. disposables. Apparently he is a big fan and follows you on Twitter or some other social media type thing. After I was complaining about the uninformed reporter, he asked, "Do you mean Natali DelConte?" He was not happy that I was so disappointed in your report since he loves your tech reviews. He's happier now that I'm excited about your use of cloth.

On to diapers. As other comments have said, multiple prep washes are only necessary for natural fibers (cotton, hemp, bamboo). Pockets with microfiber inserts only need to be washed once prior to use.

Traveling with cloth can be just as easy as traveling with disposables, it really depends on your situation and how adamant you are about your diaper choices. Honestly, if I were traveling for more than a few days and staying with family, I would have no problem washing diapers in their machines. If I was spending a week in a hotel, however, I would most likely use disposables.; Reply to this comment


by Cutecooper01 November 12, 2010 9:57 AM EST: I traveled with my 8 month old for the first time last month and we flew. I used the flip diapers with their disposable inserts. The inserts are made from paper pulp and bamboo and they biodegrade. It was really easy. When we were at our destination we used our flips and fuzzi bunz and did laundry. I will say it is a little extra work to cloth diaper, however I know that is is better for my baby and the planet so I am willing to do the right thing. Good luck; Reply to this comment


by karmel345 November 12, 2010 9:21 AM EST: Don't feel bad about using disposables. I still find myself using them here and there. Not all cloth diapers moms feel that disposables are the devil.

I travel with coth all the time. We visit my in-laws about 1-2 times a month. In the beginning I just had a regular wet bag. Now I use a Planet Wise hanging wet/dry bag. It has a side for the clean diapers and a side for the dirty diapers. It is nice to keep all of them together in one bag.

If you have enough diapers to get you through your trip that is great. If not, remember to bring your diaper detergent with you. I have washed my diapers at my mother in-laws house, but now I have enough to get me through from Friday night to Sunday afternoon. I always bring a few extra disposables along, though, just in case.

Really travelling with cloth isn't that much harder than travelling with disposables, they just take up more room. Enjoy your trip!; Reply to this comment