Handwashing Cloth Diapers

I had a couple of people as me about how hard it would be to handwash cloth diapers.  I have never actually done this but have researched some general guidelines!

Handwashing Cloth Diapers

• Step 1: Decide where you are going to work and plug the sink or tub drain and add a cloth diaper friendly detergent (add according to washer directions)
• Step 2: Add water as hot as you can stand!
• Step 3: Add the diapers and swish swish swish. This is a good time to let them soak for a little while so go find something else to do :)
• Step 4: After soaking (or you can skip the soak if you want) knead the diapers with your hands (rubber gloves are useful in this step!).
• Step 5: Unplug the sink or tub and let the water drain out.
• Step 6: Fill the tub with clean fresh hot/warm water and swish swish swish again.
• Step 7: Rinse the diapers under hot or warm running water until the water is clear.
• Step 8: Wring out your diapers very well and place in the dryer or hang to dry.

Tips for Handwashing Cloth Diapers

• If you handwash and hang dry, it may be best to stock up on extra diapers as this process takes a bit longer.
• Flat diapers are the easiest to handwash and will dry the quickest. Pocket diapers are a good second for quick drying.  AIO's are very hard to wash and take forever to dry when handwashed!
• Washing cloth diapers by hand is less overwhelming if you wash every day or every other day.
• Some people like to use your own or child's used bathwater to pre-soak your cloth diapers before washing.
• Like washing in washing machine, you should always rinse your cloth diapers in cold water before washing to prevent stains from setting.
• Try handwashing cloth diapers in a large bucket with a plunger as agitator.
• Don't worry if your cloth diapers come off the line stiff as boards, once they warm up they will soften.
• If you can't dry your cloth diapers outside try a wooden drying rack or hang clotheslines on a porch or in the kitchen.

Using One-size Pocket Diapers

Ok. First, this is what you should have!
One diaper and one insert (or two depending on if you have a heavy peer or if it is overnight)

 The next step is to take that insert and stuff it inside that pocket in the back.  Try to keep it flat and straight.  (This is what will absorb the pee!)  If you are using the diaper on a newborn you may need to fold it.  I fold the top 1/3 over anyway because I have a boy and he pees in the front.  Many people have different methods. 

 Next- get your baby.  (Once you know the settings, you can have the rise adjusted before you get your baby!) (Don't mind my doll- My baby is 18 months and would not cooperate with this procedure except to lend his doll!)

 Now to adjust the rise!  This is what makes the diaper fit from birth to toddlerhood (and beyond!)You have 3 settings- snapped up to the first row, snapped up to the second row, and completely unsnapped! (This baby needed the smallest setting!!)

 Snapping the rise!

 Now a great feature for my diapers is this bottom snap.  This snap will adjust the leg size (and help with wing drop you may experience in those single row diapers!)  This baby is tiny so we go the tightest it can go!  Snug around the legs helps the pee stay in the insert!

 Now snap the top snaps.  These snaps help with the waist size.  Again, keep it snug but not uncomfortable.  You want a snug fit on the waist to eliminate those back blow outs!

These snaps can also snap on top of each other for the snuggest waist fit.  The diaper is a little big for this baby- but surprisingly not as bad as I would think for such a small doll!!

 Make sense?? Once you get a routine, it should be easy as pie.  I keep all of my diapers pre-stuffed to make cloth diapering as convenient as disposables!!

Wet Pail, Dry Pail, Your Pail, My pail

Ok so, I was asked about wet pails today (soaking your diapers in a pail of water until time for washing.)
When it comes down to it, when using pocket diapers, I strongly recommend dry pails. I find Wet Pails are not an efficient method since my cover cannot go into it and I would therefore need to use both.
But, in the end, it is your choice. Here are some pros and cons for each.

First off- If you are using pocket diapers or covers, these should not be left in water. If you are using pocket diapers, the insert technically could be put in a wet pail but not the PUL cover!

WET PAIL
Storing the diapers in water (sometimes accompanied by baking soda) is said to help prevent stains from setting. When wash day comes, the water is drained in the bathtub or toilet and then the diapers go into the wash. The water should be changed daily to keep smells at bay!
This method has lost much of its use due to odor issues that arise from stagnant water, the potential for messiness, and the potential drowning hazard present by having a pail full of water in the vicinity of children.
Never put your PUL covers or Pocket Diapers in standing water. It is not good for the PUL
Also, some say that standing in the dirty wet water can spread stains to all diapers.

DRY PAIL
The dry pail method seems to be the preferred method with today's diapers.
In this method, wet and soiled diapers are merely placed within a covered (or uncovered) pail with no pre-soaking. Odors can be controlled in a variety of ways. Rockin Green actually creates a product in a cute shaker that is meant to be sprinkled on your diapers in a dry pail.
Stains are usually removed in the wash using this method but if stains remain after washing, you can lay them in the sun to dry and most stains will be naturally bleached out. In this method, your pail can get smelly! You can reduce this by getting a pail liner or frequent washes!