For many parents, the idea of cloth diapers for babies is an appealing one. They are environmentally-friendly and eliminate the need to purchase disposable diapers. Cloth diapering is appealing for those interested in trying something that costs less and is healthier for the environment and their children in the long run. While it is a new routine to learn, there are a number of tips and tricks that make the process easier and less expensive. Here are 12 tips for beginners.
1. Keep soiled diapers in one place, separate from the clean ones. Not only does this keep them from being mixed up, but it helps to keep parents organized when it's time for cloth diaper washing.
2. Soaking diapers before laundering help to reduce stains.
3. Attach a diaper sprayer to the back of the toilet to rinse the diaper over the commode before stowing the dirty diaper in a pail. This will reduce stains and odors before washing.
4. Remove stains by treating them with special cleaning products. There are special detergents available to help prolong the life of the material.
5. Launder them separately from other clothing. Use the temperature and wash cycle suggested by the manufacturer for best results.
6. Use deodorizer and anti-bacterial detergent to reduce odors and get garments really clean.
7. To conserve energy, they can be hand-washed at home and dried outside in the fresh air or on a line inside.
8. Use fabric softener in either the washer or dryer or, for a greener product, use specially designed natural wool balls. Use five or six in larger loads, and half as many for smaller loads.
9. Always keep a clean, dry set of cloth diapers available. If there are a few that are slightly worn or less attractive than others, these can be set aside for emergencies.
10. Try using a local diaper service to pick up dirty diapers and exchange them for clean ones on a weekly basis.
11. Use flushable diaper liners to reduce wear and soil.
12. Try a sampler pack to find the right fit and size before investing in multiples.
Parents can try different types to discover the ones that work best for each child. Some styles and materials work better for heavy wetters; others are more comfortable for newborns. Some styles, such as prefold cloth diapers, are easier to maneuver, while some parents prefer to use one-size diapers for multiple children in the family.
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