How to Cloth Diaper a Newborn

I am asked these questions all of the time;

 "What diaper should I use for my newborn?"

"Should I purchase newborn diapers when babies grow so quickly?"

In this post I intend on giving you the best outcomes I have experienced as a mommy and now an auntie.

"What diapers should I use?"

For the parent(s) who have the time and dexterity: Flats/prefolds

For the parent(s) who simply want to slap the diaper on and keep it moving. All in One's

  I found flat/prefolds incredibly useful when cloth diapering for the first time namely for two reasons.

    1. I could easily customize the fit.

    2. Newborns do not need a lot of absorbency.

This style of diaper can actually fit from birth to potty training. Not only that, when I no longer felt like using them as diapers they served as burp cloths, extra absorbency for overnight diapering and even wipes on a necessary occasion. I felt like going through a dozen of this style in one day was completely cost effective because flat/prefolds hold a place throughout the diapering years.

Another easy option for newborns are fitted diapers, with this style there is no need to fold and pin, but, requires a waterproof cover.

If you do not care for the dexterity involved with flats/prefolds I suggest All in One's. They are super simple and Daddy's love them. As well, if you happen to have a toddler running around this style may prove to be the best choice.

As my family journeyed deeper into cloth diapering we jointly decided this was our favorite style of diaper. It is virtually impossible to place on baby upside down or even backwards; so both parents can enjoy changing those lovely messes.

 

 

Regardless of the decision, keep in mind you may want to save the bulk of your money for a size that your baby will spend the most time in. To view options and sizes I offer please visit the website at www.Sadies-Babies.com

Pros & Cons of One Size Diapers

One Size diapers seem to be the most popular choice of cloth diapers preferred by parents, but, like anything they too have their pro's and cons. In my post "Sadie's Babies Recommended Diaper List" I suggested obtaining several of this style to add to your collection, however, it is best to know the benefits and limitations one size diapers offer.

The Bad News:
1.One size diapers do not fit every child the same way. You may run into a time where your little one is between the sizes of the specific rise adjustment snaps. When this happens, the leg elastic is either too tight or too loose around baby's thighs perhaps causing red marks or leaking because of an improper fit.

2. Irritation: As your child becomes mobile the snaps seen in the rise may become irritating to their inner thigh. Although this is less common it is an issue that has been brought to my attention by fellow cloth diapering mommies.

3. Misleading: The average one size diapers do not truly fit from birth to potty training. Regardless the weight your baby is born all children can take up to 3 weeks before the newborn size specific diaper begins to fit properly. With that said most one size diapers only reach a size small when adjusted to its lowest setting.

 

 

The Good News: 
1. Longevity: Children typically begin to fit nicely into one size diapers around eight weeks or so and can honestly last for a couple years thereafter. As well, there comes a point where your child will most likely rest within a particular size range, knowing this one size diapers serve a great purpose.

2. In between stages: while this size is not my "go to" diaper they are wonderful to have on hand. When in between washing or figuring out your little one's next size range you are able to base it off of the size setting that fits best on your child.

3. Investment: When it comes to this diaper money is spent one time. Additionally when properly maintained you can easily place the same diaper on subsequent children.

Knowing these factors of one size diapers will hopefully shed light and aid in decision making when it comes to building a collection of cloth diapers that best fit into your lifestyle and budget.