INTRODUCTION AND INSTRUCTIONS
cloth diapers
for
beginners
Text gathered by Sigrún Edda Halldórsdóttir
Table of contents Different types of cloth diapers....................................................3 Image: A breakdown of cloth diaper systems available................3 All-in-one / AIO.............................................................................4 All-in-two / AI2...............................................................................5 Pocket diapers..............................................................................6 Flats (prefolds and preflats).........................................................7 Fitted diapers................................................................................8 Covers..........................................................................................9 Wool covers............................................................................10 Inserts - absorbent fabrics.........................................................11 Accessories.................................................................................12 How to put a cloth diaper on your child....................................14 Sizes...........................................................................................14 Why does my diaper leak?.........................................................15 Buying pre-loved diapers...........................................................16 How many diapers do I need?....................................................17 Fabrics that are used in cloth diapers.......................................18 Washing instructions for cloth diapers.....................................20 What to do with poop..................................................................20 How to clean the diapers............................................................21 Detergents..................................................................................22 Deep cleaning cloth diapers.......................................................23 Environmental impact and costs...............................................24 Common abbreviations and definitions....................................25 Your notes and ideas..................................................................26 Cloth menstrual pads and period pants....................................27 Helpful Icelandic Facebook pages and groups �����������������������27
Published 2022 - 2nd edition (1st edition published in 2017) Text gathered and layout: Sigrún Edda Halldórsdóttir English translation: April Tuankrathok Illustrations: Sigrún Edda Halldórsdóttir All photos are the private property of Sigrún Edda Halldórsdóttir unless stated otherwise.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLOTH DIAPERS It’s a jungle out there when it comes to cloth diapers. You can find anything from the classic flats and pin system to something more modern like the AIO diaper and pockets. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to cloth – it’s a journey of trial and error for each family. This brochure should give you a small overview of what is available and how cloth diapering works. I encourage you to approach cloth diapers with an open mind and understand that this is a learning curve. Try most of the basic systems available before purchasing the whole lot. The favorite brand for one family might not work for another. Let’s start with a simple graph we’ve put together showing the two basic systems of cloth diapers. The types of diapers are categorized by wether it takes 1 or 2 steps to put it on the child. For types that are 1 step, you have diapers that more resemble single use diapers. They can either be in one part (where everything is attached as with AIO) or in two parts (where you have to put the absorbent part in the waterproof cover, before you put it on the child). When you use diapers that are 2 steps, you put the absorbent diaper on the child first and after that you cover it with a waterproof layer.
1 STEP
1 PART
2 STEPS
2 PARTS
ALL-IN-ONE / AIO
Page 4
ALL-IN-TWO / AI2
POCKET DIAPERS
Page 5
Page 6
FLATS + COVER
FITTED + COVER
Pages 7 + 9
Pages 8 + 9
Cloth diapers for beginners | 3
ALL-IN-ONE / AIO PROS •
• •
CONS
Ready to use as they come. You have the option to add an extra booster for more absorbency. Easy to prepare after washing. Easy to use and great for beginners.
• • •
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Drying time can be long especially if they are made of natural materials. Absorbency is not very adjustable. AIO diapers tend to be more expensive than other systems available.
Here are examples of AIO diapers, but there are many versions available. The only thing you need to know is that the AIO diaper is „ready as it comes“. For example, the diaper here to the right has two in-sown inserts which you can fold in and out – it’s done like this to shorten the drying time. From here you can add an extra booster to desired areas to optimize the absorbency if needed. The diaper to the right is from Bumgenius (Freetime) and can be found at Bambus.is. The diaper on the left has a sewn-in insert from a natural material that is popped inside a pocket. The pocket has a stay dry layer, meaning there is a layer between the child and the insert which keeps the child dry. You also have the option to put the insert on top of the stay dry layer but parents generally put the insert inside the pocket. This diaper is from an Icelandic brand called Gríslingar. Examples of AIO diapers that you can find in our lending program: •
Bambino Miosolo (microfiber) - A gift from Ólavía og Ólíver!
Image: Gríslingar
4 | Cloth diapers for beginners
•
Bumgenius Elemental (natural fabric)
•
Bumgenius Freetime (microfiber)
•
Gríslingur AIO (natural fabric)
•
La Petite Ourse (natural fabric) - A gift from Cocobutts.is!
•
TotsBots Easyfit Star (natural fabric)
ALL-IN-TWO / AI2 PROS • • •
CONS
Easy to clean because the diaper comes in • two separate parts. The insert can go into a tumble dryer without the cover. The same cover can be used multiple times without being washed, simply swap out the insert (only applies when there is no poop).
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The insert can get a bit loose and move around in the cover if not attached properly. This can be impractical for beginners or other caregivers that are not used to cloth.
„AI2“ diapers are a two-part system, the thirsty part and the waterproof part. The thirsty part is usually popped in the cover with a popper and can be detached when it’s time to wash and dry. If there is only pee in the diaper then it’s fine to keep the cover and only change the absorbent part of the diaper. It’s a good idea to have a few covers to rotate between changes. Some AI2 diapers have a loose insert that you fit in the cover without any poppers. The photos show a couple of versions of AI2 diapers. The photo to the right is an Ai2 diaper with a cover and insert with a popper. On the photo to the left, you can see a diaper from Imsie Vimsie with two inserts. This diaper can be found in one of the lending program packages. Examples of AIO diapers that are or have been in our lending program: •
Chelory AI2
•
Imse Vimse AI2 - A Gift from Yo verslun!
•
Pop-in AI2
Cloth diapers for beginners | 5
POCKET DIAPERS PROS • • •
•
CONS
Easy to adjust the absorbency with various • inserts (thickness and types of fabric). Easy to keep them from getting bulky, since you can use thinner inserts for smaller babies. The inserts can go into a tumble dryer (faster drying time). The covers dry quickly • on a washing line. Easy to use and great for beginners or to send with the child to daycare.
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Can get bulky if you use too many inserts. Think buying higher quality inserts instead of stacking many inserts into the pocket. A diaper that is too bulky might leak. Prepping the diapers before use takes longer as you have to stuff inserts into pockets.
As the name suggests, pocket diapers have specific pockets where the inserts go. The diaper has a waterproof outer shell and an inner layer which can be stay-dry (keeps the wetness from the child’s skin) or made from natural materials (such as bamboo or cotton velour). Inserts are necessary in pocket diapers, since the cover/shell on it’s own is not absorbent. You can use as many inserts as needed, but try keeping them at a minimum because a bulky diaper could cause leakage. For newborns’ you can use thinner inserts or boosters. The shape of the diaper itself is usually the same with small differences between brands. The pocket opening can be in the front, the back or in both ends. The diaper shown above is a Rumparooz OBV and is included in one of our lending program packages. The inserts with this diaper are two organic bamboo/cotton blend inserts. Pocket diapers can easily be used as swimming diapers by removing the insert! Examples of pocket diapers that are or have been in our lending program: •
AscuA and Obbosí are Icelandic brands that were gifted to the lending program
•
Alva baby - A gift from Cocobutts.is!
•
Bumgenius 4.0 - comes with a microfiber insert and a microfiber booster/newborn insert
•
Elemental joy - Pocket diapers sold without inserts at Bambus.is
•
Rumparooz OBV one size - A gift from Yo verslun!
6 | Cloth diapers for beginners
FLATS (PREFOLDS AND PREFLATS) PROS • • •
The cheapest cloth diaper option! Easily customize the shape of the insert to your child’s body shape and needs. 25-35 flats and 6-10 covers are enough for one child (depends on the childs age).
Prefold folds 1
2
3 4
CONS • •
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It can be trickier to get a hang of this system than the other types of diapers. Not convenient for daycare or other caregivers that are unfamiliar with cloth diapers.
The name “flats” is a synonym for those classic terry squares, prefolds and preflats. They serve as the absorbent part inside a cover of choice. Most people know these as the original cloth diapers. Prefolds are pre-folded terry squares that have been sown into specific folds to make the fitting process easier. The prefolds can be folded again into your desired shape. For example, it can be a good idea to increase absorbency at the front of the diaper for boys (fold #3) and stack more absorbency in the middle for girls (fold #2). Prefolds come in different sizes. You can buy the smallest ones to fit your newborn, then buy bigger ones as the child grows. Another type of terry squares are preflats. They look like prefolds but with loops (photo below). There are different materials available for both preflats and prefolds. Finally, you’ll have Stretchy preflats and stretchy prefolds. These versions are made with a stretchy material, as the name indicates.
You will always need to use covers with your flats so there is a barrier between the wet diaper and your childs clothes. You can use a Snappi or Boingo (see in the chapter about accessories) to help keep the flat in place, but it’s not necessary. A great advantage about this two-part system is is the fact that you can use the same cover a few times before washing it (let the cover dry
Preflat fold
before using again). This also helps with keeping the cost down, since you need fewer covers than flats, and the covers are usually the more expensive part. Prefolds can also be used as inserts and boosters in AIO, Ai2 and pocket diapers. Cloth diapers for beginners | 7
FITTED DIAPERS PROS • • •
Great nighttime diapers as they are super absorbent. A good option for children who pee a lot. Easy to use.
CONS • • • •
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Can be expensive. Long drying time if not put in a dryer. They may need more detergent / longer washing time than the other types. Usually quite bulky.
Fitted diapers are entirely made of an absorbent and natural material. You will always need a cover with the diaper because it does not have a waterproof layer. It will soak through without a cover. These are very popular nighttime options because of their great absorbency. Sometimes a stay-dry fabric is used as the inner layer of the diaper, to keep the wet away from the child’s skin. You can also buy contour diapers, which are like fitted diapers except that they don’t have elastic around the thighs or the waist. The elastics in fitted diapers give a better fit to the child.
Image: www.totsbots.com
Another type of fitted diaper are hybrid diapers. That’s when the outer layer has a water repellent material so the liquid does not leave the diaper as easily. The water repellent material is not fully waterproof though so you would need to use a cover. Examples of fitted diapers that are or have been in our lending program: •
Mjallhvít fitted - Icelandic diapers, see image to the right
•
TotsBots Bamboozle - Bambus.is
•
Twinkie Tush fitted (the most absorbent fitted diapers on the market are Twinkie Tush Night-Night) Image: Mjallhvít
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COVERS Covers are waterproof shells designed to fit over the absorbent part of the diaper (for example flats and fitted diapers) and stop liquids from getting into the child’s clothes. There are a few different types of covers available. They are typically made from PUL, fleece or wool. The wool offers a wider range of covers than the other two materials. Wool is perfect for parents who’d like to choose natural fabrics over polyester. You can read more about wool covers on page 10.
PUL covers PUL covers may look like AIO or pocket diapers but when opened, you’ll notice there is no thirsty part inside. It‘s just a thin outer shell. PUL covers fit well over flats and fitted diapers that aren’t bulky. When using a cover, make sure the absorbent material doesn’t peak out anywhere. This may cause leakage. You can usually use the same cover a few times before it needs to be washed. The only thing you need to change would be the absorbent insert/diaper. This applies if there is only urine, if there is poop then we recommend changing the whole thing. It’s enough to own a few covers and then a bunch of inserts/diapers to alternate between changes. The PUL cover to the right is from Mjallhvít. Image: Mjallhvít
Fleece covers These are made out of water repellent fleece materials. These work great over fitted diapers during nighttime. The cover to the right is from Mjallhvít and is designed like pull-up underwear with no snaps or loops. These are very handy. They come in different sizes since they aren’t adjustable and you’ll need to have the right size for the child. It is safe to wash the fleece with the rest of your diapers. Fleece is very quick to dry and does not need any special treatment like wool does.
Image: Mjallhvít
Cloth diapers for beginners | 9
WOOL COVERS Wool covers come in all shapes and sizes. This is a fantastic option for those who prefer natural fabrics for their child. Wool breathes and serves well as a waterproof layer. You don’t need to wash the wool after every use but after each wash, the cover needs to be “bathed” in lanolin. Lanolin is the stuff that makes the cover waterproof. Without the lanolin bath, the cover will lose its waterproof properties and start to leak.
Image: Jodi Hoeksel
Handwash wool covers unless something else is stated with the particular diaper.
When is it time to wash a wool cover? You know it’s time for a wash if the cover does not hold liquid as it should or if your diaper smells when dry. A bit of smell is normal when freshly used but it should not smell when dry.
How to do a lanolin bath What you need: • • • • •
Lanolin (pure or the one from Lansinoh in a purple tube) A big container Small jar Wool shampoo or shampoo for kids Warm water (30-35°C) and boiled water
Mynd: Eva Klepec
1. Wash the wool cover with a small amount of soap in the warm water. Rinse the cover in water at the same temperature. Wool is sensitive to sudden temperature change so it’s important to maintain the same temperature throughout the process. 2. In a jar, mix 1 cm of lanolin cream and one drop of shampoo for each cover you have. For four covers you would need 4 cm of lanolin cream and 4 drops of shampoo. If it’s a first time washing a cover then it’s safe to use 1,5 cm of the lanolin cream. Then pour boiling water into the jar. Close the jar tightly and shake it or stir it with a spoon until the cream has dissolved. Your mix should be milky colored. Be careful because it will be hot to the touch! 3. Put warm water (30-35°C) in your container and add the lanolin mix with the water. Add your wet covers. Move the water around a bit so the fats reach every thread in your cover. Leave to soak for 10-15 minutes. You can put more than one cover at a time in, as long as the mixture covers all the covers. We advise against mixing dark and light colours in the same container. 4. Pull the covers out of the mixture and gently press the excess water out. next you can find a towel and roll the covers in it to pull out the rest of the remaining water. Lay them out to dry. 5. Your covers are ready to use once dried. 10 | Cloth diapers for beginners
INSERTS - ABSORBENT MATERIALS Inserts are the absorbent part of your diaper. They come in various materials from synthetic fabrics to natural fabrics. They are usually stuffed into pockets or snapped in AIO, AI2 and fitted diapers.
Microfiber Microfiber is a synthetic material made out of polyester. These inserts are usually cheaper. It’s often sewn in between natural materials to make „blends“ of inserts. Microfiber can’t hold a lot of liquid but absorbs quickly. Their drying time is much shorter than for natural materials.
Please keep in mind that microfiber is the only material that can never lay directly on your child’s skin. Charcoal bamboo inserts: Are usually black and not made out of actual bamboo but microfiber with a fleece outer layer. Always check the washing label to make sure how to handle your charcoal „bamboo“ insert.
Hemp
Bamboo
Cotton
Natural fabrics Natural fabrics are more absorbent than microfiber. However, they take longer to dry. A tumble dryer shortens the drying time. Fabric made out of hemp, bamboo or cotton needs a few washes before first use to activate its absorbency. This is because they have naturally occurring oils that need to be removed from the inserts to reach their true absorbency.
Inserts vs. boosters (doublers) Boosters are smaller/thinner than inserts and are used to increase (or boost) absorbency without making the diaper bulky. Boosters can be made out of whatever absorbent fabric there is, you can even use small prefolds as boosters. Cloth diapers for beginners | 11
ACCESSORIES Liners Thin layers of fiber to add to your diaper to catch poop or protect the diaper from creams with zinc. Liners are usually made out of starch, bamboo or other fibers. To the right, you’ll see liners from Popli and if there is no poop in it after use, it can be washed with the diaper and used more than once. You can also cut the paper in half and therefore have double the amount available. Using a washing net for liners will make them last longer.
Image: Bambus.is
Fleece liners Fleece liners serve the same purpose but are designed to be washed and used again and again. The liquid goes through the fleece fabric while keeping the child dry. They are easy to apply and remove and do not add any extra bulk. The purpose of liners is to help with poop and they can be washed multiple times with your diapers.
PUL bags PUL bags are storage bags for your dirty (and clean!) diapers. The bags are made out of the same waterproof material as the PUL covers. PUL bags come in many styles and shapes. Some have two compartments (one for dry items and one for dirty ones), some are made with zippers and others with drawstring, some have hangers on them and some are made for pails (see examples on the image to the right). You can have a large storage bag at your home while keeping a smaller one in your changing bag or the car. We recommend having at least two bigger PUL bags so you always have one to use while the other is in the wash.
Image: Yo verslun
PUL bags can be washed with the diapers. As with PUL covers, they can be aired out and washed every other time (this can help make them last longer).
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Reusable wet wipes If using cloth diapers - why not utilize reusable wet wipes as well? You can either prepare the wipes beforehand with water or simply wet them as you go before using them. Our favourite thing about wet wipes is that you can use them for so many other purposes as well – these are great for little messy fingers, snotty noses or spit ups. Simply throw them with the dirty diapers for a wash. Reusable wet wipes are usually made from either cotton or bamboo. You can also make your own wipes by cutting an old towel into squares and sewing the edges.
Snappi Snappi is a small clip that’s designed to hold flats together in your desired shape. It’s also thought to prevent your flats from moving around too much in the cover. Using a Snappi is not necessary but some parents prefer it. Snappi works best with thicker materials so the little hooks hold better in the material. Snappi can not go into a washing machine but you can clean them under lukewarm water.
1
2
3 When using a Snappi, simply fold your flat into your desired shape and then use it like shown in the illustrations above. Boingo is another type of snaps (see image below). They have two fasteners, not three like the Snappi.
Boingo
Snappi Image: Bambus.is
Cloth diapers for beginners | 13
HOW TO PUT A CLOTH DIAPER ON YOUR CHILD
Flap snaps or closure snaps
Rise snaps Front waist snaps
Cloth diaper sizes Cloth diapers come in various sizes depending on the manufacturer’s standard and the type of diaper. Most manufacturers offer two sizes; newborn and “one size” or OS, while other have different sizes for specific weight groups. Newborn sizes are the smallest ones available. Newborn sizes fit preemies and children up to 4 or 5 kg and “One size” is usually for children weighing 4kg and up. For bigger sizes, you can easily find diapers for 15kg+. On a “one size” diaper, the rise snaps determine the size of the diaper, from the smallest setting (in the lowest row) to the biggest setting (top row). On the flaps of the diaper, you’ll find either snaps or velcro that are fastened over the waist of your child. The flap snaps (or velcro) are fastened to the front waist snaps. Make sure to be able to fit two fingers between the child and the diaper over the waist area while the child is laying down. That’s how you determine the right fit. A diaper too loose or too tight may cause leakages. Remember, not all diapers are “one size”. Make sure to check the size of your desired diaper before purchasing.
14 | Cloth diapers for beginners
Fitting a cloth diaper on a child is slightly different than when using a single-use diaper. Firstly, make sure the diaper is slightly above the bum when putting it on – not high on the child’s back like one does with single-use diapers. When you have fastened the flap snaps (or velcro) to the right size, make sure the elastics are nice and snug in the groin area (the elastics should not be turning out, see image to the right). This is to prevent leaking. Lift the child’s legs to make sure there is no gap between the child and the diaper. If the thigh elastics are not snug in the groin area then you might have to adjust the size by popping the rise snaps one row higher or lower. If the elastics are still not snug in the groin area then it might be an indication that the elastics are worn out (in some types of cloth diapers it’s easy to change them, for other types it might mean that the diaper can not be used), or that this brand of diapers does not fit the child. It’s very important to clean and wipe the child properly between changes to prevent burns and other discomforts.
Why does my diaper leak? There are a few reasons why you might be experiencing leakage. Don’t worry – you probably just need to make a little adjustment. Every parent goes through this experience. The first thing to check is the fitting. Go over the steps mentioned above. If you don’t think it’s the fitting, please check the following: •
Are the snaps at the right rise?
•
Is the diaper itself still in good condition? •
Are there any holes in the PUL or is the plastic film separating from the fabric?
•
Are the elastics still in good shape? What about the sewing?
•
Is the insert absorbent enough? Is it time to perhaps add a booster?
•
Is it possible that you need to change more often? During the day you need to change every 2-3 hours. A good night time diaper should last through the night.
•
Is the clothing too tight? This may cause pressure leakages.
•
Don’t use fabric softeners and avoid zinc creams, they make the diaper water-resistant.
•
Does the inner part of the diaper peak outside of the diaper around the elastic?
It may feel overwhelming to keep all of this in mind, but we want to assure you that as soon as you get a hang of cloth diapering they will work with no problems.
Scan the QR code to find a video in icelandic on how to put a cloth diaper on a child, or click here. Cloth diapers for beginners | 15
BUYING PRE-LOVED DIAPERS PROS • • •
CONS
A cheaper option than buying new ones. If they don’t suit your family you can always resell them. A smart way to try different types of diapers before purchasing your whole stash.
•
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The condition of the diapers may vary from good condition to unusable. While most used diapers might be in good condition, you are always taking a chance and might end up buying a diaper that doesn’t work anymore.
Buying pre-loved diapers is an excellent and cheap way to cloth. That way you can try different types with a low starting cost (and sell them again if they don’t suit your child). But keep in mind that even though cloth diapers last long they are not meant to last forever. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying pre-loved diapers:
Elastics, they should still be firm but not hanging loose. Loose elastic can cause leakage (in some cases it’s an option to change the elastics and give the diaper a longer lifetime!). Condition of the cover, make sure there are no holes since they may cause leakage. When buying a diaper with PUL material make sure it still has that plastic-y texture. The plastic should not be separating from the cover either (like shown in the photo below). It’s a good idea to give used diapers a deep clean. A deep cleanse is a simple ritual that you can do in the comfort of your own home and it will get rid of any build-up of dirt or detergent. We have a chapter on that later in this brochure.
Elastic is too loose and needs to be changed
This diaper has new elastics
The diaper to the left is no longer usable, since the plastic film in the PUL fabric has separated from the cover. On the photo to the right you can see the difference a new elastic can make.
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HOW MANY DIAPERS DO I NEED? It’s not easy to suggest a precise number on how many diapers you need as every child and family routine is different. The table below should give you some idea on how many you need. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
How regularly are you able to do laundry? It’s common for parents to wash cloth diapers every 2-3 days while others can do it daily. Figure out what would suit best for your family and determine from there. The more often you can wash, the fewer diapers you need to own. What kind of diapers will you be using? There are a few things to consider regarding different types of diapers. One being that some diapers are more absorbent than others. Another factor is that some children pee more and might need a diaper change after 2 hours, while the same diaper might last another child for 5 hours. For those that need fewer changes throughout the day, the bare minimum of 16 diapers would be enough, while others need more. What does your laundry space look like? Do you have access to a tumble dryer? Access to a dryer might mean you need fewer diapers. Diapers take different amounts of time to dry. Diapers made from natural fibers take longer to dry than microfiber, and a fitted diaper made out of natural fibers might take over 24 hours to dry completely. Different diapers for different purposes. It’s a good idea to have different diapers for different occasions (night-time diapers and daycare diapers for example). You should make room in your stash for these. Night-time diapers need to be more absorbent than other diapers, since they need to last through the night. This means they are usually more bulky and most often made from natural fibers. Days between washes
Newborn
1-6 months old
6-12 months old
older than 1 year
1 (daily)
15 - 19
10 - 12
8 - 10
6-8
2
27 - 35
18 - 22
14 - 18
10 - 14
3
39 - 51
26 - 32
20 - 26
14 - 20
4
51 - 67
34 - 42
26 - 34
18 - 26
5
63 - 83
42 - 52
32 - 42
22 - 32
If you’re using prefolds and covers then use this table to know how many prefolds you’ll need with your covers. For newborns, it would be good to have 8-10 covers but for older children, 6-8 covers should do. You’ll see quite quickly how many you truly need.
Cloth diapers for beginners | 17
FABRICS THAT ARE USED IN CLOTH DIAPERS OUTER/WATERPROOF FABRICS
PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) - Used in cloth diapers and storage bags A polyester fabric that has a TPU (Thermoplastic Plyurethane) film on one side. The film is what makes the fabric waterproof and very suitable for cloth diapers. PUL fabric is also very breathable so the child won’t sweat underneath the diaper. If you purchase a pre-loved diaper then make sure the fabric is still shiny and whole. It’s impossible to fix PUL material with holes or if the TPU film has seperated from the fabric. Make sure it’s still firmly attached and in one piece. Also, check if there are any holes around the elastics.
INNER FABRICS - THE ONES THAT ARE STAY-DRY (SD) Stay-dry fabrics do not absorb moisture themselves but are a barrier between the child and the wet, absorbent layer. They give a “dry to the touch” feeling.
Wicking Jersey (WJ) Wicking Jersey is a light and soft polyester material commonly used in sports clothes. On one side of the fabric, you’ll notice small, eye-shaped holes. The other side is smooth. It doesn’t matter which way the material is inside the diaper, the fabric works either way.
Suedecloth (SC) Suedecloth is a soft polyester material. It’s available in various colours but is usually white.
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Microfleece A soft polyester material that also keeps the child dry. Available in various colors.
Minky Minky is a soft polyester material that absorbs moisture, but is most often called a stay-dry fabric. I’ts main flaw is that the material is very sensitive to fats (like fatty creams) and gets waterproof pretty easily. This can be fixed with “stripping” the diaper (a certain washing method).
INNER FABRICS - NATURAL MATERIALS
Cotton Velour (CV) Natural, soft and super absorbent material but will not keep your child dry. Available in many colours.
(Organic) Bamboo Velour (OBV) Absorbent and soft material made from bamboo. Does not keep your child dry. Comes in different colours but is usually white.
Bamboo, cotton and hemp Natural materials that are often used as the inner layer of diapers. Very absorbent but not as soft as the velour. Photos and more information on bamboo, cotton and hemp on page 11.
Cloth diapers for beginners | 19
WASHING INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLOTH DIAPERS IMPORTANT! If your diaper has velcro, make sure to fasten the tabs before washing. The velcro might hook onto other things in the machine if left open and damage them. Do not use a fabric softener (or detergent with a softener). Softeners make your diapers waterproof so they won’t work as desired.
WHAT TO DO WITH POOP? While breastfeeding and/or while using formula: If your child is breastfed then it’s enough to throw the diaper in the machine straight away, poop and all. The washing will clean the diaper.
A child that eats solid food: Many parents choose to use thin liners between the child and the diaper (see page 12). Liners are designed to catch the poop so it’s easier for you to wash the diaper. Simply flush the solids down the toilet and throw the liner away (or wash if you’re using a reusable liner). Do not throw the liner in the toilet, even if it says you can do so on the packaging! Anything other than pee, poop or toiletpaper can clog pipes. If the poop is solid it should be easy to just shake the diaper lightly over the toilet and it should fall out.
How to store dirty diapers? The most convenient way to store your diapers is to buy a big PUL bag to keep at home. Some bags are easy to hang up while others should be stretched over a basket. You can also buy smaller bags for your changing bag. Throw your bag with your diapers in the wash. Most stores that sell cloth diapers, also sell PUL bags.
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WASHING PROGRAMS Your wash should take 2 - 4 hours from start to finish. 1. Your machine should be about 2/3 full. The diapers will be cleaned the best this way. 2. Pre-wash or add a short cold program with 1200-1400 spins before the main wash. This is important because in this cycle most of the decrement will be washed away before the main cycle begins. You can put a little bit of detergent in this cycle. 3. The main cycle should be at 60° with detergent and 1200-1400 spins. 4. If your child is sensitive to detergents then you can put a short cycle (without detergent) after your main wash to get the rest of the detergent out. Not all diapers can handle boiling degrees. Water that is too hot can destroy elastics, velcros and PUL so don’t use boiling water unless it is absolutely necessary. Why do we not use creams with zinc? Creams with zinc make the diaper water repellant. If your child gets breakouts on the nappie area then try using potato starch or cloth diaper friendly creams (that are not too fatty). Bossagaldur and CJ’s cream are great alternatives to creams with zinc. Can I use a tumble dryer? Inserts, prefolds and flats are fine in tumble dryers on low heat. Natural fabrics and microfiber can go into the tumble dryer. Be careful putting anything with PUL or velcro in a dryer because it could ruin the material. The same goes with wool diapers. Most diapers are fully dry in 24 hours when hung up in a dry place. You can also use a fan to speed up the drying time. How to get rid of stains Stains are common in cloth diapers. One easy way to eliminate them is to put the diapers out in the sun while wet. It will work for most stains, but it might take a couple of days to get rid of the most stubborn ones. Just remember that this works better when the diapers are wet.
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DETERGENTS SUITABLE FOR CLOTH DIAPERS Cloth diapers are one of the dirtiest items your machine needs to clean. That’s why it’s important to use a good detergent and enough of it. Nighttime diapers might need more detergent than other diapers or a regular deep clean. If your diapers smell right after being washed or if you can smell ammonia after your child has urinated then you either need a stronger detergent or more of the one you already use. One more way to prevent the diapers smelling is to add a short, cold program before your main wash. Cloth diapers should never have a bad smell. If your diapers smell or if you bought preloved diapers it might be a good idea to give them a deep clean (see page 23 for instructions). Most parents wonder what detergent suits best. There are many brands available out there so it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at the beginning. There are a few things to keep in mind while choosing your detergents: •
Soap (that includes soap nuts) does not work for washing cloth diapers.
•
Do not use fabric softeners (or detergents that contain fabric softeners).
•
It’s better that the detergent contains enzymes, unless it’s stated on the packaging that the detergent works against fabric pilling (those will damage natural fabrics).
But even though your detergent of choice ticks in all those boxes it does not necessarily mean it’s suitable for your cloth diapers or your family. You could say that a big part of your journey in cloth diapering is to try different brands out. The Facebook group “ Þvottaráð fyrir taubleiur” is a great place to get and offer advice regarding cloth diaper washing. We recommend joining that group if you haven’t already. When questions arise it’s a good idea to ask and find out what others have learned in their cloth diaper journey. Examples of common detergents that work well with cloth diapers are Ariel and Biotex. If you are using milder detergents, such as Neutral, you will need to use more for each wash. Examples of common detergents that don’t work with cloth diapers are Sonnet (too much soap) and liquid Ecover (contains fabric softener). Vinegar is not suitable unless the pH of the water is about 9. If the pH is lower the vinegar will destroy the elastics in cloth diapers.
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DEEP CLEANING There are several reasons why you would have to deep clean your diapers: •
Your diapers are pre-loved.
•
Your diapers smell bad even after washing.
•
A strong ammonia smell occurs after the child has soiled the diaper.
•
Your child’s skin is breaking out frequently.
If you notice any of these symptoms then it might be time to give your diapers a deep clean. Deep cleaning is an easy process. The only thing you need is a basket or a tub and a good detergent. If you are using your tub then it’s good to think about 60 items at a time (inserts and covers are counted as 1 item each, AIO diapers are 2 items, a booster 1 item etc). Put everything in your tub and then pour as hot water as possible from your faucet. Sprinkle 2,5 dl of your detergent (more if your detergent is not very strong) and then 1 dl Vanish Oxi powder (the one in the pink tubs - this is optional). When you have stirred everything well, let it settle for 4-8 hours. After your items have been soaked, put everything in the washer at 60° with no detergent. In some rare cases, your diapers would have to do a little extra deep cleaning. That’s when you’d have to put everything into chlorine. Put 115 ml of chlorine into a half bathtub of cold water. Let your diapers soak for 30-45 minutes. Rinse your items by hand in hot water and gently squeeze the water out - do not wind the items. Finally, wash your diapers at 60° with detergent. Sometimes you will need to put the machine into two separate cycles to make sure all the chlorine is out. It’s important to not put more diapers into the water mix than can fit in your machine. It’s not good for the diapers to wait too long in chlorine.
60 items
2,5 dl
1 dl
If you want to use Rodalon for the sanitizing process then you can put 1dl Rodalon with 1L of lukewarm water (maximum 40°C). Lay your diapers in for 30-45 minutes. Finally, throw your diapers in your machine for a short rinse cycle and then again at 60°with detergent.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND COSTS There are many different reasons why people decide to use cloth diapers. Environmental impact and lower costs are only part of the benefit of cloth diapers.
Cloth for the enviroment Cloth diapers are more eco friendly than single use diapers in every aspect. The biggest difference is the number of diapers a child would use.
Cloth diapers
Single use diapers
About 30
How many are used over the childs 1st year
about 6.000
140 L
Amount of water it takes to create 1 diaper
34 L
4.200 L
The amount of water it takes to create diapers for 1 child over 2,5 years
204.000 L
Note that the numbers above are estimated. They are a calculated average from a few sources.
The amount of water used to wash cloth diapers during one diaper period is around 32.500-43.500 litres (this does depend on your machine, how many diapers you use and how often your diapers are washed). This means that the amount of water used for disposable diapers is still way more than cloth. There were 4.512 children born in 2020 in Iceland. Most of them use disposables full time. That’s roughly 27.072.000 diapers that end up in landfills yearly, spread all over Iceland. If the same amount of children would use cloth, the number would be closer to 135.000 diapers. It takes one disposable diaper around 500 years to decompose!
Cloth to save money Some parents use cloth diapers to save money. You can save thousands of ISK by switching over to cloth, especially if you buy used diapers and especially if you cloth more than one child. After you’ve used your diapers you can always sell them again and get some of your money back. The price range differs between brands both for cloth diapers and disposable ones, but here is a simple graf showing an estimated difference.
price pr 1 diaper*
QTY used for 1 child/2,5 years
Total
Disposable diapers
39 ISK
6.000 diapers
39 x 6000 = 234.000 ISK
Cloth diapers
4.222 ISK
30 diapers
4.222 x 30 = 126.660 ISK
* The calculated average price of diapers in Iceland 5.8.2021, assuming that children wear diapers for 2.5 years. For cloth, we have an average of prices for AIO, AI2 and pocket diapers.
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COMMON ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS A AI2: All In Two - see page 5. AIO: All In One - see page 4. AP: Attachment Parenting. APLIX: A type of velcro. B Bamboo: A natural absorbent material made from bamboo plants - see page 11. BF: Breast feeding. BLW: Baby led weaning. BM: Bowel movement. Boingo: Rubber snaps similar to Snappi - see page 13. BOV or OBV: Bamboo organic velour. Booster: A small absorbent insert - see page 11. BV: Bamboo velour. C CBI: Charcoal bamboo insert. CD: Cloth diaper. Contour Diaper: Absorbent material that is used similar to prefolds, but is shaped like an hourglass so it’s not neccesary to fold before use. They need covers. Cover: A waterproof shell - see pages 9-10. Cotton: A natural absorbent material - see page 11. D DENIP: When a brand new diaper is used for the first time. DG: Double gusset - double elastic around the thighs that give an extra defence against leaking. Doubler: Same as booster - see page 11. E EC: Elimination communication. EO: Essential oil. F Fitted: A fitted diaper - see page 8. Flats: Classic terry squares, prefolds and preflats - see page 7. FOE: Fold over elastic.
H Hemp: A natural absorbent material made from hemp plants - see page 11. N NB: Newborn. NBGE: New Bumgenius Elemental. NIP: New in package (never been used). O OBGE: Old Bumgenius Elemental. OBV: Organic bamboo velour. OC: Organic cotton. OCV: Organic cotton velour. OSFM: One size fits most. OS: One size - a diaper that fits children from birth up to about 15 kg (different between brands). OTB: On the bum. OV: Organic velour. P PF: Prefold - see page 7. PIF: Pay It Forward. PUL: Polyurethane Laminate - see page 18. Q QD: Quick dry. S SC: Suedecloth, stay-dry fabric - see page 18. Snappi: See page 13. Stripping: A method to treat diapers that have become waterproof for some reason. Different methods are used for different causes of the diapers becoming waterproof. T TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane - see page 18. T&T: Turned and Topstitched - a sewing concept. TTO: Tea tree oil. W Wool Soaker: A wool cover - see page 10.
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YOUR NOTES AND IDEAS
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CLOTH MENSTRUAL PADS AND PERIOD PANTS It’s also possible to use reusable menstrual pads. They come in many shapes and sizes and different materials. You can get anything from a thin liner to bigger pads for heavy days and discharge. Many women are sensitive to disposable pads and are prone to yeast infections and other ailments. Cloth pads are more gentle and free from any toxic ingredients. They are washed the same way as we do with cloth diapers. You can also get period pants that serve the same purpose, but look and feel like regular underwear.
Useful Facebook groups: Taubleiutjatt - Discussions, instructions and tips about everything cloth. This is also where you sign up for our cloth diaper lending program. Taubleiutorg - A marketplace for preloved diapers and accessories. Þvottaráð fyrir taubleiur - Advice and tips regarding washing cloth products. Taubindatjatt - Discussions, instructions and tips about reusable menstrual pads and period pants. Cloth diapers for beginners | 27
cloth diapers
for
beginners This brochure includes helpful information about cloth diapers. It’s handy for beginners and more advanced parents. Cloth diapers are a fantastic way to lower your enviromental impact and to save money. Only two kg of cloth diapers can replace over two tons of disposable diapers that would end up in landfills all over the country.