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Many parents today are investigating cloth diapers as a viable option in turbulent economic times.But is it difficult?  Will it really save money?  What about diaper rash?  Most parents, upon investigation, are overwhelmed by the wealth of information available.  I'm here to try to help make navigating those waters a little easier.  Here are some of the top questions and answers for getting started.1. Isn't cloth diapering difficult?Parents are understandably concerned with how much time and effort is involved with reusable diapers.  Thankfully, today's modern designs make it easier than ever to choose cloth diapers.  Many modern designs use high performance materials that eliminate the need for pins and plastic pants.  They are made to absorb wetness and release solids easily so that a diaper change takes no more time than with a disposable.   Simply remove the soiled diaper and shake off solids.  Then store in a dry pail until it is time to launder.  For stubborn or sticky waste, ... read more »

It is a myth that reusable diapers cause more leaks than disposable ones.  In actual use, most parents report less leaks with modern reusables.  If you are using cloth diapers and you experience leaks, there are some common causes and solutions.1. Poor FitIf your diapers do not fit properly, or you use adjustable-size diapers such as Smartipants and they are not set to the right size for your baby, you may experience leaks.  It is important to adjust the diaper before putting it on the baby.  Adjusting the size first provides a much better fit than attempting to snap the diaper into a smaller size while the diaper is being changed.  It is also possible to adjust the fit with different or additional inserts.  By doubling up inserts, you create a different fit, which can be helpful at times with growing babies.2. Inadequate AbsorbencyThis is the most common problem with leaks in reusable and disposable diapers.  If the diaper has reached its absorbtion capacity, the only place for add... read more »

For parents who are new to cloth diapering, it can be overwhelming to realize that there are so many different types, styles, and brands of modern reusable diapers available.  It can also be confusing even to the veteran parent as the cloth diaper market has experienced explosive growth over the last few years.  Here is a basic list of the types of reusable diapers available on the market today:Prefolds: These are the old-fashioned diapers many people think of when they hear about cloth diapers.  They consist of many layers of cotton birdseye fabric sewn together into a rectangle shape.  You fold and fasten the diaper to your baby, and then top with a waterproof cover.  Fitted Diapers: These diapers are hourglass-shaped to provide a better fit.  They frequently have elasticized legs and waist to contain messes.  They are made from a wide variety of absorbent fabrics and usually have either Velcro or snap closures.  They require a waterproof cover.Pocket Diapers: These are modern dia... read more »

There is a lot of information out there on the pros and cons of cloth diapering today.  I'd like to talk to you about the benefits I've experienced over the last decade in cloth diapering my own four children.  For our family, we originally considered and eventually chose reusable diapers for the money savings.  We just couldn't justify a young family paying thousands of dollars for diapers if there was a cheaper alternative.  We initially started with old-fashioned prefolds, diaper pins, and waterproof pants to cover them.  We had started our first baby in disposables and as soon as I discovered that we could cloth diaper him, we really had no choice.  I simply could not afford to continue to buy diapers that would be thrown away in the trash. After cloth diapering with the prefolds and upon learning we were expecting baby number two, I decided to learn to sew so we could have some Velcro fitted diapers in cute fabrics.  So I made lots of tiny diapers for the new baby and learned m... read more »