Bummis Blog 6 ways to be an instant success at cloth diapering

1. Shop at your local diaper storeSteph at Abby Sprouts, Victoria BC; photo credit soulemama.comChances are your local cloth diaper retailer knows their products inside out and will help you choose the best diapers for you. They will make sure you how to use and wash them successfully, and will support you with troubleshooting and warranty if and when needed. That's a lot of value for your money! In addition, they usually sell reputable cloth diaper brands - products that have been tested for safety and functionality. No local brick and mortar store? Check out this link for a reliable virtual store.2. Choose the right system for you AND your washing machine! (don't make the same mistake as this cow)telegraph.co.ukDo you have a front loader that automatically adjusts the water level? If yes - think COTTON diapers! Why? Because they are easier to wash than synthetic fibers (microfiber, fleece, etc.), and are less vulnerable to residues. Please see our laundry science blog to find out why:3. Buy enough diapers!We change a newborn 10-12 times a day, and older babies less often. The rule of thumb is 24 diapers minimum for an infant, and 18 for a baby 6 months and older. Less than that and you will be washing your diapers too often! That means they will wear out faster -and so will you! Running out of cloth diapers and having to buy disposable diapers defeats the purpose of using cloth diapers. In the end you will save more money by having ENOUGH diapers in your stash.4. Be sure to prep your diapers properly before using themcheezburger.comCotton prefolds will be absorbent after 3 washes, whereas some diapers that contain rayon from bamboo have to be washed 8 times before they reach their optimal absorbency. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for prewashing and then check your diapers for absorbency BEFORE using them. Pour a little bit of warm water on them (and apply a bit of pressure if you are using a diaper made of synthetic fabric). The water should be absorbed immediately. If it's not, and you have followed the instructions for prepping them, check in with your retailer or the manufacturer.5. Take it easy and don't try to be perfect!coolmompicks.comIf you are starting out cloth diapering a newborn it will be a piece of cake and become an easy habit right away - so you should just go full steam ahead. It's really not any more complicated to use cloth than disposables with a newborn, and it is infinitely more pleasant. If you are switching from disposables, then just take it a bit easier. Start with cloth diapers during the day and use a disposable at night or when you go out. Usually just giving oneself permission to do that makes the whole thing a lot easier and more fun! You will be surprised at how easy it is to use cloth diapers - and you will be using them overnight and to travel with in NO time at all! I promise...6. If you need it, ask for help.punchpresence.comCloth diapers work well - usually even better than disposables, you will find! If YOUR cloth diapers are NOT working, please call your retailer or the manufacturer and ask them to help you figure out why yours aren't working. There is a solution for sure.And remember, we're always here to help with any questions you might have. Just give us a call!Love,Bummis