Cloth Diapers...you're doing it wrong!

So, I decided during my pregnancy that I would like to try cloth diapers on our babe. It all seemed so confusing with the lingo, elaborate wash routines and SO many diaper options. Did I want AIO, AI2, pockets, prefolds and covers? What about microfiber vs. bamboo vs. hemp vs. cotton? Would I need boosters? Maybe double stuffed? Perhaps part-time cloth diapering would suit me better...or maybe cloth just for cute photos and then right back in to disposables (or 'sposies in the CD world).

So, we waited until we were past the newborn stage and I had got my bearings (well..kinda) and gave it a go. I bought expensive "cloth diaper safe" detergent and researched the proper wash routine. Soon I was pre-washing, washing and rinsing, rinsing, rinsing...using too much soap, not enough soap. Don't put them in the dryer! Definitely put them in the dryer! You should use bleach. Never use bleach! ugh....

Once Ruby was eating solids, the game changed again. Do I need a sprayer? What is the proper toilet swooshing technique again? Can I use stain remover? Maybe they should just be stained...it is poop after all....? Do I smell ammonia??

Here is what I learned...

Brand and style/type are all about personal preference and sometimes shape of baby (for fit purposes). I use mainly pockets with micro fiber inserts and sometimes covers with cotton prefolds. Some people swear by one brand or one style while another person finds those don't "work" for them. I've used name brand as well as "China cheapies" and have things I like/dislike about both. I don't love all-in-one's while some people use them exclusively. It might be best to ask around and check out different options before committing...cding can get pricey if you prefer a particular name/print, etc., but can be very inexpensive as well. It's personal preference.

"Cloth safe" detergent is not effective at all! It is weak and we are told to use too little. It is poop people!! It needs soap and hot water to be cleaned properly. Ditch this crap and use any of your favourite laundry soap as long as it does not include fabric softener (this will impact on the absorption of your dipes). My diapers smell amazing!! (Yep, I get my nose right in there when I'm folding up my clean diapers. I have no shame!) Note: Tide Ultra powder seems to have the highest rate of success for people and it works really well for us.

Extra rinses are completely unnecessary! Ain't no mama got time for them!

Sunning is great for smells and stains, but it's not magic. You still need a proper wash routine to adequately care for you diapers.

If you smell ammonia when your diapers become wet...you have a problem that needs addressing. If not taken care of your sweet baby could end up with ammonia burn :( I had success with a bleach soak and it's easy peasey (add 1/3 cup bleach to a tub 1/3 full of cold water. Ensure bleach is mixed well with water. Add all diapers, liners, cloth wipes and soak for 30 minutes. Complete full wash. Smell your clean diapers). *if 1/3 tub full of water isn't enough to cover your dipes, adjust water and bleach amount...1/2 cup bleach to 1/2 tub full of water, etc.

Since finding a better routine, my diapers have never smelled so good or looked so clean. No staining and no elaborate routines! One happy cloth diapering mama over here!

Confession: We still do "sposies" at night bc I love sleep and she loathes being changed. I'm not ready to risk not having the proper absorbency and thus a meltdown at 3am in which everyone is woken up and then the dog thinks we are all getting up and starts pacing around while his nails click on the floor and I have to go get a towel to sleep on bc I'm not changing sheets at this time of night, even if they have pee on them....