Bummis Blog 5 Simple Ways to Make Using Cloth Diapers EASY

Thinking you might want to use cloth diapers, but worried it might be too much work? Here's how to make it easy!1. Choose the RIGHT diapers for your machine and your lifestyleIf you have a high efficiency front loader, consider buying COTTON diapers, unless your machine is a VERY recent purchase, you paid a lot for it, and you can adjust the water level. If you have an old regular top loader - no problem - you can use any type of diaper.Why? "Stay-dry" cloth diapers have synthetic interiors, or absorbent layers made with microfibre. Although terrific for wicking moisture away from baby's bum and absorbing, these fabrics are MUCH harder to rinse out, and you need LOTS of hot water. Not lots of rinses, but lots of hot water. And high efficiency front loaders don't use a lot of water.Cotton washes out more easily and is less prone to residues. In case you wondered, residues make diapers stinky and non-absorbent (exactly what you were worried about - right?!).For more info, read this.2. Buy ENOUGH diapersBuy at least 24 diapers for your newborn. We change newborns 10-12 times per day. As time goes on and baby grows, we change them less often, and by the time they start to potty train, it's down to about 4-6 times per day. 24 diapers will last 2 - 2 ½ days between washing in the beginning, and about 3 days later on.Don't buy less and wash more often because:#1 you will have better things to do with your time than laundry, and it's TOO MUCH WORK to wash every day.#2 you will wear out your diapers faster. Imagine washing your underwear every day....#3 it's not eco-friendlyIf you are worried about the initial cost of 24 diapers, you can:#1 buy them 1 or 2 at a time in the months before baby is born#2 ask for cloth diapers as shower and baby gifts from friends and family (think cloth diaper shower!)#3 buy a base of inexpensive diapers (like the Organic Cotton Diaper Kit that comes with 24 prefolds), and then add on a few other diapers. That way you will never run out...For more info about making your cloth diapers last, read this.REMEMBER - you'll save about $2000/baby in cloth diapers - at least.3. Start cloth diapering when your baby is born. And buy NEWBORN diapers...Diapering a newborn is really easy. ESPECIALLY when you have diapers that really fit (like our newborn pack). And wrapping a gorgeous, delicate newborn baby in cloth diapers, especially ORGANIC cotton, is a wonderful feeling. When you start from the beginning:#1 you see how easy it is to use cloth diapers, AND #2 you get into the habit of using and washing them fast - it becomes a normal part of life.For more info on successfully cloth diapering a newborn, read this. 4. Read about washing cloth diapers BEFORE your baby comesWashing diapers is simple. You need lots of hot water, friction, and a good detergent (watch for our own Bummis brand detergent coming soon!). Once you understand the basics, it's easy.Read this, and you'll be an expert!Be sure to wash your cloth diapers BEFORE using them, and test them for absorbency (super important). Find out how to do that here.5. Use FLUSHABLE LINERS!Seriously? They are the BEST thing since sliced bread.Use them with your newborn to avoid staining your diapers with meconium. And honestly? They make clean-up really easy when your baby poops. Simply throw the liner into the toilet and flush it ..... Another tip for making it easy to use cloth diapers? Give yourself time to get the hang of it. EXPERIMENT! Play with different ways of folding, or change up your snap adjustments - and just enjoy it!