We’ve been using cloth diapers for over a year now and have had some troubleshooting! I did endless “research” on cloth diapers from newborn to six months (eating solids) and toddler (walking/bunching cloth diapers!). I also have had some great questions from readers that I have decided to gather up and add to a whole blog post since I found out the answer to many of those questions the hard way. ; D
Below, I have made a list of the top 10 things I wish I knew before using cloth diapers combined with the most common questions from readers and friends:
Cloth Diapers 101, For Beginners – Problems You Can Solve and Avoid!
(Because I learned some of these the hard way! :D)
**Please note if you are new to cloth diapering, to check out The Complete Guide for Cloth Diapers:
Cloth Diapers 101, The Complete Guide, For Beginners
1. My diaper pail stinks!
I had a friend ready to give up cloth diapers because she didn’t have a proper pail. This makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE! You can read up on all types of diaper pail solutions but I’ll save you the trouble (because I’ve read lots.) The bottom line is if you buy the right diaper pail and wash your diapers correctly, you honestly will have no trouble with smell. (I know that sounds crazy but it’s true.)
SOLUTION:
You need a good sized trash can with a pivot lid like this one from Target. Thirteen gallons gives you enough space to fill the pail up for a couple days (up to three but I recommend two: wash every other day) with enough room so your pail wont smell. Most importantly, cloth diapers NEED to breath, so a pivot lid is a MUST. I know it sounds like an oxymoron: some air = less smell while a closed lid = more smell, but it’s very true! Have two nice pail liners like these Planetwise ones that are durable and you can throw in the wash with your cloth diapers each time. If you have a good pail, then make sure to: