Cloth Diapers: Some Lessons Learned

A friend's little girl enjoying nature in her cloth...how cute is that?

We've been using cloth diapers for about two years now, and I'm so glad we made the switch.  It hasn't always gone so smoothly, though; a lot of trial and error was involved in finding a cloth routine that works for us.  Here are some lessons I learned along the way.  This isn't meant to be a complete usage and care guide, but maybe you can avoid some of the trial and error (and a few leaks and rashes)...

• Prefolds and covers work best for us.  Maybe I never tried the right brand(s), but AIO's and pocket diapers are harder to wash and leak more in my experience.  I have had more success replacing the microfiber inserts that come with most pocket diapers with hemp inserts instead.  Even then, I much prefer prefolds and covers for durability, ease of washing, affordability, and reliability.  I'm sure this is one of those personal preference things and others will differ, but that's just my two cents.  
• Speaking of microfiber, it stinks.  Natural fibers, like cotton prefolds and hemp doublers, are easy to keep stink-free, but I haven't found a way to de-stink microfiber (if you have, please let me know).  
• Velcro allows for a more customizable fit, but snaps last longer.  I do love velcro for ease and fit, but after a while, even if I'm really careful to always fold in the tabs before washing, they begin to get un-sticky.  If you need your diapers to last through multiple children, snaps might be the way to go.
• While we're talking about velcro, do make it a habit to fold in the tabs before washing.  They will definitely stay sticky longer if you do.
• I love Snappis!  Snappi'ed diapers keep covers clean so they last through more changings, and that makes my life easier.  
• I've always used homemade laundry soap for my dipes just because that's what I use for everything else.  To prevent soap build up, I use a scant 1/4 cup of soap (along with a 1/2 scoop of oxygen cleaner) and I run several extra rinses.  I imagine how much you need to rinse will depend on what you wash with and your local water, but err on the side of caution; soap build-up causes a nasty chemical reaction with your baby's urine that will result in a red, blistery rash.  If you ever do experience build-up, pour a pot of boiling water into the rinse to strip your diapers (you may need to do this more than once).
• Most baby clothes nowadays are not made to fit over cloth diapered bums.  This wasn't actually a problem with my daughter; her hiney is so narrow that the cloth actually helped her clothes to fit better.  My son is a different story.  He's extra husky and his church clothes (khaki shorts/pants and the like) do not fit over his cloth diapers, so we've resorted to using sposies for services and have been doing this for a while now (we use these Earth's Best TenderCare Chlorine Free Diapers, if you're interested).  It's a compromise we're willing to make, but if you've got fit issues and are adamant about not using sposies, you may consider getting this Big Butt Baby Pants pattern that's specifically for cloth diapered babies and tots.   

I hope I haven't made it all sound more complicated than it is.  Cloth diapering really is simple and rewarding.  There are so many advantages other than just saving money (and that's a big one!).  Cloth is cleaner and healthier, in my opinion.  I feel better about putting pure cotton on my babies' skin rather than the who knows what kind of chemicals that are in disposables.  Since I figured out what soap build-up is and how to prevent it, our babies have experienced fewer rashes in cloth than in sposies. If you breastfeed, you'll be happy to know that diaper blow-outs are much less likely to occur in cloth than disposables.  It's also worth mentioning that modern cloth diapers are really, really cute.  I just love a soft, fluffy cloth diapered bottom!  This is certainly not and exhaustive list of the pro's, but I think you get the point...I'm a fan.