Curious about cloth diapers? We’ve got the answers to your questions.
Want to learn more about cloth diapers before you commit? Here, we answer parents’ most frequently asked questions about this diapering alternative.
Are cloth diapers economical?
Both disposable and washable diapers come in a wide range of prices. If you buy smaller packages of brand-name disposables, you’ll spend about $2,200 per child from their birth through to potty training. No-name or house brands sold in larger formats could save you up to $900.
The costs associated with cloth diapers also depends on which option you choose. Using a set of flat diapers for as long as baby needs them can cost around $600 ($240 for diapers, $290 for disposable liners, $10 for washing, $10 for detergent, and $50 for drying). You can save by washing and reusing your liners, or by air-drying diapers rather than machine-drying them. If you prefer a mixed set of pocket, fitted, and all-in-one diapers in a single size, your cost will be closer to $900. In both cases, your cost will be a few hundred dollars less if you live in a municipality that offers cloth diaper grants for its residents.
That said, if you use your cloth diapers full-time for the first year but only on weekends as they get older (if your daycare centre won’t allow them, for example), your diaper expenses can quickly add up. In this scenario, reusing the cloth diapers for a second child in a similar context could help you recoup some of the cost.
In short, cloth diapers can be a budget-friendly option, but not in every situation. To really save money, use your diapers as often as possible and ideally on more than one child.
Are cloth diapers better for the environment than disposables?
This is a tough question to answer, because the environmental impact of cloth diapers varies greatly depending on how parents use them, explains researcher Jean-François Ménard, an analyst at the International Reference Center for the Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainable Transition (CIRAIG).
If you limit your washing to a few large loads per week, use an eco-friendly detergent, and air dry rather than tumble dry your diapers, they are quite environmentally friendly.
When used this way, cloth diapers are “clearly preferable” to disposables, says Jean-François Ménard. And don’t forget that a few cloth diapers can last for many years, and be used for more than one child.
How do I wash cloth diapers?
First, flush any poop down the toilet and throw out the disposable liner, if applicable. Next, place the soiled, unrinsed diapers in a pail made for this purpose. In the past, soiled cloth diapers had to soak in a water and vinegar solution, but nowadays the vast majority should be stored dry before washing. Each manufacturer provides specific washing instructions, but in most cases you’ll put your dirty diapers in the washing machine and run a cold rinse cycle, followed by a warm or hot wash cycle.
Do not use your washer’s sanitize cycle, as it could damage the diapers’ Velcro fasteners and elastic. You can dry cloth diapers in the dryer, but this may shorten their lifespan. However, if your diapers are made with PUL (polyurethane laminate), it’s recommended that you occasionally throw them in the dryer to maintain the waterproof seal. When hanging the diapers to dry, place one clothespin on the front and one on the back so as not to stretch the elastics unnecessarily. If the diapers feel rough after drying, put them in the dryer for a few minutes to restore their softness.
What laundry detergent should I use?
Most detergents work, as long as they’re not strongly scented, which could irritate baby’s bottom. The most important thing is to use detergent sparingly, as soap residue in your washing machine can cause unpleasant odours and make the fabric less absorbent, resulting in leaks. When in doubt, it’s best to start with less detergent than you think you need and gradually increase the amount if necessary.
How do I treat stains?
Try laying your diapers out in the sun: it should remove most stains.
How many diapers should I buy?
Depending on how often you plan to wash your diapers, you’ll need to buy around 24 for a newborn baby and 18 for a baby aged 6 months or older.
Are zinc-based diaper rash creams suitable for cloth diapers?
Many manufacturers strongly advise against using zinc-based creams, as they may reduce the cloth’s absorbency. Most stores that sell cloth diapers also offer diaper rash creams specifically for use with cloth diapers. In all cases, only use when your baby’s skin is irritated, and use a disposable liner instead of just the diaper.
What is laundry stripping?
Laundry stripping (washing with bleach or a stain remover such as OxiClean that contains sodium percarbonate) removes all residue, including soap residue, that can interfere with a diaper’s absorbency and cause bad odours. However, this is a fairly extreme process and is only recommended as a last resort. The use of certain products may be recommended or discouraged depending on the manufacturer. The best thing to do is to contact the diaper manufacturer or seller to find out exactly how to proceed.
Are there any grants available to cover the cost of cloth diapers?
More and more municipalities are offering grants for parents who opt for cloth diapers. Terms and conditions vary from city to city, but the amounts allocated can be up to $100. Don’t hesitate to call your municipality to ask whether they offer this type of assistance.
Are diaper cleaning services available?
Yes! For about $20 to $25 a week, you can hire a service to come to your home once or several times a week to bring you clean diapers and pick up the dirty ones. As your baby grows, they provide larger sizes. This type of service is more common in large urban centres.
How should I wash new cloth diapers?
Wash all new diapers at least once before use. If possible, separate your hemp, cotton, and bamboo diapers from other clothes for the first wash, as they contain natural oils that could alter other fabrics. Note that hemp and bamboo reach optimum absorbency after 10 washes.
In addition to diapers, what other accessories should I buy?
Consider getting a pail or bag to store your dirty diapers at home, and a smaller bag to take on outings.
Are cloth diapers allowed in daycare centres?
Some daycares allow cloth diapers. Diapers that require little handling, such as all-in-ones or pre-assembled pocket diapers, are more likely to be accepted than diapers that are more complex to use (such as flat diapers).
When should I start using cloth diapers?
Ideally, you should wait at least a few days for your baby’s first bowel movement, the meconium, to pass. Some parents also prefer to wait for their newborn’s belly button to heal, which takes about two weeks.
Can I use a front-loading washer?
Because this type of washing machine uses much less water than a top loader, it can cause residue build-up. Always select the highest water level before running a load. Try adding a wet towel to increase the weight of the load and run an extra rinse cycle.
Can I put wet cloth wipes in the pail with dirty diapers?
Some manufacturers advise against this, as the dampness can cause mould and mildew problems.
What should I do with my cloth diapers once my baby is potty trained?
Consider reselling your diapers online or donating them to a local or international organization that will distribute them to mothers in need. Several stores that sell cloth diapers also collect used ones.
Things to keep in mind
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The best way to wash cloth diapers is usually to run a cold rinse cycle, followed by a warm or hot wash cycle with an extra rinse.
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We recommend buying 24 diapers for a newborn and 18 diapers for a baby aged 6 months or older.
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Some municipalities offer grants to offset the cost of cloth diapers.
Photo: GettyImages/kasjato