FAQ
How many diapers do I need?
We recommend starting with a starter pack of 4 diapers. This will give you a good feel for how the diapers work and if you like them.
If you decide that you are definitely going to cloth diaper then we recommend purchasing an additional 10 diapers. That way you will have a total of 14 diapers. This will be a good supply of diapers and will probably be all that you ever need. If you do not want to wash daily then you may need a few more but that is up to you. The less time that the diapers sit dirty the better.
When do I start using the diapers?
I started using my cloth diapers as soon as my son was born. I washed all of my diapers and took them to the hospital with me. I am happy to say that my son has never worn a disposable diaper.
Some people do like to either wait until the cord has fallen off and/or wait until the merconium has passed to avoid staining before using the cloth diapers. If you want to use the diaper as soon as the baby is born but do not want to risk staining, you can use a diaper liner.
I personally am not really concerned with stains. As long as I know that the diaper is clean I am happy.
Are they all one size or different sizes?
The daytime waterproof diaper currently comes in two sizes. (Small and Large)
How do I wash them?
Do not use Dreft or any kind of fabric softener. This will cause the diapers to stop absorbing.
Use a standard free and clear detergent such as Tide, Cheer, All, etc....
You can use a non-chlorine bleach like Oxiclean.
Pre-wash Cold, Wash HOT, Rinse Cold and extra rinse if possible. The extra rinse just ensures that there is no residue left on the diapers to irritate baby's skin.
Dry no higher than Medium.
What about poo in the washer?
I think that this issue is the number 1 reason that more people do not cloth diaper. The washing machines today are made so well that if the poo is very runny it will just wash out. If the poo is solid then roll the solid poo into the toilet prior to washing the diaper.
But, if this is a major issue then you can simply use diaper liners.
What are diaper liners?
A diaper liner is a thin layer of either polypropylene or paper that you put between the baby's bottom and the diaper. This will give you the ability to just pick up the paper and toss it into the garbage or toilet to dispose of instead of washing the poo out in the washer or rolling it into the toilet, depending on the consistency.
Diaper liners are made by several different companies. Some are flushable and some are not so please read the package carefully.
How much do the diapers cost?
Blue Cow Baby diapers cost 20.00 each. I know this seems high but when you do the math it is actually a huge cost savings.
1 child in disposable diapers averages $2000.00 and they cannot be used on future children.
1 child in Blue Cow Baby diapers averages $380.00 plus if they are taken care of we hope that you will be able to use these diapers on 2 children.
How long with the diapers last?
Well, there is actually no way to say for sure exactly how long the diaper will last. It is all based on wear and care, how often they are washed, how long they sit dirty, etc... The outside layer of the diaper is a fabric that has been laminated to make it waterproof. This waterproof laminate deteriorates with time and use. We do however hope that you will be able to use the diapers on two children.
What else do I need to be able to cloth diaper? (small list of things that are handy)
Cloth Diaper Pail
2 Waterproof bags for the pail
Deo-disks for the pail
1 Small waterproof travel bag
Diaper liners are great
Diaper sprayer (not needed if you use liners)
How often does the diaper need to be changed?
There is no time, just when it is dirty. No diaper should ever be on a child for hours at a time. A newborn will probably need to be changed at least once an hour. Diaper rash will occur with any diaper that is left on too long after being soiled.
Why is there a strong ammonia smell in the diaper pail?
Urine contains ammonia so the longer that the diaper sits the stronger the smell gets. If you use the wet pail or wet bag method of handling your diapers the ammonia smell will not be an issue.
What is the wet pail or wet bag method?
This method involves filling a special bag with water or a pail with water to put the soiled diapers in until it is time to wash. This is probably the best thing for your diapers because urine is not drying in them. Another way to do this would be to fill your washing machine with a small amount of water and then each time you change a diaper toss the dirty one in the washer. When you are ready to wash all you have to do is add detergent and turn it on. Which ever method you choose make sure the bag or bucket is not where your toddler can get in it and drowned.
How can I tell if I have the diaper on tight enough so that it won't leak out the leg?
After you have the diaper snapped up bend the baby's knees up to his/her chest. If you can see in the diaper around the legs then it is too loose. You just want to get the diaper tight enough so that you can't see in but not tight enough to leave marks on the baby's legs.
My baby's diaper leaked. What can I do?
It was probably 1 of 2 things.
#1-Check to make sure that the diaper was on snug enough around the legs (follow the steps above)
#2-The diaper was not changed soon enough and baby soiled more than 2 times, therefore check the diaper more often.
What is the knit diaper?
The knit diaper is a true diaper. You will feel the wet on the outside of the diaper, that is why it requires a cover if it is going to be worn under clothing. The benefit to this diaper is that you know immediately when the diaper needs to be changed. They are fabulous in the summer for running around with a little t-shirt on. They do not get as hot as the waterproof diaper on the inside because they are completely breathable. You can purchase wraps and plastic pants to go over them from several different places. When my son was born I used only the knits. I put a lap pad in his car seat, bouncy chair and stroller. I loved the fact that there was no guessing I knew exactly when to change him.
If you have any other questions that are not addressed here please contact us. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have.