Cloth Diapering Mistakes | Current Wash Routine + Stash

I've been cloth diapering for almost a year now and a lot has changed since my 30 day update. I finally feel like I have a handle on this whole thing, so in this video, I'm sharing the mistakes I've made in my cloth diapering journey, in hopes to help you avoid making the same ones. I'm also sharing my current wash routine and the diaper brands I'm currently using, as well as the ones I'm no longer using.
Great Cloth Diapering Resource - www.fluffloveuniversity.com
Fluff Love University Detergent Index - www.fluffloveuniversity.com/ho...
My 30 day Cloth Diapering Update - • 30 Days of Cloth Diape...
My Favorite Cloth Diapers
x Grovia O.N.E. (Our go to nighttime diaper) - amzn.to/369O4BR
x Grovia All in One (super slim, great for daytime) - amzn.to/3asi4My
x Lil Helpers - amzn.to/2NJHmvW
Grovia's Site - www.grovia.com
Lil Helper's Site - www.lilhelperdiapers.com
Other Items Mentioned
x The Cloth Wipes We Use - amzn.to/30KUUgc
x The Wipe Solution We Use - amzn.to/2v8FQ07
x The Bottle We Put Our Wipe Solution In - amzn.to/37cz47I
x The Trash Can We Use for a Diaper Pail - bit.ly/2YZDNXG
x The Diaper Pail Liner We Use - amzn.to/38n0Ga9
x The Diaper Sprayer We Use - amzn.to/2G8dhlE
x Tide Detergent - amzn.to/3awMqhg
x Rockin' Green Detergent - amzn.to/2G5tPe0
Cloth Diapers I No Longer Use
x Nora's Nursery - amzn.to/30EDdPh
x Mama Koala - amzn.to/2G6HmSv
x Alva Baby - amzn.to/2R8I6gn
x The Diaper Pail We No Longer Use - amzn.to/2uiuu98
Shop all of my amazon favorites here - www.amazon.com/shop/meganbell
Full Disclosure, some links may contain affiliate links in which I make a small commission which helps to support this channel
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#clothdiapers #howtoclothdiaper #clothdiapering

[@mmfish22]

I personally love my Alva diapers. They are the first things I reach for .. the inserts in them make a difference too, I only use natural fibers.

[@rebornsnuzzles2573]

One thing I learned from my own experience is to hang onto diapers I've fallen out of love with or diapers that aren't working at the moment. As my babies got older, more mobile, their body shape and bathroom habits changed. Some of the things that did not work for us from 4-9 months began working again after one year.

[@jsiegwarth]

Thank you for the tip! ❤

[@sarai040394]

So glad I came across this video. I recently started my cloth diaper journey & was going to invest in a diaper pail but glad I can use a regular trash can. Going to Target today! Haha

[@MandiMomOf8Channel]

I've used disposables with all 7 of my kids. I'm going to try going all cloth now that I'm pregnant with my 8th baby 💗

[@gracecoburn9633]

My mom used to use a diaper service that would bring her clean cloth diapers two times a week and then haul away the dirty ones, she never had trouble with leaks or needing to know exactly how to wash them, since it was a service. That was during the 80s and 90s, now surely the people who worked there and ran these diaper services for years can't be dead or all missing persons! Where are all these people who knew how to do this? I feel like each mom who does cloth diapering now is reinventing the wheel and discovering how to do this themselves. Am I crazy to think this knowledge isn't lost in the universe somewhere, if you know somebody who used to run a diaper service, lets ask them how to do this instead of each mom searching through countless KZbin videos to try and pave their own way... you know, like this is not new knowledge, right? I feel like it shouldn't have to be this complicated for so many, let's find these experts and either get them working again either as consultants or in the capacity of washing and delivering your diapers... there has to be a better way. Someone who is entrepreneurial jump on this!!

[@femininegrowth8545]

Diaper services still exist. Most cloth diaper moms just don't want to use one. I imagine the amount of people in the world who used to run a diaper service is very small lol, dead or alive. Back then many people washed at home too.

[@gracecoburn9633]

@@femininegrowth8545 I’m a cloth diaper mom and if one were available in my area I’d use that service. But even if one person who ran one in the past who felt like sharing their knowledge made one KZbin video I’d watch it for their expertise 😊

[@whimsikel1]

Diaper services commonly use prefolds, which are cotton, and easily laundered. Many moms who are trying to perfect their wash routine are using polyester diapers - which come with a full range of problems that can even be depending on the type of water you have.

[@GrowingwithAnastasia]

I was born in 1989 and my mom told me she used this service too

[@iamperfectlight1978]

Great video, very informative, thank you! I find it so interesting how different all our experiences are cloth diapering. My son is 16 months, been cloth diapering since about 7-8 months and mama koala, alva baby and baby goal all have been great for us. He is a bigger, longer torso, shorter legs, skinny waste and tiny bum. Hes about 26 pounds. When I tried gro via and another similar one they didnt work for us. Leaked and fit weird. However, I hear from a lot of other moms the same issues as you describe. It takes a village :) Thank you for sharing all the wonderful info and resources :)

[@stiffaniek]

Important note: when washing cloth diapers you need to know whether you have hard water or soft water, makes a big difference in the wash routine.

[@MeganBell]

Hadn’t considered it, we have soft water

[@iamperfectlight1978]

So true. Im in AZ, super hard water. I add a water softner to every wash. Helps all my clothes. Upside of cloth diapering in the desert, especially in the summer, diapers dry quick and disinfect well in the overwhelming sun we have.

[@valnoza1519]

How can I find out what kind of water I have?

[@chikkime]

@@valnoza1519 Hard water just means you have lots of minerals in the water. You will know if you have hard water, because it will leave stains in your shower/bathtub, and you will most likely have noticed it already. Also, when there is lots of minerals in the water, your clean clothes will usually feel really stiff unless you've tumble dried them.

[@rebeccapuckett3658]

@@chikkime do you mean like the red stains that appear? I always thought it was mold?

[@tiffanyc2018]

So so thankful I found your video! I needed this, thank you!

[@kristenshawcross7251]

I’m so happy you went and got the grovia ONES. We’ve been using them for nighttime option since the beginning. They are the absolute best!

[@MeganBell]

They really are THE BEST!

[@emileeengelhardt9373]

I’ve cloth diapered 3 babies in the last 3 years and my original Alva baby pocket diapers still work WONDERFULLY!

[@MeganBell]

Glad to hear it! I think maybe my mistake is was drying them. Idk. They leak like crazy on me though

[@gultendenizli]

What did you do for rashes. They caused rashes on my girl. Leakage is not a big problem but rash ia

[@janinedear-barlow]

@@gultendenizli are you getting all the soap out?

[@gultendenizli]

@@janinedear-barlow how do i know if i get it all out. How do i do it

[@janinedear-barlow]

@@gultendenizli swish it in water and see if it makes bubbles.

[@jennicehkyang]

This is so informative, and I enjoyed your precise explanation, too ! Thanks

[@MeganBell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lifewithaaliyahaspen1587]

My whole stash is amazon diapers. Noras, MK, and two other smaller brands anmaBaby & leekaloos... I haven’t started my cloth journey yet but MK, Alva and noras were the MOST recommended in all the cloth groups I’m in.

[@dnagoddesshealings2212]

I have all but the Alva baby brand and I love mine so much!!!

[@PattymacMakes]

Super interesting Megan. I didn't know you could hook up a sprayer in the bathroom like that.

[@heathergracedraper5710]

This was super helpful. I used your first video to help me when I was getting ready to do cloth diapers last year. I definitely have run into some of the same problems you mentioned though and I am going to make a few changes based on what I saw here. Fluff Love is SO helpful. I feel like I may have heard about it (maybe you mentioned in the first video), but I didn't look into it at the time. I definitely haven't been cleaning my daughter's diapers thoroughly enough! *yikes* By the way, some of your links aren't working anymore. Just a heads up! Thanks again!

[@efrngt1234]

THANK YOU SO MUCH MEGAN!!!!

[@rachelyim5083]

You're awesome - thank you for all the great info!

[@MeganBell]

You are so welcome!

[@amberjackson2068]

That was so helpful, thank you!

[@bunniespoppies1132]

Bumgenius Organic are the best in my opinion! I also love Smartbottoms but they seem to leak more.

[@MaamNiza]

I use alva baby, and so far they work well for my baby.

[@TheHeatherblack14]

Same they work for me and my daughter who is now 2

[@vee6976]

I’m pregnant and bought Alva baby, I also bought these bamboo inserts, I hope they work. Do you use the pocket for the Alva baby or do you just place the insert on top? I think you can do it both ways right?

[@ItsmeChelsea-]

@@vee6976 if you have a pocket diaper yes you can do either. I would suggest one insert of your choice in the pocket, and then you can add layers either within/outside the pocket for more absorbency/preference. Just make sure the top layer that is touching baby is not microfiber

[@vee6976]

@@ItsmeChelsea- Thank you so much!!

[@ItsmeChelsea-]

@@vee6976 yess! We have to have eachother us mamas!

[@naomiv7133]

Thank you for the info about fluff and grovia. Can u go more into about why Alva didn't work well?

[@irishlass777]

I started diapering my toddler and and actually think the alvas work just as wel as bum genius. I’m all about the preloved diapers too it’s so easy to strip them and use!

[@juliaxsnider]

Could you say what didn't work for you about the Nora's Nursery, Mama Koala, and Alva Baby brands? I am doing my research to try to find what brand to invest in for when our baby arrives. I read that Grovia's brand elastic wears out quickly on their diapers. Was that your experience? Thanks for the great video and resources!

[@kschneider8340]

My favorite are momma koala and alva. You can always change the inserts that come with them. Alva to me fit much bigger children than some other brands.

[@jon-niromero2914]

That’s exactly what I was gonna say. I heard nothing but good things about Alva

[@dnagoddesshealings2212]

I absolutely LOVE my Mama Koala cloth diapers. They’re one of my favorite brands. This is just her opinion of course. Not the truth.

[@ECpeesy]

Great tips! There's so much trial and error in using cloth diapers. 💜 Heidi

[@lh485]

I never hear about kawaii diapers and they're absolutely amazing. Did my own research and chose these gold ones :)

[@dfatema]

Hi, I'm trying to sell my entire stash for $300. My only use for couple months. Baby sitter did not like to use cloth diaper. So i had to give up. 4 grovia all in ones 2 grovis hybrid shells. 4 grovia inserts 2 blueberry aio 2 bluberry covers 3 best bottom covers 3 best bottom hemp inserts 3 best bottom bamboo inserts 1 best bottom regular inserts 1 button diaper shell will insert 2 bum ware extremes 4 alba diapers And more inserts, let me know if you are interested. Contact me [e-mail]

[@janinedear-barlow]

@@dfatema just change babysitter...

[@jamiemiller8850]

I bought 'used' nappies on marketplace theyre brand new a mama with surprise twins sold her stash to me there were 40 nappies i got the whole lot for £200 and a big box of chocolate ❤

[@Lemonvr0323]

I’m surprised your alvas didn’t hold up. I’ve had mine for 5 years and they are still like new.

[@MeganBell]

I suspect maybe it’s the manufacturer and that i purchased on amazon. I’ve read mixed reviews and many match mine. Maybe the company changed factories or materials at some point.

[@gultendenizli]

Mine held up so well. But often caused diaper rash on my girl😟any advice on what to do before i start using them on my second child

[@heythere5817]

Dont know how they are cheap crap

[@nitaspearman8164]

We love our Alva Baby, but we also don't put the covers in the drier ... over 2 years now and two using them now.

[@0secretheart0]

@@gultendenizli I have heard that microfiber liners can cause a rash because it's a less breathable fabric compared to bamboo or hemp liners

[@ersg8228]

Using cloth diaper for 3months now. We have 40+ stash wash every 2-3 days 😊 So many local brand here in Philippines 😊 save a lot of money especially during this pandemic. We had simple being whimsical set and its sad because everytime she wear it she get a garter marks 😔

[@martakalamari5227]

most of my stash is preloved as I don't have the moneh to buy new and they are all great :) you just need to strip wash them and they are good to go! ( long hot 60degree cotton wash with full dose of detergent and then another long hot 60 wash without detergent, in case anyone needs it :) )

[@ransomwhalen9334]

I have ordered cloth diapers burp cloths on Amazon DEFONO store, it is very soft and absorbent. I recommend it to you, hope it works for you.

[@MeganBell]

Preloved! Love that

[@dfatema]

Hi, I'm trying to sell my entire stash for $300. My only use for couple months. Baby sitter did not like to use cloth diaper. So i had to give up. 4 grovia all in ones 2 grovis hybrid shells. 4 grovia inserts 2 blueberry aio 2 bluberry covers 3 best bottom covers 3 best bottom hemp inserts 3 best bottom bamboo inserts 1 best bottom regular inserts 1 button diaper shell will insert 2 bum ware extremes 4 alba diapers And more inserts, let me know if you are interested. Contact me [e-mail]

[@DeepRootedwithTulani]

I love Lil helpers too! Also did you know Diaper Rite diapers are right here in Hampton Roads where we are? (I live in Hampton Roads as well) their diapers are excellent quality love them and also her bamboo prefolds.

[@MeganBell]

I had no idea! Thank you for sharing that.

[@DeepRootedwithTulani]

Megan Bell your very welcome 🌺

[@britnimeentemeyer4993]

I also just started using lil helpers it’s expensive but the fabric will last forever

[@alexistaylor609]

How many day diapers and night diapers do you recommend to start with?

[@amberp5207]

I have 5 children ranging in ages from 21 to almost 14 months. I wanted to cloth diaper baby #5 and my husband shut it down. Since this Coronavirus, I ordered cloth diapers bc I felt like I needed a backup plan. I ordered the Grovia Ones, Alva Baby and Nora’s Nursery. My daughter is over the 100th percentile in her height and weight, close to 30lbs. She’s a breast fed baby w/VERY chunky thighs. I absolutely love Grovia!! The other day I ordered 6 of the Grovia Big One’s that go from 35lbs to 70lbs. They don’t sell those on Amazon bc if I would of known, I wouldn’t of even bothered trying the other brands. For me, cloth diapering was just intimidating, bc there r is just soooo much to choose from. I’ve learned a lot. I just hate that I got started so late. That is my only regret. Running to the store every week and a half and dropping over $40 on size 6 diapers absolutely sucked and I’m so glad I don’t have to do that anymore. This was a great video!

[@MeganBell]

Better late than never right! And you can share what you know with friends and maybe one day one of your own children will start having children. With 5 I think you’re sure to be a grandmother one day! My boy is 14 months and already 28 pounds. I hate to spend more money. But I think we will be buying the big Ones soon too. Grovia is awesome! Worth every penny.

[@amberp5207]

Megan Bell...I have 4 daughters, 21, 16, 12 and 1. I have a son who’s 18. I’m 42 and my husband is 51. Everyone thought we were crazy for having another baby but I wanted another one. It took a lot of convincing my husband, but he finally agreed. Baby products have definitely come a very long way since we had our firstborn over 20 years ago. For u being a first time mother, u r doing great. Babies grow up soooo fast!! You’ll blink and Miles will b starting kindergarten. Blink again, and he’ll b graduating high school and then off to college.

[@emilymiller1787]

I have ordered cloth diapers burp cloths on Amazon DEFONO store, it is very soft and absorbent. I recommend it to you, hope it works for you.

[@ivanad6199]

My favourites are Little Lamb and Alva baby, I'm using 3 inserts for night - my heavy wetter boy can stay in them for 7 hours without leaks.

[@nardettgbmwfitness]

Our machine doesn't have hot water. What do you suggest for just cold water. Once he pees or poop, i rinse it and out it away. On wash day. I presoak them then wash with honest or mr myers.

[@MeganBell]

Sounds like you have a good system going. I wouldn’t fix it if it’s not broken. The only thing that may not be good is your detergent. I would check fluffloveuniversity.com for the detergent index to see if those are suggested detergents

[@amzylala]

I bought 26 all in one bumgenious diapers from marketplace and it cost me 130! 4-500 brand new is what it would have cost me. The snaps and elastic was in great shape. I had to strip them really well bc there was slight smell but otherwise felt lucky I found such a deal.

[@tiffanybramlette6998]

I don't even know what brands I have but I also bought a whole bunch of cloth diapers from someone and got a huge deal on them with a ton of inserts. They are currently in a plastic tote and I'm going to use disposable for the first month and then after that just when we go out and at night time.

[@RosesandBlingPapercrafts]

I know a few people who use Alva Baby and mama Koala nappies for years but they upgrade the inserts. Just buy the shells and buy some quality bamboo tri folds and boosters if you need more absorbency. I prefer Australian handmade nappies. Clean cloth nappies website has fantastic science backed cloth washing advice.

[@patriciadavis4250]

I'm thinking abo ut using a spray. Bottle for a. Diaper sprayer!

[@KitKat10281]

Would you invest in a newborn stash or just do sposies until baby is big enough to fit into one-size?

[@launley3421]

I cloth diapered the first time. At first, I uses “all natural” detergent that wasn’t cleaning them. The. I switch to regular detergent and bit of vinegar.

[@MeganBell]

Great tip!

[@jenwylie4093]

I find if you make a fleece liner (cut up fleece blankets), the poop falls right out of them, so you don't even need to spray the diaper.

[@largefamilylivin9629]

I found Alva good if you don’t use the microfiber when bub gets bigger but our favourite is bum genius and baby bare

[@maryelisabeth752]

I have been cloth diapering for two years and have not found a solution to diaper rash at night, so I actually use disposables at night. Have you had trouble with that at all? I’m intrigued by your overnight recommendation

[@MeganBell]

I haven’t had that issue, but I have heard wonderful things about the Grovia magic stick. It’s cloth diaper compatible unlike other diaper creams and it’s a stick, so it’s no mess. Additionally, you may want to check your wash routine. Make sure you’re doing an extra rinse and check your water softness/hardness, make sure your detergent is a compatible detergent.

[@jadetruly]

Try a fleece liner and coconut oil at night, the fleece will keep baby’s skin dry and the coconut oil adds an extra barrier layer

[@Spooky_boo22]

The only ones I really spent money on were Nora's nursery I have tried bum genius and flip and they run very small I love my alvas noras wegreecos and mama koalas I feel they hold up great and we never had any problems we were gonna try grovia but just couldnt spend the money they want for 1 diapers that I can get a 6 pack of Alva for

[@MeganBell]

I totally get that. I think drying my alvas in the dryer instead of laying them out may be why they started failing on me. Mine leak straight out of the front through the fabric of the diaper. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Spooky_boo22]

@@MeganBell mine are doing that now we are upgrading our stash because of it

[@jheniclairekaighen3577]

Have you tried hemp inserts? I just bought some and have yet to try them. I heard they're very absorbent.

[@MeganBell]

I haven’t! Only bamboo. I’d love to know how they work out!

[@jheniclairekaighen3577]

@@MeganBell I'll let you know once I use them then!😊

[@agtakesover]

@@MeganBell They are seriously everything they're cracked up to be. You have to wash them 10 times for them to attain maximum absorbency, but then they're freaking amazing. We have purchased them new (Thirsties brand) and preloved (some Babykicks ones that smelled AWFUL until I gave them some super simple TLC) and they both work beautifully.

[@reneashannon5065]

Do you do a full wash with Tide? Is your final rinse on cold water? Do you dry on low?

[@MeganBell]

I do a prewash with tide and I use Rockin green in my main wash. This is just what works for me and I have soft water. If you have hard water, you may need a different method. And yes, final rinse is cold and I dry on EXTRA low.

[@reneashannon5065]

Thank you so much!

[@nickis.rodriguez8959]

Did you start clothe diapering as soon as you gave birth?? What month/age would you recommend to start cloth diapering.

[@MeganBell]

I started when my sons belly button tag fell off as the cloth was irritating it and causing it to bleed. So about 2/3 weeks old we started cloth. That is my recommendation. It is so satisfying to see the amount of diapers you are NOT throwing into the trash. Plus his skin was much happier on cloth.

[@carinazevworthy9244]

Seventh Generation products are on the Fluff Love University Detergent Index recommended list. These are plant based detergents and this company is a B company.

[@jrs551]

50 water 50 White Vinegar to put your diapers in for 30 minutes minimum hours ok gloves rinse place In the next bucket with lid . I also have a one for the baby clothes no more baby sour clothes.

[@jrs551]

liners for b.m. just lift off flush debris place liner in trash .

[@janinedear-barlow]

You don't need to soak nappies.

[@kayhiru8272]

so i bought grovia AIO newborn diapers. I cannot get her to wear them without having her pee leak out, I just boight some disposables which im not happy about because I spent over 250 dollars on these cloth diapers. I want to do this long term. thank god my matteress cover is waterproof because im only days into clothe diapering and shes peed on the bed three times ALREADY. i prewashed them 7 times and I use All free and clear. but heres my thing it doesnt hold her pee. especialyl when she lays down. help me

[@MeganBell]

Hi Kay, I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble. Definitely check out the Grovia Facebook group. It is awesome. You can search for topics and also ask this question to an entire group of people who use and have used Grovia. They will help troubleshoot your issues for sure. See you there!

[@cydneyhuddleston4007]

Has anyone tried the Lil Helpers overnight inserts? I wonder if they can compete with the Grovia ONE

[@MeganBell]

I can tell you that my son at 28 pounds is outgrowing his lil helpers. Grovia as it turns out is the only thing that still fits him at 14 pounds and the only brand I can really recommend

[@monasb11]

Megan Bell hey Megan would you still recommend them for younger babies? Why did u hate them in your 30 day of cloth diapering video?

[@thedoschfamily5067]

I 100 percent prefer mama koala over noras nursery it's literally no different than alva and so overpriced my mama koala have awj and it works so good

[@Teawithtiffanyk]

How are those charcoal inserts working for you (or were working for you lol)? I’ve seen a few on amazon and there are so many mixed reviews about getting one with gussets

[@MeganBell]

I loved them for my pocket diapers. I've since grown to love my all in ones from grovia and will be purging my stash soon, but the charcoal were great for my first year of cloth diapering.

[@magenmills638]

what kind of inserts do you use? Hemp? Bamboo? Micro fiber?

[@MeganBell]

The Grovia diapers I use don't have inserts, they're all in ones and they're cotton.

[@whoohoo7]

My daughter used cloth diapers for her 3 children.

[@emilymiller1787]

I have ordered cloth diapers burp cloths on Amazon DEFONO store, it is very soft and absorbent. I recommend it to you, hope it works for you.

[@michi3493]

I actually prefer my Alvababy over my bumgenius and Charlie bananas

[@MeganBell]

Alvababy started leaking on me a while back. Like through the front, where the buttons on. Not sure why, maybe those need to be laid out to dry.

[@michi3493]

Megan Dunn when buttoning the fronts would your fingers go up or down ? Because when your fingers go up it helps prevent leakage :)

[@BellaXxLovee]

How do you remove stains?

[@Abcdefghijajajaja]

Sun “bleaching”helps!

[@ashleymomofgirls8461]

We were gifted 20 cloth diapers this family never used

[@Abcdefghijajajaja]

Nice

[@jennifer052285]

Is pre wash the same as a quick wash?

[@MeganBell]

Most washers have a setting to add a prewash to your cycle. If you don't you could do a quick wash and then a regular to achieve the same results.

[@jennifer052285]

@@MeganBell My washer has a Pre Soak option. Is that the same as a Pre Wash?

[@caitlinhanson8631]

@@jennifer052285 I have the same question

[@gundog4273]

I think I've come to the conclusion that I do not like these pocket diapers. Baby number two is getting flats and rubber pants. I never see an ammonia build up video about the cotton flats and rubber pants. I know it's my fault for mishandling these diapers but they are just too easy to mishandle.

[@MeganBell]

I highly recommend the All in Ones from Grovia! They were life changing for me.

[@c.e.9280]

A very good video, but please don‘t pretend your husband is not capable of taking care of cloth diapers.