Reasons Families Quit Cloth
You've probably met someone who told you they started using cloth diapers but quit after a few weeks. It was too hard, they had too much laundry, or the diapers leaked. After working with many local families who chose cloth, I have been able to identify several reasons people quit.
1. Using some disposable supplies Some families buy a large stash of diapers and covers but stop there. They find themselves tossing the diaper into the pail and taking the used disposable wipe to a garbage can. When washing diapers, they have to throw away and replace the garbage bag in the pail. This may not seem like much extra work, but after doing it 12 times a day or more, it becomes tiring and frustrating.
The best way to combat this is to have reusable accessories. If you don't want to spend money on cloth wipes and solution, a stack of wash cloths and a spray bottle of water will do the trick. Invest in a pail liner and wet bag. Your child will not grow out of them, and you can use them as long as you are cloth diapering. After potty training, they are great for carrying swim suits or laundry.
2. Not having enough diapers. Because I SELL diapers, this one can be tricky to explain. Many families buy the 12 diapers they need to wash every day. They forget, however, to keep a few in the diaper bag and few extra on hand for unexpected changes or bad days. If you are sick or have an an excessively busy day, you may not be able to wash. While 12 is the minimum amount of diapers you will need for a newborn, having 18 is more realistic.
3. Improper washing techniques Most leaking problems are caused by poor diaper care. Free and clear detergents, too much detergent, and fabric softener will cause build-up on the diapers, resulting in leaky or stinky diapers. Parents with leaky diapers think that cloth diapering doesn't work and they quit. Make sure to carefully read washing instructions and ask questions if you're not sure what to do.
4. Using inconvenient diapers Prefolds are great for newborns around the house, but they can be inconvenient on the go. It's a good idea to keep 3 or 4 pocket or all-in-one diapers in your diaper bag for outings. As your baby gets older, moves around, and has wetter diapers, you may consider switching to a more convenient system. If you are concerned about cost, consider a one size diaper that will fit most babies until potty training.
5. Lack of support . If one parent, a grandparent, or baby-sitter is not interested in cloth, the parent who wants to use cloth will be frustrated. Once you make the decision to use cloth, talk to the unsupportive people in your life. Show them a few modern cloth diapers and explain how much they have changed since the days of rubber pants and pins.
Return to Envirobaby Store
1. Using some disposable supplies Some families buy a large stash of diapers and covers but stop there. They find themselves tossing the diaper into the pail and taking the used disposable wipe to a garbage can. When washing diapers, they have to throw away and replace the garbage bag in the pail. This may not seem like much extra work, but after doing it 12 times a day or more, it becomes tiring and frustrating.
The best way to combat this is to have reusable accessories. If you don't want to spend money on cloth wipes and solution, a stack of wash cloths and a spray bottle of water will do the trick. Invest in a pail liner and wet bag. Your child will not grow out of them, and you can use them as long as you are cloth diapering. After potty training, they are great for carrying swim suits or laundry.
2. Not having enough diapers. Because I SELL diapers, this one can be tricky to explain. Many families buy the 12 diapers they need to wash every day. They forget, however, to keep a few in the diaper bag and few extra on hand for unexpected changes or bad days. If you are sick or have an an excessively busy day, you may not be able to wash. While 12 is the minimum amount of diapers you will need for a newborn, having 18 is more realistic.
3. Improper washing techniques Most leaking problems are caused by poor diaper care. Free and clear detergents, too much detergent, and fabric softener will cause build-up on the diapers, resulting in leaky or stinky diapers. Parents with leaky diapers think that cloth diapering doesn't work and they quit. Make sure to carefully read washing instructions and ask questions if you're not sure what to do.
4. Using inconvenient diapers Prefolds are great for newborns around the house, but they can be inconvenient on the go. It's a good idea to keep 3 or 4 pocket or all-in-one diapers in your diaper bag for outings. As your baby gets older, moves around, and has wetter diapers, you may consider switching to a more convenient system. If you are concerned about cost, consider a one size diaper that will fit most babies until potty training.
5. Lack of support . If one parent, a grandparent, or baby-sitter is not interested in cloth, the parent who wants to use cloth will be frustrated. Once you make the decision to use cloth, talk to the unsupportive people in your life. Show them a few modern cloth diapers and explain how much they have changed since the days of rubber pants and pins.
Return to Envirobaby Store
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