If you’re new to cloth
diapering or are considering making the switch, here are some of our
suggestions for how to get started with the products that we have here
at SproutBaby.com. These are only suggestions, and every family has
it’s own needs and requirements, plus every child is different! You
know your child best, your needs best and your capacity to launder and
clean best.
The average newborn needs a diaper change between 10 and 14 times in
24 hours. With age, this number tends to decrease to between 6 and 10
times in 24 hours.
Currently, we sell fitted diapers, wool covers and doublers or
inserts. These are different from pre-folds, contours, pockets or
all-in-ones, meaning that the fitted diapers need to be worn with a
cover. Doublers and inserts lay inside the fitted diaper for extra
protection against leakage, nighttime wetting and heavy-wetters. These
are all factors to consider when placing your first order.
How much should I buy?
Here are some key things to consider when making your initial order.
(Any orders after that to increase the number of fitted diapers, wool
covers, doublers or inserts are not reflected in these buying
suggestions. We are, however, available for further suggestions for
ordering our cloth diapering systems.)
- If you are transitioning to a cloth diapering system and are
interested in combining the use of disposable and cloth diapers, your
initial order may look like this: 10-12 fitted diapers, 2-5 wool
covers, 2-5 doublers or inserts (this could require daily laundering
depending on how many disposable diapers are used in conjunction with
the cloth diapers).
- If you have a brand new baby and are going to be starting from
scratch, your initial order may look like this: 12-24 fitted diapers,
5-12 wool covers, 5-12 doublers or inserts (this could require daily or
every-other-day laundering depending on the frequency of the diaper
changes).
- If you have an older child and would like to refresh your supply
of cloth diapers, or are interested in trying the brands that we carry,
your initial order may look like this: 6-12 fitted diapers, 2-4 wool
covers, 2-4 doublers or liners (this may require daily or
every-other-day laundering depending on how many diapers you already
have in rotation).
What are fitteds?
These diapers are shaped, have inner padding for absorption (you can
increase the absorbency by adding a doubler), and contain their own
fasteners. They should be worn under a diaper cover. Covers keep
clothing and sheets dry, and you may choose not to use a cover when
hanging out at home.
What are covers?
Fitteds require covers to achieve waterproof qualities. Wool covers are
naturally water resistant, which makes them more breathable, and means
they are not lined with PUL (polyurethane). At this time, the only non-PUL
covers with water resistance are wool. In order to achieve this,
however, you’ll want to lanolize your wool covers every so often.
You’ll need to purchase far fewer covers than diapers because you can
reuse the covers again and again between washes. Once they get smelly
or soiled, throw them in the wash with your baby’s clothing, not
diapers. Think about hang drying covers, as machine drying could shrink
the wool.
What are doublers and inserts?
Essentially the same thing, inserts and doublers are both cuts of
fabric used to add absorbency to your diapers. You’ll need a few of
these per dozen of fitted diapers, for times when you want a thirstier
diaper.
