Frequently Asked Diaper Questions

Q: How do I put a cloth diaper on to fit correctly?
A: Place the open cloth diaper with the liner etc. in it on your changing table. Lay baby on diaper so that the top of the back of the diaper is at bellybutton height. Now fold front of diaper over baby, making sure you wrap the front two corners of the diaper around the sides of the baby ... pulling them slightly upwards will help get the fit around the legs snug. Now close the Velcro if you are using All-In-Ones or Fitted Diapers. If you are using covers, start with placing diaper with insert etc. on to cover. Follow above directions to fit the cloth diaper. Once the cloth diaper is in place, pull the cover over the front of the diaper and close Velcro/snaps to keep the cloth diaper in place snugly. For snap covers, close the 'thigh-snaps' first.

Q: My diaper leaks - what can I do?
A: The first thing that you want to do when you have leaking diapers is to make sure the diaper fits around the legs snugly - refer to previous question. If you are using covers, make sure none of the cloth diaper is sticking out of the cover. If you still experience problems with wicking/leaking, start using a diaper insert - it could be that your baby needs more cloth to absorb the urine. This is very often a cause for nighttime leaks! Do not worry about the diaper becoming too bulky... it only bothers our eyes, but our babies are as comfortable with the "bulk' as without it. If you still have problems, your diaper or cover may be too big or too small. If none of this works - call me!

Q: How do I make my own wipes?
A: Place washcloths into a container. (The terry washcloths work exceptionally well, as they fit into an empty wipe box.)
In a bottle, mix the following:
2 cups distilled water
2 TBS vinegar
3 TBS. sweet almond oil
2 drops of lavender essential oil
2 drops of German chamomile or yarrow essential oil
You can use tea tree oil instead of the German chamomile/yarrow; however, I do not like to use tea tree oil before the infant is 6 months of age. If your baby has diaper rash, do not add the vinegar and use calendula oil instead of the sweet almond oil.
Shake up this mix and pour over the wipes so that they are moist. Store remaining mix in the fridge until next use. Add the used wipes to your diaper pail and wash with diapers.

Q: I like the convenience of disposables, but want the natural fabric of cloth diapers. Is this possible?
A: Absolutely! Use All In One Cloth Diapers. This is a one piece diaper that is shaped similar to a disposable diaper. The diaper closes with Velcro tabs. You'll have soft chemical free cotton touching your babies skin with disposable-like convenience!

Q: Is it possible to use cloth diapers on short trips or days out?
A: As long as you pack your diaper bag right it is no problem. You'll need a waterproof bag to put the dirty diapers in. I use a second plastic/vinyl case and store the clean diapers in it. I always make sure my diapers are ready to use with the inserts and flushable liners in each diaper. And that is all...it is really easy!

Q: I am a working parent and would like to use cloth diapers. Is that asking too much?
A: The first step would be to find out whether your daycare is willing to use cloth diapers ( most daycare centers don't mind to use cloth diapers). If your daycare has a problem using cloth diapers, show them the All In One Diapers before you ask them to make a decision. All In One Diapers and Fitted Diapers are the easiest to use for daycare or nanny situations.

Q: How many different sizes of Fitted Diapers & All-In-One Diapers will I need during the diapering years of one child?
A: Unless you have a One-Size diaper, you will need 2 sizes. Usually the first size is from about 8 or 9 pounds to 22 pounds. The next size goes up to 45 pounds. If your newborn is small I suggest to use NB pre-folds with wraps for the first few weeks. Later you can use those pre-folds as diaper inserts.

Q: How often should I change my babies diaper if I am using cloth diapers?
A: Ideally you should change your baby's diaper (whether cloth or disposable) every two hours.
Personally I feel that this is unrealistic for most parents, as we are all very busy and unable to stop every two hours for a diaper change.

I think your goal should be to try and change your baby's diaper every 3 hours… it will then probably end up being closer to 4 hours! I try to be very diligent with diaper changes when I am home, however, when I am out I sometimes get distracted and 5 hours pass before I get to change my baby's diaper. Luckily my children are not prone to diaper rash and thus I have not had any problems. All this does not apply when your child has a poopy diaper - those need to be changed IMMEDIATELY!

Q: How do I recognize the different kinds of diaper rash and how do I treat them?
A: The most common kind of diaper rash is IRRITANT DIAPER RASH and occurs in the genital area, the folds of the thighs and the buttocks. The skin will appear red and puffy; this can cause some discomfort. It is often caused by diaper chafing, long exposure to a wet or poopy diaper, antibiotics, teething, introducing solids, diet e.g. high concentration of Vitamin C, etc.

YEAST (CANDIDAL) DIAPER RASH appears as tiny red spots that multiply and mass into a raised, patchy bright or dark red rash with distinct borders. The affected area is red and may be tender or painful, and the rash can creep into the folds of the skin around your baby's genitals and legs. It almost never appears on the buttocks, but it can. Antibiotics are often responsible for a yeast diaper rash.

SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS is the worst looking diaper rash, but is very rare. It is characterized by a big red rash that extends from the lower abdomen to the groin and genitalia. It is raised, rough, thick and greasy. It is caused by overactive oil glands in the skin.

Try some of these as treatment: Change your baby's diaper very frequently, making sure you allow the skin to dry before putting on a new diaper. Clean your baby's diaper region very well with each diaper change. Leave your baby open without a diaper as often as you can- this works wonders!. Rub breast milk on the affected area. Continue breastfeeding for as long as you can. Apply a diaper rash ointment (preferably one containing Calendula or Red Clover). Do a second rinse if you are washing your own cloth diapers. Change the detergent. Discontinue using wipes. Introduce solids one at a time to rule out food allergies. Adjust your diet(if you are breastfeeding) or the babies diet.

If the diaper rash does not clear up within 3 to 4 days or if the rash gets infected (blisters or open sores) please consult your doctor.

If you are using cloth diapers and your baby has a very severe yeast diaper rash, you might want to use Tushies® gel -free disposable diapers until the rash has cleared. If you want to continue using cloth diapers either iron them, or soak them in the following solution overnight: 80% vinegar, 20% water and 20 drops of lavender per gallon. Then wash hot like normal. Continue this until the rash has cleared.