<h1>How to Get Started</h1> <h2>How many of what will you need?</h2>
Diapering is a very personal affair and everyone is happy with their own routine. One can start with basic supplies and then add items as needed. The following guidelines are based on personal experiences and any suggestions should be modified to suit one’s own needs.
CHECKLIST
Did You Know...
- 32-36 diapers
- 4-6 diaper covers
- 10 liners/doublers
- 48 wipes
- diaper pail
- travel totes
- mild baby soap
- eco-friendly laundry soap
Wool absorbs nearly 40% of its weight in liquid without feeling wet!! Wool is very breathable. It is resistant to bacteria growth, and urine is chemically neutralized in its fibres. That is why we have found wool to be a great choice for diaper covers. In addition, wool covers are NOT difficult to look after. They only need washed every 1-2 weeks, or when they get soiled. Simply air-dry between use; a cover will usually be ready by the next diaper change.
32-36 DIAPERS is a handy number to have available. This would let you wash your diapers every 2-3 days. A newborn will need 10-12 diaper changes daily, eventually decreasing to an average of 8 changes per day. One could start with 24 diapers if prepared to wash diapers more frequently (every 2-2½ days). You will need to keep a couple of diapers to the side while washing so as not to run out, and it is good habit to wash only 24 diapers (or so) at a time as too many diapers in one load become difficult to properly clean.
4-6 DIAPER COVERS are handy to have at any given period. It allows proper airing between use, and if a cover needs washed, it is not imperative that it be done immediately (which is sometimes a handy option). We choose wool covers because we like the properties of wool - it is breathable and it lets moisture evaporate rather than trapping it against baby’s skin. Wool actually wicks moisture away from your baby's skin and will help regulate body temperature. The body retains warmth without over-heating.
10 LINERS can be enough, to begin with, and one can then add to the collection as needed. Also called doublers, liners are inserted inside the diaper for added absorbency. We recommended them for night-time use or any time some extra padding is needed. A thinner liner may do the trick during the day, while a thicker doubler will offer extra protection against leaks at night.
48 WIPES (minimum) One cannot have enough wipes. Some diaper changes will call for several wipes, and you will be glad that you have some extras. The beauty of re-usable wipes, is that once the diapering is over and done with, your wipes can accompany you on car trips and outings for cleaning hands and faces (we bring a squirt bottle filled with water and some lavender or tea tree essential oil to serve as an anti-bacterial wash, along with our wipes and wet tote). Or use them for dusting, wiping counters... They will never go amiss.
THE EXTRAS... In addition to your diapers and covers, there are a few basic necessities needed in order to successfully cloth-diaper your baby. Even leaving the house in cloth will be easy!
