What I've Learned From One Year of Cloth Diapering

[@LoeppkysLife]

Just to be clear! 1. The microfibre diapers we were using were pocket diapers, so the microfibre was NOT against baby’s skin. 2. The rashes were caused by those diapers because of sensitive skin, NOT a bad wash routine. 3. Our bad wash routine was NOT a result of following fluff love university’s website. I only use the website to make sure I’m using a cloth diaper safe detergent. 4. Also, the bad wash routine was purely my fault as a newbie cloth diaperer!

[@chelseaandrews200]

Is there something wrong with fluff love? Genuinely curious. They helped my diapers not stink anymore 🙌 so thankful for Fluff Love otherwise I probably would have stopped cloth a long time ago. (I switched to cloth at 6 months too with my now 5 year old. Now have a potty trained 3 year old and on the same cloth with my 3rd baby who is now 1.)

[@chelseaandrews200]

To be more specific, they helped my washing routine so they don't stink. I haven't stripped my diapers for 3 years and I have 0 stink issues due to the wash routine they helped me with

[@shannoncolwell4652]

I HIGHLY recommend spraying in the toilet then tense and squeeze them a few times in the sink. THEN the wetbag.

[@Mega36Fredricks]

The fluff love facebook group is SO helpful! You can post about the issues you are having with your diapers, along with your wash routine and the type of washer and dryer you have. Then, based on that info, the admins can give you a new wash routine with the type of detergent you want to use. They answered so many of my questions and helped me solve all of my issues.

[@kerstipalm7582]

I would recommend storing used diapers and inserts in a container which has airflow in it, i.e. a paper bin/basket or smth similar.

[@kassidyheine1100]

one thing that i really enjoy from your channel is that everything is a learning experience and you aren’t afraid to show your struggle

[@stargwynn1]

Cloth diapering veteran here: most important aspects of cleaning diapers 1) lots of water and rinsing 2) wash your washer! 3) store dirties for maximum 2 days in a ventilated container

[@dawnforlife]

Would it be smelly if it is ventilated? How do you wash your washer? 35 weeks and preparing :)

[@PolkadotRainbowsXO]

dawn for life in Switzerland I store my dirty diapers in a bucket in the bathroom, no lid and I don’t notice a smell! Also if your washer doesn’t have a self clean button, then I would research the best way to clean it and do it every month or after every 30 washes ☺️ this is what I’ve found works best for us!

[@uninico]

@@dawnforlife Google Clean Cloth Nappies, it's a website with everything you need to know. The holy grail of wash routines.

[@mamabearsewing6386]

@@dawnforlife The air being able to circulate helps keep bacteria at bay so they don't stink.

[@MaggieJay1994]

I use a washing basket on top of my machine (front loader) I pre wash then hot wash every 3 days.

[@cassiforest9191]

Your first cloth diaper vid is how I found your channel! Thanks for the update!

[@esthersalcove2650]

I just started cloth diapering my 1 month old this week and these videos are what got me convinced to do it with my own children. So glad that these videos are still up. They're so helpful now!

[@remsleep2091]

In Mexico we have a huge group of cloth diaper mommas, rashes usually are caused due to the ammonia that builds up from the poop (and it is also the reason why they smell so much) there is this thing called RLR and it helps trough a very methodical wash, get the ammonia smell out of the cloth diapers. That's why you should always be very precise on the washing method and do extra rinses

[@drest5316]

Before throwing the diaper in the wet bag, whether it was peed or pooped in, I give it a good rinse and then throw it in. I even noticed after doing that, that the next day my diaper pail would have no smell inside. Works great 👍🏼 I’ve also done a couple strips and all I did was the bleach soak for like 1 hr and then washed them a couple of times. The smell was completely gone, they were like new again.

[@doomsdaykitten5291]

I miss a presoak option...my stupid new "smart washer" doesn't have that option...

[@midkid4sho]

Not a momma yet but saving this for when we have little ones (Lord willing)! Love the content :)

[@awildandsimplelife]

Yes you'll love cloth diapers for the baby 😃

[@BethMacDur]

Same 😅

[@grinstaspinsta]

We ditched microfiber about halfway through our cloth diaper experience. They just stunk and I couldn't get them stripped clean. We switched to prefolds and flat diapers to stuff the diapers with (or I learned to fold and put on a flat diaper with a cover and I really liked that) and the cotton was just SO much easier to deal with. Thanks for this, this one was fun! ☺️

[@mgdk93]

Yes, good rinse before washing and long cycle with hot water and extra rinse at the end is the key to have no issues with smell.

[@PinkPiratePanda]

Also if you have a good bidet hose, scraping is not a hassle. We literally just point and shoot the hose at the poop (we have a bin to hang the diaper on while its getting soaked). It takes like a minute and I don't touch the poop.

[@Samira-hi3gp]

Question, when you wash them in hot water, do you wash both the inserts and the pocket diaper? Or do you separate them?

[@LilyRayne1998]

I’m due with our first baby in November, I’ve already started growing my clothes diaper stash! Beyond excited been following for almost two years now!

[@ModernClassicMama]

Amen to the liners! We use homemade fleece liners, and it really does make all the difference with the poopy diapers.

[@lindeartdesigns6250]

First time mom here preparing to cloth after baby is born and videos like these are SO helpful!! I feel like there is sooo much to learn and notes from people with experience are beyond helpful

[@theguntrips2878]

Cloth diapers really shouldn’t stink at all, I struggle to tell if my little one has pooped, disposables on the other hand reek compared to cloth. If you hot prewash (normally a quick wash or daily wash which is at least an hour long) on 60 degrees (Celsius) daily with a good mainstream detergent and main wash at 40-60 degrees every 2-3 days (when you have enough for a full load) with good detergent, you will have no smells. The smells are generally from a build up of ammonia which a daily hot wash will kill and keep your nappies smelling fresh 😊 it won’t wreck your nappies PUL like some say.

[@belenhernandez9238]

I was thinking this the entire time! I’m like you need two washes WITH detergent 😅 been cloth diapering for 3 years 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@n.p731]

I always spray my diapers fully, letting them sit outside in the sun, then every night i bring them in to wash. I do a pre-wash with the smallest option of detergent on cold, then I do a "large" load with hot water and detergent 2x the amount i used the first time. I wash my diapers alone, not sure if that's recommended but so far my diapers don't stink and come out super clean. I have hard water, I use Tide Free & Clear. Any opinions/advice?

[@jobradris2607]

After you prewash your diapers everyday do you dry them?

[@jobradris2607]

I spray the poop and store until I accumulate enough for the main wash

[@n.p731]

@@jobradris2607 I pre-wash, then do the main wash after, then I let them sit out to dry, I could throw them in the dryer on hot but I'm afraid it will ruin the elastic. In the morning I let them sit in the sun. I used to wash with our clothes with the same method but my diapers didn't come out as clean.

[@MissKate373]

I have to strongly disagree with the fact that cloth diapers stink more - we use cloth diapers as well but when we were on vacation we used disposable ones and they were really stinky in our opinion. As soon as our baby peed in it, we could smell it. After two days we had bring out the trash because the whole room smelled like pee. With our cloth diapers we never had problems. Even our visitors are surprised that it doesn't smell. I think the washing routine is the most important when it Comes to Cloth diapering! ;)

[@Xenia2812]

I guess with disposable ones though you can use nappy bags so dont have that issue as used disposable with my daughter and always used nappy bags.

[@catherinekiekebosch7347]

Agreed, if you have a good wash routine your cloth nappies should NOT stink.

[@carissamendoza4178]

Catherine Cake he didn’t stink when my son was younger maybe before 11 months but now that he’s a toddler one day of his urine fill diaper sitting and the house smells like ammonia. Flat eyebrows can definitely smell especially in the hot summer months. I have a grave washer chain don’t have any smell until they are soiled and sitting in the diaper pail for a few hours. I think I’m going to have to start rinsing even the P diapers before throwing them in the pale😅

[@Julia-lg2on]

We had the exact same experience! My son would pee the tiniest bit on vacation, and the whole car would stink. We can never tell with cloth diapers. I think the whole experience made my husband appreciate cloth diapering more, haha.

[@GiseleKoch]

Yup, I've been watching lots of videos about cloth diapers, and a brazilian mom said the same thing: disposable would stink way more than cloth diapers in her experience. So i guess washing routine is the secret. But also Brasil has warmer weather so i guess sun drying helps removing odors as well as some stains.

[@edward6589]

Phew... cloth diapers. Controversial. Haha, as a cloth diapering dad who takes care of them, I have researched and researched to get a good result. What’s worked for us is this with a front load washer: warm, normal cycle for the prewash with less than line 1 of powder tide. At first, we wanted something more natural but this honestly was what worked for cleaning for us. Second wash: heavy duty, super hot, and the amount “for a large load” of tide. Cleaning our washer after 30 uses is the goal and filling it up to where it’s almost full when they’re dry helped because I was getting build up because front loaders don’t do so well with rinsing if not enough is in there. Monthly, we use this stuff “RLR” and gives them a boost in addition to normal detergent. It makes them soft and fresh. What I’ve heard the rule of thumb is that when they’re wet out of the washer, they should smell like wet fabric so do with that as you please! Sorry, this might have been unwarranted advice but my wife and I have worked hard to perfect that wash and we haven’t had stink issues ever.

[@justaname999]

Especially for smaller babies, trying the "old fashioned" diapering method (where you wrap a folded flat diaper around the baby's whole botttom) plus covers is worth it. I got a lot of information on cloth diapers from German pages because we live in Europe currently and apparently a lot of people in Central Europe love the old fashioned method. It's a steeper learning curve and more work but it's really useful for blow-outs :) But yeah, if your baby hates the changes, it's not the best option, since it takes a bit more time :)

[@elizabethstephens7865]

I did that method with flour sack towels (and rolled the legs and back to prevent blowouts - IT WORKS) with newborn covers I made for my daughter when she was a newborn and couldn't yet fit into the one size adjustable pocket diapers. It's time consuming to fold all of the flats into the necessary shape, but it wasn't awful. I even did it on the fly and my daughter didn't complain. She wasn't as squirmy and fussy during changes as other babies - even as she got older.

[@EnaGoba]

yeah im probably gonna do that for my next baby. for my first I started cloth diapering at almost two months and Really tried out a bunch of systems, so I kinda know what works for us in general. although I have found that it changes over time. right now I'm really liking AiO velcro ones, but baby has started taking them off (if he doesn't have anything else over it) 😬 so I'll see if I have to use more of the snaps. but I love cloth diapers, I am super glad I went into it :) I also havent had any issues with my washing routine, so it really hasnt been too much of a hassle

[@justaname999]

@@elizabethstephens7865 Wow, you made covers yourself? That's cool!

[@elizabethstephens7865]

@@justaname999 Thanks! I had only sewn cloth menstrual pads before the diaper covers so it was a little difficult at first. I messed up the first one (it became a stuffed animal diaper lol), but after that it was relatively easy. The PUL fabric is so slippery so keeping it from sliding around all over the place was the hardest part haha.

[@elizabethstephens7865]

@@EnaGoba Yes, snaps definitely help with preventing the child from removing them! Haha. As Delilah said, I like pocket diapers because you can adjust the amount of absorbancy and try out different absorbent materials (bamboo is my favourite). I used flour sack towels folded into a rectangle and put into the pocket as an insert for probably the first year. Beyond that, we bought 20 large 5-layered bamboo inserts from kawaii baby on amazon because she started leaking in the other ones. They are amazing and totally worth the money!!! I didn't think so at first, but when she was leaking everyday it seemed worth it & I'm so glad I bought them. Another cool thing about pocket diapers is that if you don't want the polyester material that is normally against your baby's skin that the pocket is made from, you can use the pocket diapers as diaper covers and simply lay and insert over the pocket. I used my pocket diaper shells as covers when I was still wrapping my baby in the flats (flour sack towels) and rolling the legs and back to prevent blow outs.

[@everydaywithk.hughes]

New mommy here!! I’ve been cloth diapering for 3 months and my son will be 5 months on the 22nd.. I have 28 Nora’s nursery brand and 8 Alva babies. I absolutely love cloth diapering. Thank you for showing an example if stripping.. so helpful if ever needed.

[@esthershittu5930]

Hi, did you use these from the newborn stage?

[@everydaywithk.hughes]

@estershittu no I didn’t.. my son was almost 2 months when I started and maybe 12 pounds at the time

[@danih5631]

Another bid for clean cloth nappies for wash routine here. Our nappies smell like new and look like new after 10+months. Also a bid for anyone considering elimination communication or early toilet training. Its going to be hard work to toilet train whenever you do and sooner is better in my opinion. Its amazing what babies can learn if you support them the right way :)

[@sbrrnwst]

I found disposables stank soooo much more!! I'm not sure if it's because we used biodegradable ones filled with oat fibres... but the wet nappy smell actually woke me up it was that bad 🤢🤣never had a stinky issue with cloth though! I've heard this can depend on your wash routine though 🙂

[@EnaGoba]

yeah, same! we used 'normal', not super fancy or bio diapers, just for travel and stuff, and I felt like they stank more and that baby got hotter in them, I just really didn't like putting him in them 😐

[@lilyhamill9524]

Agreed! When friends leave disposable diapers here I need to toss them immediately or I feel my house stinks. My cloth never stick. Even dirty. The only time I have a stinky diaper is in the morning after 12 hours wear. Once washed nothing stinks.

[@chkimpton]

The spray pal is essential if you are using a toilet sprayer so that it doesn’t go all over the bathroom! I’ve been cloth diapering since May when my baby came home so I’m far from knowing everything and probably making a lot of mistakes but the spray pal is a lifesaver

[@cittylivelovedance]

We're using pre folds with covers and they have been fantastic! We use a snappi to keep the prefold in place, and we're so used to it we have a hard time using disposable now!

[@AleksJ541]

We've been spending a lot of time trying to research the best and most eco friendly way to diaper our baby, while making sure it's a sustainable process in our lifestyle. Really appreciate all your insights and learning experiences - and the info about the bamboo liners!! I think that will be a game changer in our decision making!!

[@simpleshirelife]

We have a minimal stash of about 26 in rotation of SmartBottoms and Blueberry all in one's and covers. We wash every 3 to 4 days and it has worked wonderfully. We also did disposables with my first born 14 years ago but I am so happy we decided to use cloth this time. So far my son has had no rashes or major blowouts 🤞🏻. Plus the use of a fleece liner has been great as they are super soft between bum and diaper, they spray clean easy and work well when we use CJs Butter balm. Thank you for posting another cloth diapering video.

[@samanthafedor6005]

We have had very few blow outs in cloth diapers, especially using prefolds and covers! If you ever desire to branch out give those a try.

[@SuperVervo]

I found your channel through your cloth diapering video! Didn’t end up using cloth on my baby but stayed for your cute family and wholesome content❤️

[@fairdinkumsheila]

The rashes are probably due to the build up caused by the wrong washing routine because with the right routine your baby's skin should be intact. You prevent the stinky build up, by quickly rinsing the diapers at changes (if they're soiled, not for wee) and doing a (it's normally cold) pre-wash, using half the amount of non bio powder (depending on the water hardness) and then doing an extra rinse to remove any residual detergent. I would add 10 drops of pure tea tree essential oil as well. Not vinegar as it could ruin the fabrics and its effectiveness. I do a 40 degrees C normally and used 60 degrees C only once because my baby had a rash only once. I air dry the diapers and have never used the tumble dryer for them. Even when it rains (I live in England!) I air dry them inside the house, and I make sure I ventilate the room where they are. Last but not least, wash them every 3 days max. A bucket with a lid to store them is essential! Thank God I've never had an issue by doing this, hope it helps! Cloth diapers are so worth it! ❤️

[@shauna-leesmith9786]

Hi ....I don't remember asking you anything, but somehow you answered all my questions. Are you in my head lol? Thanks for all the tips!!

[@fairdinkumsheila]

@@shauna-leesmith9786 haha I'm glad you found it useful ❤️ it's what I wished I had known and learnt with experience, I wish everyone knew that cloth diapers are so much better and easier! Ah, also, I normally change diapers every 4 hours and by doing that my baby has never had any rashes and his skin is completely intact, I don't even ever apply creams (he had a rash once that got better within days). Enjoy your cloth nappies journey! 💚♻️

[@valeasrultra]

Very useful information thx! Can I ask you what detergent do you use? I live in the Uk aswell 🙂

[@fairdinkumsheila]

@@valeasrultra I use the non bio powder detergent from Aldi and the best nappies I use (and best price too) is Little Lamb 💚 and I also use their fleecy liners 😍

[@GoodBadBeautifulLife]

I watched your first video and it's what gave me the push to choose full-time cloth for our new baby. That's actually how I found your channel. We chose Alva Baby pockets and covers. Our third baby was born early in an ambulance last week so not much longer and we'll be trying out our stash. This video was perfect timing!

[@cassiefinnerty8426]

This was so informative. I love it. I've never had any issue with smelly cloth nappies, I'm surprised. I just have a nappy pail, I rinse my nappies each night and chuck them in the pail with some sensitive nappy san, repeat daily till the bucket is full and then just chuck them all in the washing machine and wash on cold with a sensitive detergent with an extra rinse cycle. No stains, no stink.

[@Elle-See]

I also have a baby in cloth. Don’t know if you’ll get a chance to read this, but if you run into trouble with your new wash routine, there’s a Facebook group with more than 23k subscribers that will give you a custom routine based on your washer, water hardness and detergent called “cloth diaper wash and care”. Lots of people go there after following fluff love university’s advice and end up with stinky diapers and detergent build up. So if you run into trouble they’ll be able to help you. Everyone will give you different advice, but my 2 cents is you need 2 washes with detergent using at least warm water to get your diapers clean. Also apparently Kirkland brand detergent isn’t a strong enough detergent to get them really clean, all or tide works best. (So I’ve been told). Also, if your diapers seem good right now, take one of the inserts and agitate and wring out in a bowl of warm water, if the water isn’t nice and clear you have detergent build up and you’re likely going to run into trouble with smells again.

[@PacificMidwest]

Interesting..so fluff love gives bad advice? I'm in that fb group currently. We've been doing cloth for about 3 months so we're still pretty new to it. Our wash routine is based on fluff love recommendations 😳 but we haven't had issues so far

[@Elle-See]

Sometimes. I’d just check your diapers for build up. If you don’t have any, then what your doing is working. No need to fix what isn’t broken. If you have build up, though, then it’d be a good idea to get on top of it now, as the stink is just around the corner.

[@andrearamponi6149]

I agree. I find fluff love advises too much detergent, resulting in build up

[@carissamendoza4178]

Came here to say this LOL

[@sashaethier6893]

This! Fluff love was telling us to use a full cap of tide (and our water is suuuuuper soft.) We save so much money on detergent now that we follow a cloth diaper wash and care routine, and our diapers don’t stink or have buildup anymore.

[@hayleymorrow1581]

If your interested in some reading there is an Australian group called clean cloth nappies. They have used science to find the best way to clean and keep clean you nappies (diapers.... sorry Australian here.... 🤣) worth the read if you wanted to do some research and find out some more info! Long time stalker and mum loving your videos! Much love xx

[@happily_a_mama]

I rinse my diapers and then I run them in a hot cycle and the I do an extra wash. I have had no issues whatsoever. I believe this is they key to washing diapers. I never have stains because I rinse the poopy diapers straight away and I let them dry before I put the in the diapers pail.

[@rabbit__]

I've also read that keeping the diapers from drying out can also help. I've never cloth diapered, so I don't know how accurate it is, though.

[@thejawesomelife3777]

I know several folks have said it here, but most likely the reason your diapers were stinking was detergent build up. We followed Fluff Love Uni too but learned they recommend WAY TOO MUCH detergent, and they say detergent build up is a myth; but girl....we just dealt with detergent build up and it is the worst thing to deal with because the only way to remove it is to flush it out with water. Detergent build up can also cause rashes. I agree with others. I find disposables smell so much worse! I never smell the poo with our cloth. Either way, I hope you’ve got a good wash routine down now. It’s really the key to success with cloth and does require some trial and error. Love your honesty and your journey in all your videos ❤️

[@drest5316]

I agree, I went on Fluff Love Uni and saw the amount they recommend for the detergent, I was like 😐 WAY TOO MUCH!! I don’t even put half that and at the end I have to ring out the odd insert and there are still suds coming out. Geeze I don’t even put that much in a full load of laundry let alone a small load of diapers. Wow.

[@pnw4eva303]

I don’t have the stomach for cloth diapering, but here to support the video. More power to those who do!

[@KathrineAnnVlogs]

I have been cloth diapering for almost 2 years now and just had baby #2 two weeks ago. One thing I regret is using bleach to try to get that stink out! The inserts I have used bleach with now have TONS of holes and won't last for a 3rd baby. I wish I tried different wash routines instead. Now we have our wash routine down (finally) after moving three times during those 2 years. Everytime we moved, the type of water changed (hard or soft) and the washing machine changed too. So it was like starting from scratch over and over again. But in the end, so worth it. We did it for the cost effectiveness and I love the environmental impact as well. 🌎🙌

[@SaviJoy19]

Some unsolicited advice. I have 2 boys. When they started taking off their diapers, I Immediately started potty training. BOTH were potty trained before 2. He may be telling you he's ready. Just my personal opinion.

[@oliverandamms738]

That's what I said lol

[@Lucy-vx2ls]

I tried that with both of my kids, and it didn't work at all. They just like being naked. 😑

[@oliverandamms738]

@@Lucy-vx2ls as long as there's no company over, at least you'd know when they were peeing haha. Apparently america is behind, other countries can have their babies potty trained by 3-4 months old. I still don't get how. But experts say that it'd be more a long the lines of conditioning instead of learning

[@Lucy-vx2ls]

@@oliverandamms738 Like I said, it didn't work for us.

[@alysha2063]

True but I still dont want him taking off his diaper at night or nap time haha

[@moonprincesslizzy]

I love your videos! First time mama due Dec 4th. I have got so much help with cloth diapers from you. Thank you so much! 💕 Your videos make me more confident.

[@marissasteidle9763]

Yes!! I was hoping you'd post this video sooner rather than later. Once my babe gets a little bigger we will be using cloth and im so excited for it!!

[@cheiseyiauren]

I have a friend who got a little bathroom trash can, cut the bottom out, got 2 big coated binder clips, and clips the diaper to the inside of the trash can, sticks the other side in the toilet, and sprays it off, so it keeps all the water and mess inside that trash can. Then you can tilt it to bring it over into the tub, let it sit to drain a little, come back and put it in the wet bag, rinse trash can out in the tub, let it sit in there to dry.

[@ashleybeazley]

That’s a cute top! You look great in patterns :)

[@tessmoffett5512]

I love these off-the-shoulder tops that are so trendy right now! They’re so feminine and flattering.

[@MariaJoseGuzman-qg2un]

I think the blowout situation, there's something you can try that worked for me. I make sure the diaper falls on the creases of her little rolls of the legs and for the top just trying different fits on the snaps until one works. Good luck!

[@madmarich.]

This was so helpful! My husband and I are gonna try for a child in a few years, and we've been considering trying cloth diapering! Thank you!

[@barbarafaraco2]

My mom only used cornstarch with me and my two sisters when we wore babies. It worked wonderfully for us 👍🏼

[@emilybegley851]

Your first cloth diaper video is what brought me to your channel!! I loved this video and it’s super useful to me because I’m cloth diapering my first baby! ❤️

[@dawnforlife]

Me too, first baby and taking notes! 35 weeks and hoping to part time with elimination communication!

[@AlexBudden]

Well done on taking on cloth nappies (diapers - Aussie here)! We went through the same sort of journey in our first year of using cloth, trying to get our wash routine perfect! It's really all about just trying things until something works sometimes 😊 Thanks for sharing your experience! ❤️ Also, I know people have already added a lot of advice, but just thought I'd add two helpful things I found when our nappies started to smell: Even with the long hot wash (SUCH a good step, hot water works wonders!!), we've found that doing a hot short wash each day (of our nappies from the day before), has helped with stink, and then we do a long hot wash every second or third of all the "pre-washed" nappies. Also storing them in an open airy container/basket can help with stink too! We had ours stored in wetbags too at first, while waiting to be washed, and they started to stink, but we switched to just an open basket and it works great! Much less damp and stinky, and I've never had guests comment on being able to smell anything from the baskets 😊

[@AdrenalineJunkie2323]

Us Americans know what a "nappie" is 😋😅

[@SugarSpiceandMamaLife]

really enjoyed your video, very informative. I started our cloth diaper journey after watching the video you’re referring too here! I love our LPO’s and Nora’s too! So refreshing finding a Canadian Mama, with genuine honest advice!

[@jennieobrien3141]

I've had four kids, expecting our 5th. The type of cloth diaper makes a difference on blow outs, absorbancy, leaks, etc. We've used mostly pocket diapers, and they are not as good as other cloth diapers. I wish we had done wool covers with flats or prefolds. The main reason is because the pocket diapers fall apart over time, the plastic gets brittle, and then they leak. The flats, prefolds, and inserts are all still in great shape, but the covers are falling apart. The wool covers I got with my oldest, I only have a few, are still like new. I wish I invested in wool covers, as they would still be just fine for our next baby. Instead we are having to purchase more diaper covers now. Plus wool you only need a few covers, whereas pocket diapers you need lots, like 20+. We would have saved so much time, washing, and money if we invested in wool with flats or prefolds.

[@anniegordon627]

So grateful for an update on your cd journey! Due in less than 2 weeks and found these tips really helpful

[@sydniekirbow4043]

Cloth diaper addicted mama here. I’ve been cloth diapering about a year now and I love every minute of it. I’m literally addicted to buying them. I have 106 one size diapers and I have already purchased around 50 newborns to cloth diaper our next baby which isn’t even conceived yet 😅😂 I started due to the fact that my little one breaks out in rashes with sposies and also he was having 4-6 blowouts a day in sposies. Since starting cloth he’s had maybe 2 and it was a LOT of poop.

[@mirandacairns9780]

Love your channel and we watch from Calgary!! I have a boy who is one week older than Theo and love watching them learn new things around the same time. My little Houdini can open his snap diapers, so that might not last long for Theo! We always have to put at least a pair of shorts on over the diaper or off it goes! Never a dull moment!! 😂

[@meganrutledge6677]

Thank you for the update! The first video of yours that I watched was your first cloth diapering video. I recently started cloth diapering my 6 month old son and appreciate the tips! Love your channel and watching you journey through motherhood!

[@chikkime]

I love follow-up videos like this. So helpful when looking at the videos from the very beginning and then thoughts on the matter a year later. Things one loved at first might not have been the best after all and so on. It's just really helful for others who are new to cloth diapering.

[@brittdoza]

We use prefolds - and snappies to hold them in place - with the Osocozy brand covers. Its honestly so easy and blowouts/leaks are few and far between. We rinse with a handheld bidet attachment and a diaper pale with a hole in the bottom placed over the toilet as a rinse shield. Then wash every day/every other day at most with dreft baby detergent. Havent had any issues yet but only been doing it like 3 ish weeks. First week and a half was dispoable until her belly button fell off, for sanitary reasons. None of her prefolds have started to smell, when she soils them we just keep them in an open mesh laundry basket that has a plastic liner at the bottom - dont know how else to describe that... it was foldable and we found it at walmart. We make sure to always rinse them off every night before we go to bed if they have any dookie in em. Thats what we have found works for us so far. Also have not had any rashes yet but like i said only 3 plus weeks in.

[@MoneriasJournal]

Hi! Another thing, that may be helpful. I never had the stink problem. What I did was wash them more frequently. Like Monday, and then Wednesday, and then Friday and so on. No more than 2 days without washing them in the storage bag because it will be difficult to clean. But, in order to do that, it is necessary to have a lot of diapers so you can always have clean ones at hand

[@RCKennington]

With the old school cloth nappys they would soak them in a bucket of nappy san instead of using a wetbag but it was straigt cotton. Nothing fancy.

[@thebyrdsnest1465]

Your video on cloth diapering is the reason I started, yay!

[@lprescott444]

There is a cloth diaper facebook page that is super helpful and will give you the correct detergent for your water hardness as well as what settings you should put your washer on. From a bunch that I have read, you are supposed to do two full washes with soap because the first does not fully get out the waste and the second is to get out all the waste fully. It has also been posted in that group that the kirkland detergent is no longer cloth safe. They changed the ingredients recently and can cause diaper issues. I love cloth diapering, but I agree, figuring out a good wash routine is hard.

[@kelseyJeanlester]

Using a dry pail what is essentially a dirty laundry hamper with allot of airflow really helps with the smell buildup keeping them in the wet bag they sweat and like ferment in the wees.

[@erinmarshall8887]

I first found you through the cloth diaper 101 video 💕 and you've been a big part of my new momhood journey!

[@sunshine.c]

Same!

[@emanuellebeaulieu6324]

It’s not just Theo, microfibre can burn if put directly against the skin. It should always be used inside the pocket of a diaper.

[@madmarich.]

Your top/dress is gorgeous! The off the shoulder look is beautiful on you

[@sarahmooremotherhoodlifest6625]

I’ve been waiting for this video! I’m really thinking of switching my three month old to cloth diapers

[@morganunraveled]

my husband and i are TTC rn and i’m really hoping to do cloth diapering and your videos on the topic help inform me so much!! thanks for the tips and tricks and being so rad 👏🏻❤️

[@makaylaellison9058]

Good luck!!💓

[@maiantonio9122]

Jaysnest is a cloth diaper KZbinr if you need more info! She covers more brands & styles

[@morganunraveled]

update: I am back to this video!! my husband and I finally were able to conceive our rainbow baby and I am 25 weeks now! just purchased a couple lots of secondhand cloth diapers and am refreshing myself on this helpful info to cloth diaper our little one when they arrive! 👶🏻

[@kelliemccarty6041]

I use Nora's Nursery diapers on my little guy and love them! I have hard well water and my wash routine works great. I run a normal cycle on cold to rinse. Then two heavy duty cycles also on cold with Tide powder detergent and washing soda. Then one last cold cycle on rinse to make sure all of the detergent is gone. I've never had an issue with smell.

[@feebaby88]

Thanks for your honesty Delilah. I’ve only been cloth diapering for a couple of weeks with Bum Genius AIO’s and I’ve found that following their wash instructions help with getting the diapers super clean. Bum Genius recommends washing every other day using the following method: one warm wash with free and clear detergent and a second hot water heavy duty wash with free and clear detergent and an additional cold rinse. I’ve had no issues with smells or stains. I also dry them for 45 mins on low. In my experience it’s best to reach out to the company regarding their wash instructions to prevent issues instead of figuring it out on your own.

[@Meridithben]

Lots of love.❤❤. Was having a sleepless night, now i can enjoy ur video...am not a mom yet but its helping alot of what to do and what not in the future.... Love and kisses to the kids❤

[@sarahcaring4078]

So helpful! Thank you! Would love a 2 year update on cloth diapering 🤍

[@HarryFANGIRLPotter]

Omg. Ive been waiting for this! I started cloth diapering because of you.

[@LoeppkysLife]

Ah that’s so cool!

[@scatterheartable]

I read, that Microfiber catches more Bacteria than natural fibers over time and you can not wash them with high temperature. I had a simular experience, and solved it through fighting all the bad bacteria in the laundry and the washing mashine. The smell vanished as well, because it comes from the bacteria living in the cloth, which can cause rashes.

[@amandaellis5796]

I have cloth diapered two children for three years now and I find that disposables smell so much worse (my husband hates them and refuses to use them). And I have never had a single blowout in cloth, but MANY in disposables. Love your channel and seeing your kiddos. I have a 3 year old girl and 19 month old boy, so your channel is the most relatable thing on the internet!

[@kelseychristy2785]

I haven't even watched the video yet but I had to comment on how BEAUTIFUL that shirt is on you!!!!! Definitely need to add those colors to your wardrobe they look amazing!❤

[@kaydeebug24]

If anyone is reading this and is wanting to start cloth diapers or is struggling, please join the Cloth Diapering Mama's facebook group! It has every answer you could ever want! They help you figure out a good wash routine for your washer and water hardness. A lot of people say that the Fluff Love University recommends way too much detergent so your diapers get detergent buildup in them which equals rashes for the babe. Also, I would do your rinse cycle in hot water not cold. I have also been cloth diapering for a year and have never had any stink issues because I follow a strict wash routine that was given to me through the facebook group. They also say that Tide powder detergent is the best for cloth diapers. Sorry I just had to give my two cents!

[@nicolechristensen5383]

I was anxiously awaiting this video because my baby is due next week and we are cloth diapering. I was introduced to the Noras Nursery diapers because of you, as well as hemp liners, so I have stocked up on both. Love all the info here!!

[@sarahcaring4078]

Have you been happy with the Noras Nursery diapers you bought? I’m due with my first in January and trying to figure out which diapers to invest in!

[@nicolechristensen5383]

@@sarahcaring4078 LOVE THEM! it's amazing the difference in quality between them and alvababy. They barely look used after a full year and the one pack that had a few with issues was replaced completely by Nora's Nursery so their customer service is amazing too!

[@griffle23]

I came across one of your videos on cloth diapering. And i love watching your new ones. I use reusable menstral pads myself and had no interest in disposable diapers for my baby (due march 2021 😁) for many reasons on top of the unimaginable waste that probly comes from disposables. But your videos have given me alot of confidence with my choice. Kind of like drivers training for cloth diapering. So i just wanted to say a big thank you for sharing your experiences over the last year. Its made this mom to be feel less scared about this new adventure. 😊😇

[@marybradley3705]

Putting diapers in pale with 1/2 borax and soak them helps with the smell. Also white vinegar works wonders with smell and build up

[@drironmom6815]

I used cloth diapers for all 4 of my children 35 years ago. Was not difficult at all. For ease of washing, I used a paper diaper liner (like a paper towel but a bit stronger and made to be flushed)

[@safiahzimmer46]

I've been cloth diapering for over a year now.. my most effective wash routine is after use.. I rinse the diapers with water to get rid of pee (and poo).. then put them in the diaper bucket. Then the 3rd day I do laundry and hang them outside in the sun. Its so much cleaner than the other method I tried. Saves time too (Just one cycle). I just use normal regular laundry detergent but lesser quantity. Once a month I do strip wash them to get rid of any buildup.

[@monicabilotti3635]

Try the flats and prefolds if you're having blowouts the way that they fit snugly around baby with just a simple fold and a snappy contains all the poop and then the elastic from the diaper cover only does a really good job at catching anything that might slip out of there I feel like the pocket diapers might not do as good a job because they don't have the double gusseted effect of the folded fitted flats and then also the cover. So as a mom of only one child I did not have one blowout using flats and prefolds with a diaper cover as opposed to the pocket diaper style that you're using.

[@sarah-s9y8b]

I hope someone can see this even though the video is several years old. Get a toilet sprayer! Before kids, I've had one for years that I use as a bidet. It's amazing! (I strongly prefer it over a traditional bidet because I have more control over the spray flow, aim, etc.)

[@mariahknox8934]

When I started cloth diapering I did a tone of research! I’ve noticed that the all in ones and the pocket diapers most people have trouble with blow outs and leaks! I’ve been cloth diapering since my baby was a few weeks old and every time I put her in a disposable she has a blowout! But with the diapers I decided to go with (the cover and the insert) I’ve never ever had a blow out! Also the company I got my diapers from have an amazing laundry system that shows you how to wash your diapers (super easy and can go in the dryer) and they also have a washing powder that does wonders to taking smells and poo stains out (and my babys poo can stain like no ones business 😳😅) the company I bought my diapers from is call Esembly baby ❤️. Also I love your videos ❤️

[@mariahknox8934]

Oh I forgot to mention everything is organic and natural! Also have a skin care line with ointment and stuff that’s cloth diaper safe❤️

[@mariahknox8934]

I should probably also mention that they aren’t the ones you have to fold and place and hold while trying to figure out how to hold baby and all that hard stuff! They come with a inner and it looks just like a regular diaper that you just snap on like other cloth diapers then you put the outer on with snaps as well! Definitely look them up if you are planning on having more kids!

[@samanthaheizer-metcalf9703]

GroVia makes some of the absolute BEST cloth diapers. They are absolutely amazing and top notch. GroVia diapers can be washed washed with Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Powder Laundry Detergent which almost completely takes out the odder old and new. We also do a wash cycle that is about 2 hours long.

[@dianaschwendemann2705]

Thank you! I was just about to get rid of my Nora’s Nursery diapers because they always leaked. Im going to invest in some more liners. 🤩 Also, I’m going to tackle night time without disposables.

[@Queenhoneabee]

Just found your video! Love the calm aspect with all the info. I do want to say tho that the info about using them as swim diapers can potentially ruin your diapers! Being mindful that things in the waters (typically chlorine) can ruin the elastics and or PUL. It is recommended to use an actual swim diaper because it doesn’t have PUL.

[@Loveahlee]

Yes!! I only use corn starch too!!! My grandma taught me this with my first boy! He had a bleeding bum Tash that wouldn't go away. I started using corn starch and it went away within a few hoirs!

[@Loveahlee]

I really did not look at my spelling 🤦‍♀️

[@ashleys3365]

A cloth diaper tip: after a pee change rinse that diaper out with warm water in your tub then stick it in your wet/dry bag until you wash. Same for poop but I rinse that with a squirt of baby's Dr. Bronners Castile with warm water in a separate bucket and dump the dirty bucket water down the toilet. Then it goes in the wet/dry bag until I machine wash

[@adellewatts8153]

1 year with a baby boy cloth diapering too! 11 months on 9/17. Yep, using the spray after a poo will definitely minimize your wetbag smell. If you havent made one already may i suggest you make a spray guard (we use a trash can container). We have yet to strip ours but since day one a year ago we have used our sprayer. I can send you a pic if you want. We live in Montana so we just got an inside hanging rack to dry our pocket covers in a sunlight area of the house while the inserts dry in a dryer. The covers may or may not get light but if they do they'd get the little when they can. :)

[@StealingSunsets]

Thank you for sharing! You help me feel so much more confident in my goal of cloth diapering for my first baby due this year :)

[@sarahks]

My unsolicited advice: La petite ourse has an excellent washing routine on their website. It’s essentially what you’re doing. Cold rinse (I do a speed wash on cold), heavy duty wash at warm/hot. But do an extra rinse. Sometimes I do 2 if it’s a big load. I’ve been cloth diapering for 4 months and never had an issue with smell, nor buildup, nor rash! Kirkland isn’t strong enough, stick with Tide or Gain. Not free and clear, just plain old regular tide is what I go for. If you use kirkland it’s perhaps why there was still a smell - you shouldn’t have to wash them twice on heavy duty, just once. Personally I’ve heard EO can cause a build up in the washing machine so please be sure to wash your washing machine once a month on the ‘tub clean’ setting to prevent EO build up! Powdered detergent for hard water, liquid for soft. Inserts go in the dryer no problem but your diapers should not, the elastic will wear out and you won’t be able to use them for another baby, or sell them. Cloth diapers should hang dry, and go in the dryer once a month to tighten the PUL and the elastics - this is written on LPO’s website! I have a lot of friends who cloth diapered so they paved the way for me ;) in any case thank you for sharing, I love your vids on cloth diapering and BLW!

[@ashmc9754]

Thanks for that I had probablems with build up and it gave my little one a rash.

[@heidiburghard6668]

We live in Germany and are cloth diapering our second baby now. I have never ever had stinky diapers in over 3 years. We wash them every other day on a 3 hour long cycle on at least 60°C. The cycle rinses the diapers 5 times with cold water. We use special washing detergent for nappies (no perfumes or anything in there) and alway add Oxygen bleach for hygiene reasons. I think that makes all the difference, since oxygen bleach is not technically a bleach its safe for babys bum :) I can really recommend it, we don´t even have stains on our diapers thanks to that routine! I managed to get my hands on some Noras Nursery Diapers lately and we love them, thanks for that recommendation!

[@josid7195]

Hey Heidi, ich komme auch aus Deutschland und unser erstes Baby kommt im November :) ich habe die Stoffwindeln der Windelmanufaktur & wollte gern mal ein paar mehr Infos zu deinem Waschzyklus und allem was so dazugehört. (Pulver oder Flüssig?) Wir haben derzeit das Baukastensystem von Sonett und ein Flüssigwaschmittel von Sodasan. Würde mich mega über deine Tipps freuen 😊

[@jesystar]

Hi! Out of all the routines ive read yours sounds the simplest... is your machine a front or a top loader?

[@heidiburghard6668]

@@jesystar Our machine is a tiny top loader since we live in a small appartement.

[@heidiburghard6668]

@@josid7195 Hi Josi, we are using washing powder from the Waschkampagne, thats a campagne that produces washing powder with just the necessary things in there and they also sell the oxygen bleach. We order a huge package like twice a year and we use it for our clothes and everything else as well. They are great because they mix the powder according to the amount of minerals in your water AND the packaging is made of paper. We´re super happy with them.

[@jesystar]

Thanks for the response, it's refreshing to finally find someone that has a small top loader machine (as do I, I have a mini machine) and want to do cloth diapering. I hope i have no issues.

[@PolkadotRainbowsXO]

Love this!! Saw your first video on cloth diapering a few months ago and we’ve been using them ever since! We haven’t come across any smells yet but I have been told that keeping the dirty diapers in an open bucket helps with the smell too!

[@nurulfairuzhajiali8532]

Thank you for the info. I really enjoyed your video while learning about cloth diapering.

[@Ohaiitsalex]

Thank you for making this video this cleared up so many things I needed to know about cloth diapering!

[@yunheekim9649]

I have been using cloth diapers for 6 months now, and I am very grateful that I live in a SUNNY(sometimes to much haha) state in Mexico. I am originally from Korea and I think I wouldn't have enjoyed much if I were to use them in Korea as I do in Mexico. I use all-in-one diapers, and I religiously wash them every other day. When I wash, I wash them 3 times with cold water(the first time with detergent) and add a little bit of baby fabric softener. After that I let the sun dry them and they smell like the sun afterwards hahaha. And I haven't had issues yet. Thank you Delilah for your awesome videos!!! They are always so helpful and down to earth.

[@therichsodyssey]

Ur wash routine is so important. The rash could be also related to not completing clean them. My routine is first cycle pull diaper apart in washer little soap which we use all free and clear in hot water and just leave the lid open for about 45 mins or if u have a soak option then turning the wash on and then when finished do a cold wash not adding anymore soap and we dry them in the dryer we mostly use pockets too with bamboo liners too.

[@maddisonaus6488]

Cloth nappies don't stink if they are washed adequately. Daily wash at 40-60°C for an hour (sometimes called prewash, but is a full wash cycle not a "prewash setting"), long 40-60°C main wash every 2-3 days with enough detergent, enough machine loading for good agitation and you are good to go 😊

[@marilynbrown8037]

we sprayed our diapers everyday, but only poop diapers. We cloth diapered for 2 years and the diapers never smelled. We followed a fluff love routine. We had to add borax to each load because of hard water. We did 2 washes, both with detergent. If your diapers stink , you should really try to get a good routine. I think of it as first wash is to get the yuck off. Second wash is to get them clean. Good Luck!

[@023soph]

I've been cloth diapering for 6 months and I've never had a problem as I have a great wash routine. I dry pail the nappies and do a prewash every day. This is a 60 minute hot wash. I then do a main wash every 3 to 4 days which is a 2 hour hot wash and the washing machine is 2/3 full when wet. How well you load the washing machine is also crucial to getting the nappies clean. You should try doing 2 hot washes i stead of during a cold rinse. It will help prevent ammonia build up

[@BCResilience]

Toilet sprayer is something I highly recommend!

[@maddierichards8267]

We have 21 nappies as well and we make it work. I feel like if we had more I wouldn’t wash them as often as I should.

[@simpleshirelife]

Yay! We have been cloth diapering for two years!