Absolutely! Today's cloth diapers are so absorbent and easy to use there is no reason you can't use them when you are away from home. It is just as easy to toss a few cloth diapers into the diaper bag as it is to grab disposables. Just bring along a waterproof tote / wet bag, or plastic shopping bag to put the dirty diapers in and you can take care of the rest when you get back home. Some people do prefer to use disposables if they are going away for more than a few days and will be unable to do laundry.
Can I use cloth diapers if my child goes to daycare?
Yes, you can. Talk to your daycare provider, show her the cloth diapers you plan to use, and make it as easy as possible for her. AIOs or pocket diapers are especially nice for this situation. Just tell your daycare provider that instead of folding up a disposable diaper and tossing it in the trash, they can fold up your cloth diaper, put it in a waterproof tote / wet bag and give it back to you. You can take care of the rest when you get home.
Don't cloth diapers look bulky under cloths?
All-In-Ones and pocket diapers are a nice trim fit. Drybees Hybrids AIOs or Happy Heiny's are a nice trim fit - about the same as disposables. Certain diapers or covers can look a bit bulky, but does it really matter that much? If you are just switching from disposables to cloth you may think it looks a little funny, but you quickly get used to it and then can't imagine it any other way.
What type of cloth diapers require a waterproof diaper cover?
Any fitted, contoured, flat or prefold diaper will require some sort of waterproof diaper cover. There are many options to chose from PUL\’s, vinyl fleece, and wool.
I want to “go green” but love the convenience of disposable diapers. What are my options?
An All In One Hybrids (AIO) diaper such as Drybees, or a pocket diaper such as Happy Heiny's offer the convenience of disposable diapers in how they function, but get tossed into the wash not the landfill.
How often do I need to change a cloth diapers?
A dirty diaper is a dirty diaper. Disposable diapers fool you into thinking that your child is dry. Cloth diapers do not mask the feeling of wetness so as a result you should change every 1 ½-2 hours..
How do you use cloth diapers at naptime or at night?
When you are in a position to need extra absorbency due to an extended outing, nap time or a night the solution is fairly simple. If using a pocket diaper you can add a second insert. If using an AIO, prefold, or fitted diaper you can add an insert or doubler to increse the absorbancy.
How do you get rid of stains?
There will be a time (probably once your baby is loving solids!) that you may experience a stubborn stain. The best and most natural way to remove stains is by sun bleaching. Lay your diapers in the direct sun, the sun will naturally bleach out any stains. Remember to re-wash and dry diapers.
Why use cloth wipes?
Some babies are sensitive to the ingredients in disposable wipes. They can be very drying and irritating to the skin. As long as you are using cloth diapers it is easy to use cloth wipes as well - and more economical. They get baby cleaner than the thin, disposable wipes and you can just toss them in the pail to be washed with the cloth diapers.
What is the best type of diaper cover?
Covers come in a wide variety of styles and fabrics. Most of the wrap style covers consist of a polyurethane laminate (PUL) inner, which makes them waterproof, and a polyester or cotton outer layer, which makes them nice and soft to the touch. They close with either snaps or Velcro. Wrap style covers are usually the trimmest fit, and when used over CPFs, the diapers do not require pinning or a Snappi. You can also get covers made of Wool. Wool is very breathable, so they are a good diaper cover to use at night time, when most babies go longer between diaper changes. Although wool is generally thought of as a winter fabric, wool covers are also a good cover to use in hot weather, since they do allow air to circulate and keep babies bottom from getting too hot. Fleece is similar to wool since it is a nice breathable fabric. Fleece is wicking though, so it may not be the best cover to use when baby will be sitting for a long period of time, like on a long car trip. It is an excellent alternative if your baby is sensitive to wool. All covers have there advantages and many people like to get some of each type.
