Cloth Diapering 101 - Private Workshop

Private one on one lead by Renee Kennedy, owner of earthbaby boutique.

Do you want to get started with your cloth diapering journey?  This one on one workshop is for you!

We will go over all the different types of diapers available and how to take care of them.  You will be able to touch, examine and try out all the diapers.  Renee will go over any questions you may have and help you choose what will work best for your family and budget. You will learn everything you will need to get started on your cloth diaper journey. There is a $40 fee (per family) for this private workshop. Pay in advance here. Email renee@earthbabyboutique.com once paid and we will schedule a date and time for your one on one. All fees are non-refundable.

Class will be held in person at our Sherman Oaks location or also our Santa Clarita, CA boutique or via Skype. She also does in home private workshops which are $60-80 depending on location (per family) which includes the travel fee. 

 

Why do we love cloth diapers so much? It's great for our earth, our babies, and our wallets! Not to mention there is nothing more adorable then a baby in a stylish cloth diaper! Here is some important information about cloth diapering, for a more in depth look please join us for one of our great classes.

 

The facts:

 

Did you know its estimated that over 27 billion disposable diapers are consumed each year in the United States? Over 92% of them make it into landfills taking between 250-500 years to decompose. Diapers can account for up to 50% of a families household waste! Want to shrink your environmental footprint, go green with cloth diapers!

 

We all want what's best for our precious little ones. You would never knowingly expose your baby to dangerous chemicals! Did you know that disposable diapers contain trace amounts of Dioxin a toxic carcinogenic chemical and TBT a toxic hormone altering substance? Yuck!

 

Cloth diapering is not only a safe and environmentally friendly solution. Did you know that you can save an average of $1,500 using cloth for only one child? A great supply of cloth diapers from birth to potty training can be purchased for as little as $300. That's less than $13 per month!

 

Learn more about why cloth is so great from the Real Diaper Association here:  http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php

 

What to consider:

 

When considering cloth, there are a few basic deciding factors. Price, style, ease of use, absorbency, and the age of your baby. A 7lb newborn is not going to fit a diaper the same way a toddler will. If a child is in daycare an option as easy to use as a disposable might be important for your provider. With prices ranging from a few dollars to upwards of $30 cost is an important thing to consider. Let us help you make the right choice for your unique situation to avoid frustration and wasted money on the wrong style. A great way to find that perfect choice is to start with a trial pack which includes several different types and brands for a minimal price.  

 

Different Types of Cloth Diapers:

 

All In One Diaper (also known as an AIO)

This is the diaper that ‘s just about as easy to use as a disposable diaper in that it’s a one-piece design that includes all the components such as a waterproof exterior, elastic around the waist and the legs, the absorbent layer, and a fastening system. 

This is the simplest, easiest and most convenient system of cloth diapering. They are great for if you’re going to have babysitters, grandparents or dads changing the diapers, and especially if you will be having your baby in daycares. 

They usually come in multiple sizes, so you’ll need to change sizes as your baby grows. 
The best thing about all in one diapers is that they’re very easy & convenient. The drawback is that because everything is sewn together, it may take a long time to dry. 


Pocket Diapers

This is a 2-part system that involves stuffing the absorbent layer, otherwise called an insert, inside a pocket opening of the diaper that is composed of a lining fabric and a waterproof outer layer with elasticated waist and legs and its own fasteners. 

Now you may ask why would you want to do that? Well, the biggest reason is for thorough cleaning and faster drying. Pocket diapers dry super fast. And if you don’t mind taking the extra few seconds to stuff them, they’re just as convenient as all in one diapers.

Another good thing about pocket diapers is that you can adjust the absorbency. Because you are free to use whatever inserts you want, you can use a light insert for during the day, and double up on inserts for night time or during naps. 


Fitted Diapers

These are diapers that are shaped just like AIO’s or pockets that can have attached or semi-attached absorbent layers but does not have a waterproof layer. Unlike the AIO’s and pockets, you will have to buy a separate cover to use with your fitted diaper. 

The biggest benefit to fitted diapers is that they are very absorbent and contain messes really well. Fitted diapers and covers are one of the most reliable systems, especially for babies who are heavy wetters and for overnight diapering. 


Prefolds and Flats

A Prefold diaper is a rectangular piece of cloth divided into 3 sections where the middle layer is the absorbent layer. 

A flat is a square single layer of cotton. 

These 2 are the most economical way to cloth diaper. These are the old-fashioned type of diapers that most people have in mind when you mention cloth diapers. They’re flat, don’t have any elasticated areas, and no closure system. You will also need a separate diaper cover when using them. 

But regardless of how old-fashioned they are, prefolds and flats are an absolute staple that every mother should have regardless of what system you use just because they are so cheap, and versatile. Not only are they used as diapers, but you can use them as burp cloths, changing pads, and even as rags around the house once you’re done using them as diapers. 

Once you figure out how to fold these things, it is not a big deal at all. Even dads can do it. And you don’t even have to use pins with them, because there are things right now called a Snappi that you can use to fasten the diaper. 

Cloth Diaper Covers

Diaper covers are exactly what the name describes; they are simply an outer diaper covering an inner diaper such as a fitted diaper or prefold. Diaper covers provide a waterproof layer over the inner diaper, making leaks less likely to occur. Diaper covers do not need to be washed between wearings if allowed to air-out between uses. They can generally be washed with the rest of your baby’s diapers. They're available in a large variety of fabrics and styles, and are generally fastened with Velcro or snaps.

 

Ready to start using cloth? A great way to get more information such as what items are needed for the type of diapers you choose, how to wash them, and troubleshooting basic concerns, please join us for one of our great cloth diaper classes!