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When faced with the decision to use disposable or cloth diapers, it's obvious that cloth diapers are more environmentally responsible and would be cheaper in the long run. What about the trouble, though? Are disposables so much easier that they are worth the extra cost?
An organized system of diapering can make cloth diapers almost as carefree as disposables. Whatever diapers you choose, there will always be some that are very unpleasant! There will also be odor involved no matter what. Using disposables does not do away with these problems.
The first thing to get organized for using cloth diapers is the budget. Three or four dozen diapers, covers, a diaper stacker, and a diaper pail make a sizeable one-time investment. It's worth putting away a little in savings while you're expecting that bundle of joy. It's an investment that will pay off, however. It's been said that a washer and dryer can be paid for by the amount of money saved by using cloth diapers instead of disposables.
An essential component of the diaper changing station is a changing table or other surface at the right height for protecting your back. If you don't have a changing table, you can use a dresser top of the right height. Cut a piece of one-inch thick foam rubber to the size of a pillowcase for a padded top with an easy-wash cover. Baby's clothes can be kept in the top drawer of the dresser. The only truly safe way to change a baby on a raised surface is to keep one hand on him at all times, so you really don't need a strap. Do remember never to turn your back while the baby is on the table or dresser top.
Setting up an organized changing area is really just a matter of having all needed supplies at arms length. The diapers themselves should be hung on the wall in a diaperstacker. The best pincushion for diaper pins is a bar of soap. You can make a cover for it from fabric, or simply push the pins into the soap through the paper wrapper. The soap is wonderful for lubricating the pins so that they slide easily through the diaper.
Another item nice to have on the wall above the changing table is a peg rack. Wet diaper covers can be hung on the pegs for drying. It can also be used to display a special outfit baby will be wearing.
A basket on the changing table can hold wipes and diaper rash ointment. A few rubberized flannel changing pads nearby can be used to keep the worst of the mess off the changing table mat. Finally, have a diaper pail on the floor right beside the changing table. A diaper pail with a foot operated lid is really helpful when one hand is holding the baby and the other has the soiled diaper!
The diaper pail can contain some water for soaking, but it is not essential, and it makes the pail heavy. The messy diapers will need to be rinsed in the toilet, but they can be wrung out and tossed into the diaper pail. (Always remember to wash your hands after diapering.) The wet diapers can just be tossed into the diaper pail. Diaper covers can be used more than once, but can also be tossed in with the diapers.
When washing the diapers, you can use a presoak if desired. Add water and gentle presoak detergent, let it set 30 minutes, then spin out the water. Add a bit more detergent and start the wash cycle. Bleach is optional. Some experts feel that it can cause irritation to the baby's skin. An occasional use of bleach will help to keep the diapers nice and white, however. If you want to use bleach, try it a few times to see if it has an adverse effect on the baby's bottom. Do not use fabric softener because it interferes with a diaper's absorbency.
Diapers dried in the dryer are much softer than those dried on the clothesline. Be sure to sort out any plastic diaper covers and hang those to dry. If you use covers made of wool, follow the manufacturer's washing and drying instructions.
Prefolded diapers are a snap to fold over once and stack into the diaper stacker. You'll breathe a sigh of relief when you see that stacker full and know that you're set for diapers again and didn't have to spend more money!
A final aspect of being organized for cloth diapering is the problem of travelling with baby. Be sure to save bread bags for bringing diapers home. Keep a few in your diaper bag at all times. (Shake out the crumbs first.) Plastic grocery bags work, too. Simply slip the used diaper into the plastic bag, close it up good, and put it into your diaper bag. Put the diaper in the diaper pail when you get home, and discard the bag.
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