Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Do you carry burp cloths?
Do you carry swim diapers?
Can I buy a gift certificate?
Do you have a gift registry?
Do you do layaway?
What is a WAHM?
Cloth Diapering
Why should I use cloth diapers?
Is using cloth diapers easier than it used to be?
Do cloth diapers cause more diaper rash?
Do you recommend cloth wipes?
How do I use cloth diapers while out and about?
Can I really use cloth while traveling?
Will babysitters or daycare use cloth diapers?
Help, my diapers are leaking!
What is PUL?
See also our getting started and diaper care pages.
Slings & Carriers - Baby wearing
Why is a sling better than a stroller?
How are cloth carriers different from a Snugli or a Baby Bjorn?
What type of sling/carrier is best?
Cloth Menstrual Pads
Why should I use cloth menstrual pads?
How do you wash them?
How many will I need?
Do they work for prenatal or postpartum incontinence?
Do you carry burp cloths?
Any of the prefold diapers make wonderful burp cloths.
Do you carry swim diapers?
Happy Heiny's pocket diapers without any stuffing make perfect swim diapers. Or if your child is big enough, use a Happy Heiny's pocket trainer without stuffing.
Can I buy a gift certificate?
Certainly! They are on the packages and gifts page. I can deliver them on email or by postal mail.
Do you have a gift registry?
Yes! Complete your order for everything you want to put on your registry, and choose "Gift Registry Only" as your payment option.
Then I will create your own registry page which you can share with family and friends. I will even offer free gift wrapping for any items purchased from your registry!
Do you offer layaway?
Sorry, we discontinued our layaway program to streamline our order processing. It's all about spending more time with the kids and less time at the computer!
What is a WAHM?
WAHM is an acronym for Work-at-Home-Mom. And some days, "wham" describes this life perfectly... Most WAHMs are on the computer, on the phone, packing orders and/or sewing in between changing diapers, fixing lunches, reading stories, and nursing kids to sleep. And I love it!
Is using cloth diapers easier than it used to be?
Yes, unbelievably easier! No more pins! Now most diapers close with velcro or snaps. No more plastic pants! Most diapers or covers have soft PUL as the waterproof layer. No more dunking and soaking in the toilet! Most diaper systems use a layer of microfleece or suedecloth against the baby's skin, which cleans very easily. If you're not already using pocket diapers that include this layer, you can purchase separate fleece liners. Another great new tool is the mini-shower, which helps eliminate odors when storing dirty diapers, and makes washing super-easy!
Do cloth diapers cause more diaper rash?
Many people believe that cloth diapers cause more rash than disposables. In fact, the opposite is generally true.
According to the Journal of Pediatrics, 54% of one-month old babies using disposables had rashes and 16% had severe rashes. A study by a leading manufacturer of disposable diapers showed that the occurrence of diaper rash increases from 7% with cloth diapers to 61% with the use of disposables.
The best way to prevent diaper rash is to change your baby's diaper, cloth or disposable, frequently.
Do you recommend cloth wipes?
Absolutely! When I started using cloth diapers, I quickly figured out that it is much easier to also use cloth wipes! You can either keep dry wipes on hand and wet them before each change, or you can prepare them ahead of time. I prepare my solution in a water bottle and shake it up, then poor it into my wipe warmer (no wipes, just solution). Then when it's time for a change I take a dry wipe out of the drawer, dunk it, and wring it out - nice warm fresh wipes!
You can also pour the solution over 8-12 wipes in a recycled disposable wipes box, just enough solution so all the wipes are moist. Don't let the wipes sit too long (more than a day or two at most), as your mixture will not contain the preservative chemicals present in disposable wipes, and they will mildew! Let the warmer or box dry completely before you mix a new batch. Some people prefer to keep dry wipes and a bottle of wipe solution next to their changing area. After using a wipe, just throw it in the diaper pail with the diapers and wash in the same routine.
There are several options for pre-made wipe solutions, or you can also make your own solution. Mix the following:
approx. 2 cups water
a few drops baby shampoo
a few drops of baby oil (any oil, such as olive oil, can also be used)
a few drops lavender or tea tree essential oil (or both)
How do I use cloth diapers while out and about?
It's easy! I was intimidated by this, too, until I discovered pocket diapers and all-in-ones (AIOs). Even if you use a simpler diaper system most of the time, I recommend you have a few of these to keep in the diaper bag. I simply carry one or two diapers, depending on how long I will be gone, a small wet bag for used diapers, and a few wetted wipes in a travel wipes container. Or you can carry dry wipes and a little bottle of wipe solution. Changes are just as quick and easy as with disposables. Even easier sometimes, as you don't have to worry about how to dispose of a smelly diaper when you're someone's guest!
Can I really use cloth while traveling?
I think you can! If you'll be someplace where a washing machine is available, it's easy. If not, you can still do it if you want to find a laundromat every three days. When we do it, a large Bummis tote becomes our portable diaper pail, and I pack enough of everything in my diaper cupboard for 2-3 days worth. Then the routine is pretty much the same as when we're at home! I do recommend putting a Pail Pal or a cloth with a few drops of tea tree oil in the tote, or you may notice a smell after a few days.
Will babysitters or daycare use cloth diapers?
For the occasional babysitter (grandma), or when Blake is alone with Daddy, I make sure there are some pre-stuffed Happy Heinys available. The velcro-type closure seems to be easier than snaps for people unfamiliar with cloth diapers. Some daycare providers will use any kind of cloth diaper, some won't even consider it. Most fall somewhere in between. If you show them how easy it is to use Happy Heinys, they might give it a try. Just send enough pre-stuffed diapers to last the day, some wetted wipes, and a wet bag like the medium Bummis tote. They give you the bag of used diapers and wipes at the end of the day and you wash with your normal routine.
Help, my diapers are leaking!
If 90% of the time your diapers are working fine, you just get an occasional leak, this will happen with any type of diaper. Your baby may have had a sudden increase in liquid intake (which results in a sudden increase in output), or the diaper may have been positioned wrong, etc. If, however, you get leaks often, this is not fine. :-)
By far the most common reason cloth diapers leak is that they are too wet. Since cloth diapers don't contain sodium polyacrylate gel beads (that stuff that absorbes 100x its weight in water, but is highly toxic to the human body) like disposables, they won't last as long before they're saturated. So if you take off a leaky diaper and it's soaking wet, then you either need to add more absorbency (extra inserts) or change more often.
If you are routinely having leaks where the diaper is not soaked, then your diapers could be repelling wetness instead of soaking it up. This can be caused by something in your wash routine or by diaper rash creams. To test if this is the issue, put some water in a nasal aspirator and use this to simulate "peeing" on a clean diaper. If the water soaks in, your diapers are fine. If it beads up and rolls off the diaper, that's not good.
To fix the repelling, start by trying a squirt of Dawn dishwashing soap in a hot wash (don't use too much - you don't want a washer overloaded with suds, especially a front loader). If that doesn't solve it, then you need to scrub your (clean) diapers in the sink with Dawn individually by hand, then rinse well. You'll only do this once before you make sure you've fixed the cause of the repelling! Carefully read our page on washing cloth diapers, especially the discussion of which detergent to use.
What is PUL?
PUL is short for Polyurethane Laminate. It refers to any fabric that has been laminated with a polyurethane on one side to make it waterproof. It's more breathable than plastic, allowing for a lower temperature inside the diaper than with disposables or plastic pants. And YES, PUL is made to be dried in the dryer!
Why is a sling better than a stroller?
First, it's more convenient. A stroller is a large, bulky item that you have to hoist in and out of a car or on and off public transportation. A sling is lightweight and compact, so it's easy to carry with you.
Second, babies just plain like to be held. Several studies have shown that babies who are carried are quieter and seem happier. A 1986 study reported in Pediatrics magazine found that “infants who received supplemental carrying cried and fussed 43% less overall, and 51% less during the evening hours.” The authors of the study concluded that “supplemental carrying modifies ‘normal’ crying by reducing the duration and altering the typical pattern of crying and fussing… The relative lack of carrying in our society may predispose to crying and colic in normal infants.”
Additionally, Dr. Sears, renowned pediatrician, says that babies who are carried not only cry less, but also learn more, are more “organized,” are “humanized” earlier, and are even smarter!
How are cloth carriers different from a Snugli or a Baby Bjorn?
First, formed carriers put your baby’s spine into an unnatural and potentially harmful position.
Additionally, formed carriers aren’t as portable as slings since they don’t squish into your diaper bag very easily. They’re not good for breastfeeding in. And they’re usually outgrown within a few months, whereas a sling can last through the toddler years.
What type of sling/carrier is best?
The answer, of course, is it depends. Is this your first experience with a fabric baby carrier? I recommend starting with a ring sling. They are the easiest to get baby in and out of, and are very adjustable, so can be used for both parents or caretakers. Do you want something very compact that's easy to stuff in a diaper bag? Try an Asian style carrier. Will you be wearing your baby for long periods of time? I recommend a wrap because it spreads the weight across your whole back and shoulders. The Moby Wrap is also wonderful for being truly hands-free, even with a newborn baby. Do you have a heavy baby or toddler who likes to be held a lot? The Ergo Carrier is for you! Finally, please ask for advice for your specific situation! I love to help.
Why should I use cloth menstrual pads?
For the same reasons you would use cloth diapers - they're better for your health, better for the environment, and are cheaper in the long run. And most of all, they're more comfortable!
How do you wash cloth pads?
I recommend starting with a cold water soak, immediately after use of each pad. Some people use special ceramic "moon pots" or you can use a ceramic watering can or other container. I use an old bean pot. I soak one in the cold water until I'm finished with the next one - then I soak that one and throw the first one in the diaper pail. If you leave them to soak longer, be sure to change the water daily. And yes, this water is very nutrient-rich and is wonderful for watering houseplants! (You might not want to share that detail with your husband or he'll think you're completely off the deep end.) Another hint is that you should put them upside down in the water, as blood is heavier than water and will settle to the bottom of the pot.
After soaking, you can wash them with diapers, or with towels if you're not currently washing diapers. Hot water is fine, and they can be dried in the drier on any heat. Do NOT use fabric softener or bleach. Softener will lessen their absorbency, and bleach will ruin the waterproof layer. If you still have stains after cold-soaking and washing, laying them out in the sun does wonders!
How many will I need?
The answer, of course, is it depends. It depends on how often you want to wash them, how heavy your flow is, etc. I recommend you start with a few and gradually make the switch from disposables to cloth. I started out with 6 regular and 3 overnight, washing every other day, and that came close to getting me through. If you don't wash that often, 12 day and 3 night is a good estimate of what you will need overall. If you use them in combination with a Diva Cup, you can get by with fewer.
Do they work for prenatal or postpartum incontinence?
They are wonderful for this!! They have gotten me safely through many coughing and sneezing fits! Especially when you feel the need to wear protection every day, cloth pads will be SO much softer on your skin. And of course the more they get used, that multiplies the cost savings and environmental benefits. If used for this purpose, no pre-soaking is necessary. Simply wash with your regular laundry or with diapers.
