New to Cloth

Four Styles of Cloth Diapers:

1. All-in-One Cloth Diapers (AIOs) - This is the easiest and most leak proof diaper to use. They have a diaper cover that is attached to an absorbant cotton/fleece inner layer. Fastened with snaps or hook and loop closures they are most like disposables and are great for new to cloth families. Seperate cover NOT required.

All-in-Ones We Stock:

• Bumkins AIO - The convenience of disposable with the comfort of cloth, The All In One includes our unique waterproof fabric shell in our fun design and bright patterns. The interior is six layers of 100% pure cotton flannel. Machine washable. 

2. Fitted / Contoured Cloth Diapers - These diapers have snaps or hook and loop closures and DO require a diaper cover. This type of diaper dries faster than an All-in-One diaper.

Fitted / Contoured Diapers We Stock:

• Kissaluvs Fitted Diaper - Kissaluvs fitted diapers are known for their quality fabrics and excellent fit. All Kissaluvs diapers are made with touchably soft, absorbant, and durable cotton fleece or fleece/terry. And are available in an organic option.

3. Pre-folds & Flats (old fashioned diapers) - This is a multi-functional diaper. In addition to diapering they can be used as burp cloths, for household uses, and more. These diapers usually need to be fastened with Snappis or pins and DO require a diaper cover.

4. Pocket Cloth Diapers - A pocket diaper consists of three parts 1) a waterproof outer fabric 2) a moisture wicking inner fabric and 3) an absorbant insert. The inner and outer parts are sewn together forming a pocket for the insert. Pocket diapers revolutionized cloth diapering. By using special materials against baby's skin they help to prevent and treat diaper rash making this an ideal diaper choice.

Pocket Diapers We Stock:

• FuzziBunz Pocket Diapers - The original pocket diaper! Created by a mom who wanted a better way to combat her child's diaper rash.

What Do I Need to Get Started? 

Your starting stash may vary, but this should get you headed in the right direction. First, we recommend trying several systems before committing to just one. Styles and sizes vary from brand to brand and in fit from baby to baby. Your diaper stash may consists of several styles and may change as your child grows and your needs change.

• 2-3 dozen diapers
• 0-3 All-in-Ones
• 4-6 diaper covers
• 1-2 fleece or wool covers (while not mandatory most experieced cloth diaperers find these very helpful)
• 12-14 doublers ( or more if your child is a heavy wetter)
• 1 diaper pail (we also recommend a pail liner)
• 2-3 dozen cloth wipes

When thinking of how much to buy consider the age of your baby and how often you will be laundering your diapers. Newborns and infants use about 10-12 diapers a day while their toddler counterparts average 8-10. Most people wash their diapers every 2-3 days.

Washing Your Diapers:

There are as many different ways to wash cloth diapers as there are families that use them. You will find a system that works for you.

Bowel Movements - Some people use rice paper liners as an easy disposal method for bowel movements. A diaper sprayer attached to the toilet is a helpful alternative. Bowel movements of exclusively breastfed babies do not require any special treatment prior to washing.

Dirty Storage -  Gone are the days of a stinky pail with dirty diapers in soaking water. A diaper pail, something as simple as a kitchen trashcan, with a pail liner is the prefered method. A can with a foot lever makes for easy one-handed use. Your pail liner makes a handy carrying bag to washer and can be thrown in with the diapers to wash. Hangable pail liners can eliminate the need for a pail altogether.

Wash and Dry -  Washing instructions vary from diaper to diaper, so you may want to check with the maufacturer's care information first. Our method consists of a cold soak, cold pre-rinse, long hot wash, and a second rinse followed by machine drying on high. We recommend an additive free detergant and NOT to use softeners or bleach. If you get staining a little lemon juice and some sunlight will often reduce or eliminate them.  Pinstripes & Polkadots has a great Detergent Reference Page if you are unsure of your own detergent's suitablity for cloth diapering. Wool requires seperate care and it is recommended that you do not dry your PUL covers and pockets in the dryer. Though occasional drying can help reseal the leak proof barrier.

Any other questions or info we should include: drop us a line.