Cloth Diaper FAQ
Source: Coolababy Malaysia website
1) The benefit of cloth pocket diaper is endless such as:
• Both the diaper and insert are 100% reusable and washable
• No nasty chemicals in them, dioxin and harmful gel
• They are just as convenient as disposables
• Much less expensive than disposable diapers
• Only the soft suede cloth / micro flees touches your baby skin
• You can use them through multiple children
2) Why would I change to use cloth diapers when disposables are so readily available?
Cloth diapers are cheaper for parents, healthier for babies, and better for the environment than disposables.
3) What's so unhealthy about disposable diapers?
Chemicals are used to bleach the pulp in disposable diapers and to allow for super absorbency.
• The super absorbent chemical, sodium polyacrylate, absorbs and holds fluids in the diaper. This chemical has been linked to toxic shock syndrome, can cause allergic reactions, and is lethal to cats if inhaled.
• Death has occurred from ingestion of just 5 grams of this chemical. Pediatric journals contain reports of this chemical sticking to babies genitals. When the baby' s skin gets wet, this super absorber can poll fluids form baby's skin.
• Dioxin, the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a byproduct of bleaching paper. Even in the smallest detectable quantities, dioxin has been known to cause liver disease, immune system suppression, and genetic damage in lab animals.
• Dyes found in some disposables are known to damage the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver.
• The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) received reports that fragrances caused headaches, dizziness, and rashes. Problems reported to the Consumer Protection Agency include chemical burns, noxious chemical and insecticide odors, reports of babies pulling disposables apart and putting pieces of plastic into their noses and mouth, choking on tab papers and linings, plastic melting onto the skin, and ink staining the skin.
• Plastic tabs can also tear skin, and disposables may contain wood splinters. *Taken from www.ecobaby.com.
4) How long do I need to change my baby's diaper?
• Your baby's diaper should be changed every 2-3 hours regardless of whether she is diapered in cloth or disposables.
• This will help prevent diaper rash and keep her skin healthier.
• Disposables fool parents into thinking their babies are dry, but once a diaper has been wet it should be changed immediately regardless of how dry it may feel.
• It is not uncommon for babies diapered in disposables to go more than 4 or 5 hours without a diaper change, which is very unhealthy!
5) How do I use my One-Size Cloth Diapers?
• Adjust the diaper sizing by choosing the right snap setting on the front of the diaper.
• To use the "Small" setting, snap on the bottom row of snaps.
• To use the "Medium" setting, snap on the 2nd row of the snaps.
• To use the "Large" setting, fully unsnap the front of the diaper.
• Tips: For overnight use, consider stuffing with two insert and setting the diaper to be one size larger than you would for the daytime use.
• Another alternative is you can actually add a hemp insert below the microfiber or use a hemp diaper doublers.
6) How to place the insert in the diaper ?
• Put the insert in your diaper.
• Hold the insert in one hand and place inside the slot (located under the protective flap).
• Align the front edge of the insert with the top edge of the Velcro strip.
• Using one hand to hold the front of the insert in place, stretch the diaper and smooth the insert flat as you pull your other hand out of the diaper.
• Tips: Many parents prefer to pre-stuff their diapers at the end of their washing routine.
7) Can the insert be washed? How long it can last before we must replace it?
YES. The diaper outer and the insert is washable! It can last long in proper care. You can even use it for more than one children.
Is the micro suede/fleece lining really give baby a dry feeling?
• Yes. Micro suede and fleece got the wicking ability. That's mean that it can wick the moisture pass through the insert, but the suede/fleece itself will be dry.
• Micro suede is more pilling and stain resistant than micro fleece.
• So the solid waste will rolled out the suede easily and can be wash easily also
8 ) Which Detergent should I use ?
• Wash once in cold water with no more than 1/4 cup detergent.
• Wash once in warm or hot water with more more than 1/4 cup detergent. Optionally (and only occasionally), add 1/4 cup of bleach to this cycle.
• Add an extra rinse to remove any lingering detergent in the diapers.
• Tumble dry on the medium setting.
9) How can I prevent diaper leakage?
The number one cause of leakage is a saturated diaper that just needs to be changed. Any diaper will leak once full. If your baby is having problems with leaks, check this first. 99% of the time, additional absorbency solves leakage problems. If that doesn't work, we've included some other trouble-shooting points below.
• Did you prewash?
First of all, make sure that you washed everything at least two times before using. There can be residue left on the fabric from the production process that can cause leakage.
• Is the insert flat?
Make sure that the insert is FLAT when you put the diaper on your baby. If it is twisted or wadded up, this can cause leakage. If your baby's build causes the insert to bunch up, consider using a Hemp on top of your insert. This helps to prevent the wadding that can occur with some builds.
• Is the wetness at the top edge of the diaper?
If the wetness is at the top edge of the diaper, make sure that the insert isn't pushing the lining fabric up against your baby clothing. The insert should be placed approximately one inch below the top edge of the diaper. The top edge of the diaper should be flat against your baby with the soft fabric against your baby's belly.
• Is the wetness at the legs or the tabs?
If the diaper is leaking from the tabs or the legs, change the diaper and remove the insert. If it is saturated then your baby definitely needs a more absorbent insert or a more frequent diaper change. If the insert isn't saturated, then the diaper may not be adjusted to fit your child properly or, if you are using a detergent that contains additives, your diapers may also have detergent buildup which can cause leakage.
