The Cloth Diaper Buyer's GuideChanging diapers may be a dirty business, but when it comes to kids’ health and the environment, more and more parents are searching out safer, cleaner, and more economical alternatives to disposable diapers. Whether you’re an expectant parent intent on using cloth, or are still undecided, the following guide will help you navigate the many options and make the appropriate choice for your family and your pocketbook.
Getting Started
It’s always a good idea to research cloth diaper options before you buy. Unfortunately, the internet can be so full of conflicting and confusing information that many parents may be tempted to give up in despair.
To take a first-hand look at the tried and true cloth diapering options for Canadian parents, a visit to a specialty store is a must.
To find out more about the ins and outs of cloth diapering, I visited Diaper-Eez in Toronto’s Bloor West Village, where I spent some quality time with owner Susan Tomaszewski. In the store setting, not only did I have a chance to handle a variety of diapers and assess their softness and thickness, but I also practiced my hands-on diapering techniques under Susan’s expert guidance. She even taught this origami-challenged mom how to fold flat diapers like a pro! Kite fold? Piece of cake, people!
Customer service will take you a long way in the diaper department, and with a little in-store tutelage, expectant parents will feel more confident in their decision to use cloth, and more likely to follow through with it.
For cloth diapering resources in your area, click here:
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Tip: If you live outside a major city, you can always have cloth diapers shipped to you. Most diaper specialty shops can give consultations over-the-phone and send you diaper-folding instructions and tips on DVD!
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Cloth Diaper Glossary
Fitted Diapers
Fitted diapers are a popular option with parents. These diapers have elastic at the legs and resemble a disposable diaper (no folding required!). They can be fastened with snaps or Velcro, and are available in materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.
Some fitted diapers come in different sizes, from newborn to toddler, while others come in one size and can be adjusted as your baby grows. Choosing a one-size diaper can save you lots of money!
Pre-fold Diapers
This is another popular (and more economical) option for parents. They are similar to flat diapers, but have multiple layers and extra layering in the middle. They are referred to as 2x6x2, 4x6x4, 4x8x4 etc. These numbers refer to the number of layers on the sides and in the middle of the diaper. For example, a 4x6x4 diaper has 4 layers on either side, and 6 layers in the middle.
Pre-folds can be pinned, tri-folded, or “snappi’ed” together with a Snappi connector, and come in newborn and toddler sizes.
Flat Diapers
Flat diapers are the most “old-school” of the bunch, and are large one-layer muslin or cotton flannel squares. The advantages to using flat diapers are that they dry very quickly, and can diaper through the stages. However, they do require origami-type folding which can take a little getting used to.
Diaper Covers
A diaper cover is a waterproof cover that keeps the diaper in place and prevents leaking. Covers come in a variety of styles, including wrap covers, which fasten in front with Velcro or snaps, side-closing covers, and pull-on covers (great for toddlers!).
Covers also come in a variety of materials, such as polyurethane laminate (PUL), waterproof nylon, polyester fleece, and wool.
All-in-one diapers (AIO)
All-in-one diapers combine the absorbent fitted diaper and a waterproof cover into a single diaper. They are very convenient and easy to use. It may be a good idea to have a few of these around, especially for grandparents and babysitters new to the concept of cloth diapering!
Some of the drawbacks to AIOs are that they are more expensive, and generally come in different sizes, from newborn to toddler. They also take much longer to dry.
Doublers and Liners
Doublers add a layer of absorbency to a diaper. They are great to have on hand, and can be used for outings, at nighttime, or with heavy wetters.
Parents can also buy flushable, biodegradable liners that are designed to catch poop. They peel out of the diaper easily and can be dropped into the toilet. Very convenient!
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Tip: When choosing a diaper system, parents should feel free to mix and match. You may choose to include some diapers designed specifically for nighttime, or buy a combination of all-in-one, fitted, and pre-fold diapers to cut costs. Try to find a diaper cover that can be used interchangeably with different styles.
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How many diapers?
It is recommended that parents invest in the following:
-18-36 cloth diapers (2-4 of which should be designed for nighttime)
-3 diaper covers per dozen diapers (minimum of 6)
-12 doublers
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Tip: Buying the minimum recommended number of diapers may overwhelm parents with laundry duties. Spending the money on a few more diapers will give you more flexibility in your laundry routine.
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Cost Analysis
There are a number of cloth diaper brands offering all manner of styles and fabric choices for expectant parents. It is essential for parents to assess both finances and personal preferences before buying. For our sample analysis, we have based our calculations on diapers by Canadian brands Mother-ease and Bummis. However, the choices are endless, and we encourage parents to have a look at the many wonderful cloth diaper options available in Canada. All prices quoted in Canadian dollars.
Keep in mind; other diapering accessories such as diaper pail, wipes, biodegradable liners, pins, Snappi connectors, and laundry detergent are extra.
Fitted Diapers
Mother-ease is a Canadian company that both designs and manufactures its diapers right here in Canada. They make a wonderful one-size fitted diaper with snap fasteners available in a variety of materials, such as organic cotton and bamboo. Organic cotton is ideal for nighttime because it pulls moisture away from the body. Bamboo is also a good choice for its antimicrobial properties, as well as its sustainability as a resource.
The following chart will give you a sense of what a fitted diaper system will cost.
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Item
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Size
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Cost
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Total
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Mother-ease Bamboo or Organic Cotton
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o/s
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$15.00 x 30 diapers
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$ 450.00
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Mother-ease Air Flow Cover
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6-12 lbs
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$ 13.50 x 9 covers
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$ 121.50
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Mother-ease Air Flow Cover
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10-20 lbs
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$ 13.50 x 9 covers
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$ 121.50
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Mother-ease Air Flow Cover
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20-27 lbs
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$ 13.50 x 9 covers
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$ 121.50
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Mother-ease Snap-in liners (doubler)
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o/s
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$ 4.50 x 12 liners
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$ 54.00
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$ 868.50
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Pre-folds
Pre-folds come in packages of 12, and are available in newborn and toddler sizes. Materials include cotton, unbleached cotton, and organic cotton.
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Item
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Size
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Cost
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Total
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Organic Cotton Pre-folds
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newborn
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$ 36.00/dozen x 3
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$ 108.00
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Organic Cotton Pre-folds
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toddler
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$ 50.00/dozen x 3
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$ 150.00
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Bummis Original Cover
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8-13 lbs
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$ 11.00 x 9 covers
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$ 99.00
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Bummis Original Cover
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13-20 lbs
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$ 11.00 x 9 covers
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$ 99.00
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Bummis Original Cover
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20-28 lbs
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$ 11.00 x 9 covers
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$ 99.00
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Bummis Stay-Dry Liner
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o/s
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$ 4.50 x 12 liners
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$ 54.00
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$ 609.00
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Flat Diapers
Flat diapers are available in muslin and cotton flannel squares. Flannnel is a little more economical, at $32/dozen, but for our cost analysis, we’ll base our calculations on the quick-drying muslin.
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Item
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Size
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Cost
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Total
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Muslin squares
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31” x 31”
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$ 50.00/dozen x 3
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$ 150.00
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Bummis Original Cover
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8-13 lbs
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$ 11.00 x 9 covers
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$ 99.00
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Bummis Original Cover
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13-20 lbs
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$ 11.00 x 9 covers
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$ 99.00
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Bummis Original Cover
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20-28 lbs
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$ 11.00 x 9 covers
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$ 99.00
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Bummis Stay-Dry Liner
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o/s
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$ 4.50 x 12 liners
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$ 54.00
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$ 501.00
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All-In-One Diapers
Montreal based company Bummis distributes a popular AIO diaper called Bum Genius. The cost of an AIO diaper ranges from $20 - $30 each and comes in different sizes. Buying AIO exclusively can be extremely costly, but you may wish to invest in some for the sake of convenience.
Diaper Brands Available in Canada
Apple Cheeks: http://www.applecheeks.ca/
Bummis: http://www.bummis.com/en/Index.html
Kushies: http://www.kushies.com/Cataloque/catalogue.html
Monkey-Doodlez: http://www.monkeydoodlez.com/store/Default.asp
Mother-ease: http://www.mother-ease.com/
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Tip: Purchase diaper covers as your baby grows. Depending on the size of your baby, you may not need every size.
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Notes on Washing and Drying
Washing routines can vary from family to family, and depend on the number of diapers in your stockpile, access to washing machines, weather, etc. Some families prefer to do small loads of diapers more frequently, while others prefer to do larger loads twice a week.
Here are some quick tips for diaper care:
-When you’re down to 6 diapers, it’s time to throw in a load!
-If using diapers/covers with Velcro fasteners, make sure the Velcro tabs are closed to prevent them from attaching to other diapers.
-To prevent smells, run diapers through a vinegar rinse before adding detergent.
-Use 1/8 to 1/4 cup of simple detergent, nothing fancy. (Nature Pure is a good choice for sensitive baby skin!)
-The sun is the most effective stain remover. Hanging to dry in the warmer months will also save you a bundle on energy costs.
-Never use fabric softener or bleach on diapers and covers. These can diminish the absorbency and irritate baby’s sensitive skin.
Why choose cloth?
In case you’re still not convinced, here are just some of the reasons to choose cloth:
-Are available in natural materials such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp.
-Are much more cost effective. (Disposables can run upwards of $2,500 over three years)
-Provide better ventilation (The temperature inside a disposable is 3 degrees warmer!)
-Reduced incidence of diaper rash
-Can expedite toilet training
-Don’t pile up in a landfill (Each baby will go through approximately 5,000 – 7,000 diapers before the age of 3!)
-Can be handed down to other children
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A special thank you to Susan Tomaszewski at Diaper-Eez for sharing her wonderful expertise!
-- Sarah Simpson
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