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Please take the time to download our detailed diaper care instructions PDF. It is a step-by-step guide to help get the longest life out of your cloth diapers
Q: How do cloth diapers compare to disposable diapers in terms of absorbency?
A: Disposable diapers can absorb more urine than cloth diapers because they contain a chemical component inside the layers of paper pulp that enhances absorption by turning baby’s urine into a gel. They get heavier when full, rather than overflow. Disposable diapers may not show any sign of leakage, leaving parents unaware that their child is staying in a urine filled, chemical laden diaper, far longer than is healthy or hygienic. Cloth diapers can absorb the normal amount of urine that a baby can output at one time or possibly two. Additional absorbency can be gained with the use of Inserts, ideal for heavy wetters or longer periods of time. Diapers should be changed once they are wet or soiled, so the extra absorbing features of disposable diapers shouldn’t be deemed a healthy advantage.
Q: How do I know which diapering system is best for us?
A: Many parents start with one system and switch to another as their baby grows and diapering needs change. It is also common for parents to use the “mix-and-match” method, which consists of using both the All-In-Ones and the two-piece system, as well as using disposables upon occasion. A newborn baby may be best diapered in the two-piece system for optimum leakage protection and to keep costs to a minimum. As your baby becomes a toddler, our All-In-One may become the best-suited choice. Finding the routine that ultimately fits your family often times takes a few weeks—be patient!
Q: How many diapers will I need?
A: To decide how many diapers to buy, balance how often you want to launder the diapers with how many your baby will use a day. A general guideline is as follows:
• The first few months of life involve a lot of diaper changes—approximately 12 per day. Babies at this age tend to urinate small quantities very frequently and have watery bowel movements.
• Starting at about three months, there will be less “messy” diapers and wetter ones with less frequency. Diaper changes will be reduced to 8-10 a day.
• By the end of the first year, the daily use of diapers drops slightly, and by 18 months your baby will use only 6–8 diapers a day. Once you know how many diapers you need each day, and have established your laundry routine, you will be able to determine the quantity of diapers that best suits your family.
Q: What about diaper rash?
A: Skin wetness is the common denominator underlying the various causes of diaper rash. Urinary wetness increases skin friction and raises the skin pH. These effects combine to intensify the action of stool enzymes or other irritants that then inflame the skin. Tips for combating diaper rash:
• Instead of commercial wipes, use warm water and a mild baby soap to clean the area.
• Let baby’s bottom thoroughly dry before closing the diaper.
• When signs of a rash begin, try using a diaper rash ointment.
• Make sure you are using a mild laundry detergent and extra rinse to remove all traces of detergent from the cotton.
• If the rash is severe or persistent, check with your baby’s physician.
Q: What about leakage?
A: A diaper will leak for one of two reasons: either the fit isn’t right, or it is entirely full. You can minimize leakage by changing your baby’s diaper frequently and by “double diapering” whenever it is likely that you will go a long period of time between changes. Inserts, sometimes referred to as “doublers,” can also be used in our All-In-Ones to increase absorption with heavy-wetters, at nighttime or on long outings. Generally, any of the Bumkins diapers will absorb the usual amount of urine that a baby can output at one time, sometimes two. Additionally, cloth diapers, like all clothing, get thinner with repeated laundering. You may notice that older diapers require the use of an insert more often. Diapers can also leak if they do not fit properly - changing sizes may help if you begin to notice consistent leakage. When using the two-piece systems, be sure the diaper is completely tucked inside the cover and that the covers fit properly.
Q: Can I use cloth diapers when we’re on the go?
A: Absolutely! Simply remember to pack a couple of plastic bags for wet diapers (zip-lock style works best), some diaper wipes and a supply of diapers in your diaper bag. Our All-in-One diapers are especially handy for outings and travel.
Q: How long will the diapers last?
A: Bumkins All-In-One diapers will last, on average, 150 washings. We can’t predict the exact length of time that your diapers will last, but we do have important suggestions to help keep them in their best condition. Please remember that a cloth diaper is an article of clothing, and it will eventually wear out! Bumkins Diaper Covers are true work-horses, because they do not get the same aggressive and frequent laundering as the All-In-One, the Diaper Covers will last much longer. Our cotton Fold-Over and Flat diapers also last an exceptionally long time. They don’t have the elastic, waterproofing or Velcro which are the more heat sensitive components, so they will stand up to the test of time.
Q: How many covers will I need?
A: Initially, newborn babies will have very watery bowel movements and the cover may get soiled frequently. Once past the first few months, the Bumkins Diaper Covers can be used through two or three diaper changes. We find it works best to rotate a couple of covers throughout the course of the day, allowing them to air out between changes. Four covers in each size is a bare minimum; six are recommended for convenience. Babies often fit into two different size covers at the same time. Having two sizes on hand will give you a nice supply without buying too many in each size. This is also helpful for double diapering, as two diapers will fit better in a larger size.
Q: What do I need to know about sizing?
A: Correct sizing is important for comfort and leakage protection. To find the correct size for your baby, consult our guidelines for each product. These guidelines are based on average weight and height ratios and are generally pretty accurate. If you know that clothing usually runs larger or smaller on your baby, then make that assumption for our diapers. If in doubt, or your baby is close to the end of our recommended weight for that size, it is best to buy the next largest size. Our All-In-One diapers and our cotton diapers are all sized to fit after shrinkage. Before washing your whole order, wash and dry one diaper to make sure that the fit is satisfactory.
Q: How do I know when it is time to change sizes?
A: Changing the size of the diaper or diaper cover is necessary as baby grows. Typically, when the diaper starts showing regular leakage through the top waist area, it is time to move to a larger size. If a diaper is too small, it can’t provide sufficient coverage and will leak. Alternatively, if regular leakage is occurring around the leg area and the use of an insert doesn’t help, the diaper or diaper cover may be too large. Not all babies will need all of the diaper or diaper cover sizes - most babies go through three sizes.
Q: What do I do with soiled diapers?
A: Solid waste should always be rinsed off a diaper prior to storage. This step is optional if the baby is breast-fed. Diapers that contain only urine do not need to be rinsed if you do laundry every 1-2 days. Remove as much solid waste as possible from the diaper, rinse in cold water, and put it the diaper pail until wash day. Alternatively, use your tub or laundry room sink as a rinse station – use a bucket to collect the waste as you run water over the soiled diaper. Empty the bucket into the toilet when you are finished.
