A Postpartum Doula’s Cloth Diapering Tips and Tricks
When you’re getting ready to have a baby, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of decisions to make. Breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combo of both? We support you no matter what. Disposable diapers or cloth? The online space is full of opinions that may or may not serve you, so it’s always crucial to do what’s best for your family. If you’ve decided to go the cloth diaper route, here are some cloth diapering tips and tricks from our favorite friendly postpartum doula.
At Jewell Chiropractic, we are here to help you enjoy your best form and function. From prenatal to postpartum, our team is ready to support you. We offer chiropractic care in Portland, OR, for the whole family, as well as massage and new parent support groups. Connect with us today to find the right level of care for you.
Cloth vs. Disposable Over the Years
One of the first decisions parents have to make is which type of diapers to use for their baby. Of course, back in the “olden days,” cloth diapers with gigantic safety pins were the norm because there wasn’t another choice.
Then disposable diapers came on the scene in 1948 and went more mainstream when Pampers went on the market in 1961. American mothers took to the ease of this new offering, buying and using them in droves.
In recent years, families have begun moving back to cloth diapers. The advent of diaper services and design innovations has made cloth diapering more user-friendly. Although the vast majority of parents still use disposable diapers in the US, about 5% use cloth.
Proponents on either side of this conversation will share facts and opinions to support their preferences. But as with all things parenting, you get to do what works for your family.
Cloth Diapering Tips and Tricks from a Doula
If cloth diapers seem like the right fit for your baby and lifestyle, here are our top four tips to get you started.
1. Don’t feel locked into one or the other.
There is no regulation dictating one diaper over another. Many parents choose to start with disposable diapers for the first few weeks until they feel ready to try cloth diapers. Or some families use cloth diapers at home but choose disposable ones when they are out of the house or taking a trip. Do what works for you!
2. Try different brands and styles.
Cloth diapers have come a long way, and there are a lot of choices on the market. Look at your budget and then try a few different options to see which one works best for you. Prefolds tend to be less expensive but require a little more work. All-in-one styles cost more but can be simpler to use. It all comes down to your preferences, budget, and what works best for keeping your little one clean and dry. Keep in mind that you do need to change cloth diapers more frequently than disposable ones.
3. Avoid dryer sheets and fabric softeners.
This piece is one of the most crucial cloth diapering tips and tricks. Dryer sheets and fabric softeners can coat the cloth diapers, causing them to repel liquids instead of absorbing them. That is NOT what you want our baby’s diaper to do. Similarly, avoid petroleum-based diaper creams for the same reason.
4. Get a diaper sprayer.
We know. Our great-grandmothers didn’t have diaper sprayers, and they did just fine. But if you can invest in one of these, do it. Cleaning poo off cloth diapers is so much simpler with this bidet-like device. Cut yourself some slack and make cloth diapering an easier task.
Get the Support You Deserve
Your Jewell Chiropractic team is eager to help you during your parenting journey. With prenatal and postpartum chiropractic care and massage therapy, we support you in feeling your best physically. And our babywearing and cloth diapering classes help you feel successful and prepared. You got this, and we’re here to cheer you on! Claim your appointment or class time today.
