Helpful Cloth Diaper Insights: Tips and Tricks for Sustainable Diapering

Photo by @anni.und.die.bande

 

You might have already heard that cloth diapers are a great alternative to disposable diapers. However, you may still be unsure about how it all works or if it really is the right choice for you. Don't worry! This article provides you with lots of useful information and tips that will make Diapering sustainably easier for you.

In times where mindfulness and sustainability are gaining importance, cloth diapers are more than just a retro trend. They are a symbol of eco-conscious behavior and offer many benefits for both you and your baby.

What do I need for Diapering sustainably diapers? To start Diapering sustainably diapers, you'll need a basic supply of about 20 to 24 cloth diapers. The quantity depends on how often you want to wash them. One or more diaper bags, boosters, and additional accessories significantly ease your everyday life with cloth diapers.

In this post, you will not only learn about the general benefits of cloth diapers. You will also receive valuable everyday tips.

The Benefits of Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are not just a statement for a more sustainable lifestyle. They also come with a number of benefits that you may not yet be aware of. Let's take a closer look at some of them:

Cloth Diapers are Environmentally Friendly

The first and most obvious benefit is their environmental friendliness. Did you know that a disposable diaper can take up to 500 years to decompose? Imagine how many diapers a baby uses in the first few years of life. Multiply that by all the babies in the world! Quite frightening, isn't it? On the other hand, cloth diapers are reusable and significantly reduce waste. Plus, you can resell them later or use them for the next child.

Every Cloth Diaper is Skin-Friendly

Cloth diapers are made from natural materials like cotton, hemp, or bamboo. These fabrics are not only soft and comfortable but also breathable. This means less diaper rash and irritation for the baby's sensitive skin. Moreover, they contain no chemicals or fragrances, which are often found in many disposable diapers.

Photo by @kerstinbrigitteposch

Switching to Cloth Diapers is Cost-Efficient

The initial investment in cloth diapers may seem daunting at first. However, in the long run, you save a considerable amount of money. Disposable diapers can significantly strain the budget, while after the purchase, cloth diapers are almost free – apart from the cost of washing. Another plus: You can reuse them for more children or sell them second-hand.

Promoting Earlier Potty Training

An often overlooked but notable benefit of cloth diapers is that they can help your child become potty trained earlier. Unlike disposable diapers, which are designed to absorb moisture immediately, cloth diapers allow your child to feel the wetness a little more. This is by no means uncomfortable, but rather helps your child to develop a better sense of their own body and its needs.

This sensitivity can support the potty training process as your child learns to recognize and interpret the signals from their body more quickly. Many parents report that children who use cloth diapers learn to use the toilet much earlier than those who use disposable diapers. Also, our study on this is clear.

When children become potty trained early, it has two advantages. On one hand, the effort of diapering is minimized and on the other hand, your child learns to pay attention to their body early on. Disposable diapers, on the other hand, delay this process by giving the child a constant feeling of dryness. This extends the diapering period, which in turn leads to high costs due to the purchase of new diapers.

 

Proper Care for Your Cloth Diapers

While cloth diapers are environmentally friendly and gentle on the skin, they require special care to ensure durability and meet hygienic standards. Don't worry, with the right tips and tricks, it's quite simple!

Washing

A key element in the care of cloth diapers is washing. Generally, you should wash cloth diapers after each use to remove bacteria and odors. You can store them for up to four days before washing. When washing, it's important to use a mild, eco-friendly detergent without optical brighteners or perfume to avoid irritating the baby's skin. The Judes Family Care Laundry Detergent is perfectly suited for this and can also be used for your regular laundry. A hot wash cycle (at least 60°C) is recommended to ensure that the diapers are thoroughly cleaned. In our post "How to Wash Your Cloth Diapers Gently and Hygienically" you will learn everything you need to know about washing cloth diapers.

Drying

Drying the cloth diapers is also an important aspect. It is best to let the diapers air dry outdoors. This is not only environmentally friendly but also effective. The sun has a natural bleaching effect that can remove potential stains. If the weather doesn't cooperate, you can also dry most cloth diapers in the dryer at low temperature.

Stain Removal

Yes, unfortunately, stains are a part of the diapering routine. But don't worry: With a few simple household items like lemon juice or baking soda, most stains can be removed easily. Just apply the desired household remedy to the stain, let it work, and then wash the diaper as usual. Usually, the aforementioned sun trick is enough to get rid of most stains.

Caring for cloth diapers is not complicated, but it does require a bit of routine and attention. The reward is a clean, comfortable experience for your baby and the feeling of doing something good for the environment.

Useful Information About Cloth Diapers: Concerns and Solutions

Are you fascinated by the benefits of cloth diapers but still have some concerns? That's totally normal and many parents feel the same way before taking the plunge. Here we address some of the most common questions and fears surrounding the topic of cloth diapers. In our post “The 13 Most Common Beliefs About Cloth Diapers" we already debunk some myths on the topic.

Are Cloth Diapers Hygienic?

Concerns about hygiene are widespread. Many parents worry that cloth diapers are not as hygienic as disposable ones. In fact, the opposite is true. If you follow the aforementioned care tips, cloth diapers are at least as hygienic as their disposable counterparts. Additionally, cloth diapers contain no chemical ingredients that could irritate your baby's skin.

How Do I Prevent Diaper Rash?

The good news is that cloth diapers are made from natural materials and contain fewer chemical irritants. They are more breathable and therefore reduce the risk of diaper rash as well as diaper dermatitis. If skin irritations do occur, it's important to change the diapers regularly. This ensures they are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.

How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?

The number of cloth diapers you need can vary, depending on how often you plan to wash them. A common recommendation is to start with about 20 to 25 cloth diapers if you're washing every two to three days. This gives you enough leeway in case some diapers are in the wash or still drying.

With the right information and a bit of practice, you'll quickly find that many of these concerns can be easily addressed.

Judes - As Simple as Disposable Diapers and Yet So Much Better

Parents looking to start using cloth diapers are often in search of a simple and straightforward solution, which provides the same everyday convenience as disposable diapers. That's why we developed Judes.

Judes cloth diapers consist only of an inner diaper and a cover. You don't need to worry about extensive preparation or folding inserts. Using Judes is just as simple as disposable diapers. However, thanks to their sustainable materials, they are much more environmentally friendly, skin-friendly, and budget-friendly.

We know: starting anything new is hard. That's why we have two options for beginners:

• In our Trial Set, all the materials you need to start your cloth diapering adventure are included. This way, you can get a good overview and find out if our system is the right one for you.
• Our Rental Package is perfect for those who want to experience everyday life with cloth diapers. It includes everything you need for cloth diapering and can be canceled monthly.

Additional Accessories for Your Cloth Diapering Adventure

Besides the cloth diapers themselves, there are a few additional accessories that can make your diapering adventure even more pleasant and efficient. These helpers are not mandatory, but they can significantly ease your daily routine.

Diaper Bags

Diaper bags, also known as wet bags, are waterproof bags in which you can store used cloth diapers securely and odor-free. They come in a large format for the changing area at home and in a smaller version for on the go. They are available in various sizes and incredibly handy for day trips or longer excursions. In addition to cloth diapers, diaper bags are also excellent for storing dirty laundry or swimwear.

Diaper Pails

For the home, a special diaper pail for cloth diapers can be a good investment. While you can easily hang up diaper bags and use them without a pail, diaper pails are sometimes the more practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. Important to note: The diaper pail must provide good ventilation. If diapers are stored airtight, ammonia can quickly develop, which can damage the diapers and lead to skin irritation despite washing. The latter is referred to as ammonia burn and is characterized by widespread redness in the diaper area.

Boosters

The term booster refers to absorbent and space-saving inserts. You place these in the diaper to increase its absorbency. They are especially useful for heavy wetters, overnight, or during long car trips.

Poo-Paper

Poo-Paper, also known as diaper liner, becomes a helpful companion in cloth diapering once you start introducing solid foods. It lies as the top layer in the diaper, catches the bowel movements, and separates them from the diaper. During diaper changes, you can safely remove the Poo-Paper along with the stool.

Washcloths

Washcloths can uncompromisingly and sustainably replace traditional wet wipes. These small cotton cloths have the perfect size for proper diaper hygiene and are soft and gentle on the skin. Moisten them with warm water to offer your child a more comfortable diapering experience than with cool wet wipes. If your child has sensitive skin, redness, or irritation, you can also add a bit of nurturing oil to the water.

With Judes – and the right accessories – diapering becomes not only more efficient but also more comfortable for you and your baby.