I promised updates on exciting business stuff, and boy do I have some. Today we have been approved to sell nine product brands! I want to keep them a surprise for right now, just know that Tater Tots is going to have a great selection of fun stuff that you will love {I am sure of it}.
Exciting news aside - I have some serious business to attend to this evening...
As I have spoken with friends, family memebers, and customers, I have come to realize that many people have misconceptions of what cloth diapering is. When people hear "cloth diaper" they automatically seem to think back to the time when cloth diapers were nothing but a rectangular piece of cloth that had to be put on babies while praying that you don't poke yourself {or the baby} with that awful pin! So many people don't realize how far cloth diapering has come. I am hoping to help open eyes to the joy and ease of cloth diapering.
First things first: here is a list of some cloth diaper terms that you might not know...
AIO "All-In-One" - AIOs are fitted diapers that have a waterproof outer layer usually consisting of fabric that has a PUL {PolyUrethane Laminate} backing, polar fleece, or wool. These are the easiest cloth diapers in comparison with disposables, yet they have the longest dry time and must be washed after one use.
Contour - Contours are shaped diapers with no elastic {in the legs or back}. They must be held together with a diaper fastener, pins, or diaper cover. They are not waterproof.
Covers - A diaper cover's function is to provide a waterproof outer layer for non-waterproof diapers. They often are fitted with elastic and fasten with snaps or Velcro. They are usually made from polyester, PUL, waterproof nylon, fleece, or wool.
Doublers - Doublers are pad-like absorbent soakers that can be added to a diaper to increase it's absorbency. They are especially useful for night time and travel - when you know extra protection is needed.
Flat Diapers - These are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi. They are one-layer {generally cotton gauze} and the most "old-fashioned" of current cloth diaper choices. They dry quickly, fit a large size range, and are the most inexpensive diaper choice. Flats do require waterproof outer covers.
Fitted Diapers - Fitted diapers are similar in look to disposables. They are contoured and fitted with elastic and fasted with Velcro or snaps. A waterproof cover must be worn over them. Fitted diapers are a step up from flat pre-fold diapers and much easier to use.
Hook & Loop - These are Velcro-like closures. Since the Velcro brand is not very soft, many diaper makers use Aplix or Touchtape brand hook and loop.
Hybrid Diaper - A diaper featuring a cloth outer layer and some form of snap-in lining. The inserts in a hybrid can be either disposable {usually flushable} or cloth, depending on personal preference. Hybrids are perfect for the family who isn't sure about going full-time cloth.
Liners - Liners are thin layers of cloth or paper that are placed inside the diaper to aid in the cleaning of solid waste. They also protect the actual diaper from staining.
Pre-Folds - Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that must be folded into the shape of a diaper. They are similar to flats, but have multiple layers with more protection in the middle. They must be used with a cover.
Pocket Diapers - Pocket diapers are similar to AIOs - they have an outer layer of waterproof material and an inner layer consisting of a stay dry material {like microfleece or suedecloth}. The closure is either hook and loop or snaps. There is a pocket opening that allows the absorbent insert to be stuffed in the cover and be removed for laundering. Some parents choose to use pre-folds or flats as a pocket insert. Pocket diapers are a popular choice because you can adjust the amount of absorbent material used, and they take less time to dry than AIOs.
Snappi - A plastic mechanism that fastens cloth diapers instead of diaper pins.
Soakers - The term soaker can be applied two ways. It often refers to the absorbent middle part of the diaper that takes in the moisture when a baby wets. Soakers may be fully sewn inside the diaper, partially sewn in, snapped in the diaper, or simply laid in the diaper. The term soaker is also used in reference to wool diaper covers.
*definitions from Diaper Jungle*
I hope these definitions help you navigate the world of cloth diapering a little easier.
Quite a few people have asked me questions in regards to the work that actually goes into cloth diapering a baby full-time. I can only speak for myself, but I am happy to go into a bit more detail on the general process.
- The first {and probably most fun} step in diapering your baby is choosing which system you will go with. This all depends on the time you have to diaper and the amount of money you wish to spend initially. If you are looking for the most economical choice, flats or pre-folds are the way to go. Fitted diapers are not only economical, but easy to use. Currently, the most popular cloth diaper choices are pocket and hybrid diapers they dry faster than AIOs and can be used more than once between washings. AIOs are the ultimate in ease...they must be washed after one use, but if you can afford to buy a large stash of them there won't be much difference between using them and using disposables.
- Once you choose which system is right for your family, you have to decide how many diapers, covers, and inserts you want in your stash - then place your order with Tater Tots :-).
It is generally recommended that you have at least 24 diapers on hand for full-time diapering {up to 36 for newborns}. If you choose to use an AIO, you will need to purchase 24-36 diapers. For pocket or hybrid diapers you will need 6-8 outer covers and 24-36 inserts {I would also recommend at least 8 doublers}. For flats or pre-folds you will need at least 36 diapers and 6-8 covers.
- When your diapers arrive, you will need to wash them. Most diaper manufacturers will have initial washing instructions in the package, but if not...here are some general washing guidelines:
First of all, only use detergent safe for cloth diapers {I highly recommend Rockin' Green - it's the only one I use for my little man} and never use fabric softener or any extras.
Cotton pre-fold, flat, and fitted diapers {if bleached} need to be washed at least 3 times before use and will reach maximum absorbency after 6-8 washes. If they are natural/unbleached they need to be washed at least 4 times before use.
Hemp or bamboo pre-fold, flat, and fitted diapers require 4 prewashes in warm water with detergent before use.
Pocket diapers, diaper covers, and microfiber inserts usually require only 1 wash before use. Sometimes a suedecloth lined diaper will need an extra wash or two.
- Personally, I prefer to have all of my little man's diapers pre-assembled and stored in lined baskets on his changing table. Trust me, this is much easier than digging through a pile of cloth diaper components when you have a squirmy little one on the table.
- If you ask me, dry diaper pails are the way to go. Once the diaper has been used to its max, if it is only wet simply throw it in the diaper pail and be on your way - if there is poo on the diaper, rinse it off {a diaper sprayer that hooks to the toilet will go a long way in making this process easier} then throw it in the pail. Some people opt to use an odor remover spray {which eliminates the odor-causing bacteria in cloth diapers}, or a deodorizing disk. If you are using a pocket or hybrid diaper and can re-use the outer cover, set it out to dry and then re-assemble it.
- Once you have a decent accumulation of diapers in your pail {two days worth is my max} it's time to wash *gasp*! Again, here I will recommend Rockin' Green detergent to anyone. They have three different formulas depending on the water you have and a ton of yummy scents! Here is my diaper washing system:
Dump your diapers into the washer and do a {cold} rinse/wash to get the nasties out. If you have a cloth pail liner throw that in, too.
Add the detergent and do a {hot} wash/rinse cycle. {Use 2-3 Tbsp Rockin' Green per load}.
Do another {cold} rinse.
I would highly recommend following your diaper manufacturer's instructions on drying - some dry on hot and some must air dry.
- Once the diapers are all dry and fluffy, admire all of your hard work, and start over again!
See...it isn't nearly as difficult as you were thinking...welcome to the world of cloth diapering!
Until next time,
Have a whimsical {spontaneously fanciful and playful} day!
Sam
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