Birch Tree Baby FAQs

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Keep your eyes peeled for...

an increase in our ORGANIC cloth diapering products.

the introduction of WOOLLYBOTTOMS soakers, shorties, longies and footies, made from recycled wool sweaters. These are definite favorites in our family!!

and Cottonbabies, FLIP: One-size diapering system, by the makers of bumGenius.

FAQs

How many diapers will I need? TOP

A general answer is 24-36 diapers (prefolds, fitteds, all-in-ones, or pockets) and 6-10 covers (if using prefolds or fitteds) per baby. Keep in mind the number you need depends on the age of your baby and how often you want to do laundry.

For a newborn, you should plan on about 12 diapers daily. If you are using prefold or fitted diapers, you'll also need 3-4 covers per day.

With an older baby, you'll need about 8 diapers and 2-3 covers per day.

If you're just starting out, you'll also need a diaper pail and the following items are highly recommended:
2 diaper pail liners
1 small or medium wet bag for the diaper bag
2-3 dozen cloth wipes
1 diaper sprayer (especially once baby starts solids!)

How do I wash my diapers? TOP

There are lots of ways to wash diapers but here is a simple laundry routine that works!

1. Cold rinse or prewash. No detergent in this cycle. This cycle is mostly to rinse away any poop and can be skipped if you only have wet diapers. Using cold helps deter stains.

2. Hot wash with 1/4 to 1/2 the amount of detergent you'd normally use. Detergent buildup is one of the main reasons for stinky, wicking diapers.

3. Extra rinse on cold.

4. Prefolds and inserts in the dryer. Some covers and pocket diapers can be put in the dryer as well, others should be line dried or dried on low- check your care instructions.

Be sure not to use any fabric softener or chlorine bleach on your diapers.

For more details (including detergent info), see our Diaper Care article in the articles section.

Will I really save money? TOP

Absolutely! Babies go through about 7,000 diaper changes before they learn to use the potty. This averages out to about two to three thousand dollars in plastic diapers, depending on the brand you use and average local prices. On the other hand, full time diapering in cloth is much cheaper. Consider these numbers, based on our prices.

1 Infant Package (24 infant prefolds plus 6 small covers)
1 Premium Package (24 premium prefolds plus 6 medium covers)
6 large covers (once baby grows out of the mediums)
2 extra snappis
Approximately $296
Saving you $1704 to $2704

Even if you choose to use pocket diapers exclusively you’ll still save money!

24 One-Size Pocket Diapers (Happy Heiny's or bumGenius)
9 extra hemp inserts for overnights (3 small, 3 medium, 3 large)
Approximately $506
Saving you $1494 to $2494

24 Small Happy Heiny’s with 21 microfiber inserts and 3 hemp stuffins
16 Medium Happy Heiny’s with 13 microfiber inserts and 3 hemp stuffins
12 Large Happy Heiny’s with 9 microfiber inserts and 3 hemp stuffins
Approximately $950
Saving you $1050 to $2050

Additional cost-saving benefits: Use your cloth diapers for more than one child- doubling your savings for each child. And when you’re done, resell them! Cloth diapers generally retain about 50-75% of their original value when reselling.

What type of diaper should I use? TOP

Most cloth diapering parents try several different types of diapers before deciding what works best for their baby. Some quickly decide upon a favorite while others will keep a variety on hand for different situations.

Each diapering system has its benefits:

Prefolds- highly economical, easy to customize fit of prefolds using Snappis (or pins) or just fold into a snug fitting cover. Variety of cover choices, allowing for options like wool and fleece. These will last a lifetime and after you're done diapering your children have many household uses.

Fitted diapers- great comfortable fit without needing to use a snappi and excellent at holding in messes. Snap closure fitteds are a great choice with wool pull-up style covers- nothing to snag your beautiful fluff! Also great for going coverless around the house for extra breathability.

Pocket diapers- stay dry lining, ease of use, adjustable absorbency. One sized pockets are also very economical choices, while multi-sized pockets provide excellent fit at all stages of growth and will last for use with multiple children.

All-in-ones- the ultimate in convenience with no extra pieces required.

Also, remember that finding the right diaper is a very individual process. It's like finding the right bathing suit, every diaper is slightly different, as is every baby's body. We are more than happy to chat with you to find the right diaper for your baby.

Can I use cloth diapers overnight? TOP

Definitely! Be sure to add extra absorbency by adding an extra insert to your pocket diapers or doublers to your prefolds and fitteds. Hemp is a popular overnight material for its superior absorbency. You might also consider diapers with microfleece or suedecloth lining to keep baby feeling dry overnight.

Our suggestions for overnight diapering:

Our favorite overnight diaper was a Happy Hempy fitted diaper with hemp and microfiber inserts plus a Stacinator Fleece, wool (a great breathable option) or Polar Bummi cover. This combo worked fabulously for our heavy wetter.

Another popular option is a Happy Heiny solid pocket diaper with a microfiber insert on top (closest to baby in the pocket) of a hemp insert. Microfiber absorbs quickly while the hemp gives you the absorbency and staying power you need for overnights.

Why use cloth wipes? TOP

Using cloth wipes is an easy way to save yourself hundreds of dollars (those disposables add up quick!). You can buy them, sew your own, or even use baby washcloths.

We recommend about 2-3 dozen wipes. Simply fill a small squirt or spray bottle with plain water or wipes solution and wet the wipes as they are needed. You might also like to try the new bumGenius Bottom Cleaner spray which is used directly on baby's skin. Some families use a waterproof container to hold pre-moistened wipes.

If you are interested in making your own wipes solution, there are lots of recipes you can find on the web- just google "diaper wipe solution recipes".

Can I use diaper rash cream on my baby? TOP

Luckily, cloth diapered babies have a much lower incidence of diaper rash than babies in throw-away diapers. If you do run into a bit of a rash, here is some information that should help.

Most diaper rash ointments are not compatible with cloth diapers. Good news for cloth diaper users, though, Happy Heiny's has tested a new product, Grandma El's Diaper Rash Cream, and found that it washes clean from Happy Heiny's pocket diapers with no residue buildup.

If you've already got a favorite product, you might be able to use it with some precautions. Pocket diapers are more likely to be negatively affected by diaper rash ointments than prefolds. Use a small amount of ointment and protect your diapers by laying in a baby washcloth or cloth wipe, or cutting up some cheap microfleece from the fabric store to lay in your diapers (pockets and prefolds) when using rash creams (wash these liners separately from your diapers).

Here are some other rash treatments commonly used by cloth diapering parents:
Applications of breastmilk, olive oil or coconut oil.
Lanolin- available in the baby section of your grocery store. Use a liner.
Burt's Bees diaper cream- may stain some diapers. Use a liner.
Weleda diaper cream- another favorite. Liners recommended.
Aquaphor- a petroleum based product. Small amounts are usually ok with prefolds.
Air time- the best solution for rashes is often exposure to light and air. When going diaperless isn't an option, consider using a fitted diaper like Heiny Huggers without a cover. If you need to use a cover, try a breathable wool or fleece cover to reduce rash.

My baby has to go to day care, can I still use cloth? TOP

Yes! Pocket diapers (especially those with aplix closures like Happy Heiny’s) and all-in-ones are as easy to use as disposables.

Talk to your daycare provider to see if they are willing to use cloth diapers while your child is in their care. Bring a diaper along and show your provider how simple they are to use! Be sure to pre-stuff the diapers and you’ll also want to provide a tote bag or other container for the used diapers.

If your day care provider is unwilling or unable to accommodate you, you can always use cloth at home. Even part time use of cloth diapers will save your money and our resources!