Cloth Diapering 101

Our cloth diaper 101 class is every Saturday at 10:30. Each class last about 30-45 minutes. We will discuss all styles of diaper systems and go over costs, pros, cons, and washing and care instructions. Please join us for a fun morning of free info on cloth diapers. Please bring the family. All are welcome. We have a play area for the older kids, and welcome grandparents. We will have the info sheet at the 101, however, please feel free to print a copy and look over before coming.

Diapering Systems (prices subject to change)
	Description	Pros	Cons	Amounts
Pre-folds	Made of several layers of absorbent material, usually cotton or hemp Must fold before put on baby Attach with Snappi: flexible plastic with grip-teeth Not waterproof by itself: need a cover Sized from newborn to toddler	Less expensive, can buy organic/ unbleached, can use diaper service, will fit baby from birth	More complicated than other systems, no wicking (not good for highly sensitive skin), must change about every 2 hours	15/day 6-7 covers ~$150 (every other day washing)
Contours	Made of polyester/cotton blend: good wicking Contoured shape to fit baby with less folding Attach with Snappi or snug cover Not waterproof by itself: need cover Kissaluvs sized newborn/small and medium/large	Easier to use than pre-folds, more absorbent	Still have use Snappi and may need to fold to get a good fit	12/day 6 covers ~$200 (every other day washing)
Fitteds	Elastic on the waist and leg holes (gussets) Made of polyester/cotton blend: good wicking Other materials available like hemp and bamboo Attaches with snaps or aplix (Velcro) Not waterproof by itself: need cover Kissaluvs sized newborn/small, medium, large	Good for heavy wetters and slim thighs, more absorbent, available in organic/natural materials	More expensive	12/day 6 covers ~$250 (every other day washing)
All-in-Twos (AI2)	Fabric cover lined with waterproof PUL and snap-in absorbent inserts usually made from hemp fleece Attach with aplix or snaps Jam Tots covers sized small, medium, large Jam Tots inserts sized small, large, one-size	Hemp inserts are natural and highly absorbent with little bulk, snaps keep insert in place, fun and funky cover fabrics	Inserts may not provide good wicking (not good for highly sensitive skin), coverage not as good as fitteds or premium systems	5 covers/day 10-12 inserts/day ~$200-350 (every other day washing)
All-in-Ones (AIO)	All parts are together: waterproof layer (PUL), absorbent layer, and fasteners Polyester inner: great for wicking Attach with aplix or snaps bumGenius AIO sized XS to L	Most resembles a disposable diaper, extremely easy	They take longer to dry	10-12/day ~$300-$350 (every other day washing)
Pocket	Has a pocket for the absorbent insert Polyester/fleece inner: great wicking Attaches with snaps or aplix Fuzzi Bunz sized XS to L, petite toddler, XL	Can customize the absorbency without sacrificing the wicking properties, quick to dry because parts can separate	Not usually available in organic/natural fabrics	10-12/day ~$300-350 (every other day washing)
One-Size Pocket	Fits newborn through 35 pounds Increases in size by unsnapping, as does the insert Attaches with Aplix or snaps bumGenius 3.0 now fits newborns better Baby Kanga has zippered pocket	May be the only diapers you need to buy, all the pros of a pocket diaper, zipper on the Baby Kanga means no open areas where leaks can occur	Bulky during the newborn stage	10-12/day ~$300-350 (every other day washing)
Tushies Disposables	Gel free (Polyacrylate gel: leaches moisture from skin, can exacerbate asthma), GMO free, perfume and dye free, latex free, TBT free (Tributyl-tin: found in plastic parts, can cause hormonal problems), no animal testing Made with chlorine free wood pulp from sustainable, family owned forests The wipes are paraben free (preservative), gluten free, GMO free Sized small, medium, large, and toddler	Convenient, highly absorbent, available at most natural grocery stores	Disposable- adds to landfills	10/day ~$21/week
g-Diapers	Cloth/Disposable Hybrid: washable cotton/spandex cover; reusable, snap-in, PUL liner that creates a seal; flushable insert Flushables made with chlorine free fluffed wood pulp from sustainable forests, fragrance free Attaches with aplix Sized covers small, medium, and large Sized inserts small and medium/large	Highly absorbent, flushable, biodegradable (can compost), customize absorbency with extra liner, available at most natural grocery stores, cradle to cradle certified	Contains polyacrylate gel, can take several flushes, must tear the flushable open & swish in the toilet	10/day 4 covers ~$70 + $25/week

Covers (prices subject to change)
	Description	Pros	Cons	Prices
Cotton Green Earth	Waterproof layer between two layers of 100% cotton Attaches with aplix White with green trim, pandas with bamboo	Natural material against baby’s skin, less expensive	Cotton leads to more frequent leaks	~$7
Basic PUL or Fleece Bummis	Wraps: one layer of polyurethane laminate (PUL) between two layers of soft polyester Super Brite: double leg gussets Polar: one layer of PUL between two layers of super soft and breathable microfleece (good wicking) Attach with aplix or snaps (Whisper Snap) Available in white, cute patterns, and brites	Great product for moderate price, durable	Some babies can remove the aplix	~$12, $12.75, $17
Locally Made Wabi Sabi	Made by a mama right here in Austin One layer of high quality PUL and one layer of high quality cotton Attaches with snaps Unique, often Asian inspired patterns	High quality materials, snaps are safe from little hands, cover lays flat when open for easier changes, supports local business	Slightly more expensive	~$16
All-in-Two Cover Jam Tots	Part of the AI2 system, so includes interior snaps for inserts One layer of high quality PUL and one layer of plush Minkee Attaches with side snaps	Funky and fun colors, side snaps prevent “wing droop,” can be used as just a cover or as an AI2	More expensive	$19.95 inserts: $8.50
Wool Little Beetles	Soft, natural, organic Merino wool jersey Attaches with snaps	Natural and organic fiber against your baby’s skin, naturally absorbent, self cleaning (lanolin + urine = soap), less frequent cleaning	Must re-lanolize, must hand wash separate from other diapers, expensive	$29.95

Solid Removal & Diaper/Skin Protection

Mini Sprayer: uses toilet's water supply
Bio-Soft disposable/flushable liners
Fleece liners- also increase wicking
Raw silk liners- also have anti-microbial properties
Cloth diaper-safe creams available in store

Added Absorbency

Doublers made of polyester/cotton, hemp
Can be used in any cloth system
Good for out and about and overnight

Cloth Wipes & Solution

Easy to use and no extra work to wash
Wipes available in a variety of fabrics
Wipe spray or solution in a bottle

Dirty Diaper Storage

Wet bags made of PUL with gussets, zippers, snaps, or drawstrings
Large for diaper pail and small for travel
Fabric swatch for tea tree oil

Odor Control

Deo-Disk: place at the bottom of your pail or in the slot in the lid, citrus masks odor
Bac Out: spray on diapers in the wet bag, natural enzymes break down stains and prevent odor
Tea Tree Oil: sprinkle a few drops on the fabric tab in the wet bag or on a wash cloth and hang in the pail