Seeing my boy’s cute butt snug in a cloth diaper is reason enough for me to continue cloth diapering

Isn’t using cloth diapers troublesome and inconvenient? Don’t cloth diapers take up a lot of time to handle and aren’t they a chore to wash? What about the POOP???! Eeew… What the heck should I do with the POOP!!??

These might be some questions running through many mother’s heads when they first heard about cloth diapering. Today, we are so used to everyone around us using disposable diapers. It is not so common to know mothers who cloth diaper. Also, many of us even started off with disposable diapers before learning about cloth diapers. The transition from the convenience of disposable products to the more “challenging” reusable cloth diapers might put off mothers to use them, or some even give up after some time. However, I’m here to assure you that with more awareness about how easy it is to use cloth diapers these days (plus they’re cuter too!), how they are affordable and money saving in the long run, how much better they are for your baby’s health and also to the environment, more mothers are choosing to use cloth diaper entirely. Hooray to that!

However, (as much as I would like to say cloth diapering is easy-peasy) using cloth diapers in the very beginning might not be so easy, and they might require some modifications to your daily routine or lifestyle, and some preparations or things to look forward to. Here are some things that you have to take into account, based on my personal experience.

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CLOTH DIAPERING IS DIFFICULT BECAUSE…

(at least not until you know how to deal with the problems )

1. More laundry: Since cloth diapers are reusable, you will need to be prepared to wash them at least every 2 days. Washing cloth diapers is simple though, just wash them in the washing machine with the rest of baby’s laundry (make sure you use the right detergent!) Yes, you might have to handle more teeny weeny baby things to hang dry, sort and fold later on, but it’s thereapeutic for me to do so . To learn about how I wash my cloth diapers, go here.
2. More encounters with baby’s “organic matter”: If you were used to simply scrunching up a soiled disposable diaper and dumping them in the dustbin, the thought that you have to deal with your baby’s pee and poop if you use cloth diapers might be scary. However, if you line cloth diapers with nappy liners (either disposables/reusable), they make it much much easier for washing up later. And trust me, sometimes it’s important to monitor what sort of stuff comes out of your baby as a health check
3. Cloth Diapers need extra loving care: You’ve invested in your cloth diaper stash and they’re not (exactly) so cheap. What do you have to do next? Just like how you buy yourselves expensive shoes and handbags, they require special care too, especially if you’re planning to use them for a long time. With cloth diapering, not only do you need to prep wash them before using, you also need to ensure they are properly washed (and with the right detergent), and once in a while you might need to strip wash them too. Check out more cloth diaper care tips here.
4. Your cloth diapers might leak: “Oh no…..! I thought these diapers are supposed to keep messes in and there’ll be no leakage!! But why is my bed/sofa/lap wet now??!!” Relax… You might encounter this problem occasionally, and it’s perfectly normal. There are various reasons why they might leak, and for a complete post on this go here. Oh, but for your information, if you use  cloth diapers (especially on newborns with expolosive, runny poop), poop blow outs RARELY happen!
5. Difficulties in converting other caregivers to use them: In the beginning, the husband, grandparents, babysitters or daycare people might not encourage or approve too much of using cloth diapers. So what? It’s YOUR baby, and you know you’re doing so for the best, so don’t let others influence your decision. Be firm, patient, and lead by example, and soon they’ll understand why cloth diapers are really better than disposables!

These are some problems that you might encounter when you (begin to) cloth diaper. However, with a little practice and patience, your cloth diapering journey will be much smoother along the way. Don’t believe me? I had problems too myself when I started (My 10 Problems in Cloth Diapering a Newborn), and look at me now – a happy Cloth Diaper Mom (with a happy Cloth Diapered Baby too ) Good luck in your cloth diapering adventure!

NEED YOUR FEEDBACK: What were your problems when you started cloth diapering? Do you still have the same problems today?

“Mak… mana Cloth Diaper feverettt saya yang polka dot tu, belum siap basuh lagi kerrr!!??” [sumber]

Hello semua! Entri ini adalah khas untuk rakan saya yang bertanyakan:

“Macam mana cara you basuh Cloth Diapers? Guna cara Wet Pail atau Dry Pail? Guna cycle apa untuk mesin basuh? Kena kumpul berapa hari dulu baru basuh?”

Eh, banyak betul soalan. Sabar, sabar… satu satu ye cik Kak… Saya rasa saya akan jawab dengan mengutarakan Bagaimana cara SAYA membasuh Cloth Diapers saya.

*Nota: Ini adalah cara tersendiri saya. Anda tidak perlu ikut 100% macam ini, atau pun rasa bersalah/celaru/dll jika cara saya berlainan dari cara anda. Buat pengetahuan anda juga, rutin pembasuhan saya berubah-ubah mengikut mood dan tahap kerajinan pada ketika itu (hehe). Namun begitu, cara yang saya senarikan di bawah ini dilakukan apabila saya TERAMAT RAJIN dan ADA MOOD. Kiranya, macam rutin paling lengkap lah ni. Namun begitu, matlamat saya dengan semua Cloth Diapers saya adalah: Supaya Cloth Diapers saya tahan lama! Sudah beli elok-elok mesti lah jaga pun kena elok-elok, betul tak?

RUTIN PEMBASUHAN CLOTH DIAPERS SAYA

Buat pengetahuan anda, rutin saya menggunakan mesin basuh. Maaf saya kurang berkemampuan untuk cuci tangan… Saya membasuh menggunakan air sejuk, dan setiap 2-3 hari sekali. Saya mengamalkan cara “Dry Pail”.

A) Selepas Menukar Cloth Diaper:

1. Terus bawa Cloth Diaper yang kotor ke bilik air. Buangkan diaper liner (jika guna jenis pakai buang) di dalam tong sampah.
2. Jika menggunakan Pocket Diapers, asingkan insert dari cover.
   
3. 
4. Kemudian saya bilas dengan air. Selok-eloknya terus bilas untuk mengelakkan kesan dan bau pada Cloth Diaper. Boleh guna toilet sprayer/shower/air di sinki atau berus sedikit. (Senang sahaja, sebab kan dah pakai diaper liner?)
   
5. Kalau ada poo-poo, cuba sebanyak mungkin untuk mengeluarkan apa-apa kesan dari Cloth Diaper, renyah-renyahkan sampai hilang warna dari air bilasan.
   
6. Kalau tiada poo-poo (hanya air kecil), bilas dan renyah-renyah ala kadar sahaja.
   
7. Perahkan air sebanyak mungkin dari Cloth Diaper.
   
8. 
   
9. Masukkan sahaja Cloth Diaper yang diperah dalam diaper pail atau baldi yang bertutup.

B) Hari Pencucian (Laundry Day!)

1. Saya cuci Cloth Diapers 2-3 hari sekali (kerana stok Cloth Diapers mencukupi. Kalau tidak, mungkin perlu dibasuh lebih kerap, setiap hari atau selang sehari).
2. [sumber]
3. Asingkan cover dan insert dalam 2 laundry bag/net yang berbeza. Saya gunakan laundry net yang besar saiznya untuk membolehkan pergerakan yang bebas
4. Pastikan Cloth Diaper jenis Velcro sudah disematkan pada laundry tab untuk mengelakkan tertarik semasa pembasuhan.
5. Masukkan Cloth Diapers dalam mesin basuh dan gunakan cycle “Quick Rinse & Spin” untuk membilas. Sila ikut setting pada mesin basuh anda sendiri. Tidak perlu serbuk pencuci.
   
6. Setelah selesai, masukkan serbuk/cecair pencuci yang sesuai untuk Cloth Diapers. Saya gunakan Pureen HAD. Jangan letak terlalu banyak.
7. [sumber]
8. Set-kan pula pada cycle pembasuhan yang lazim (”Wash, Rinse & Spin”). Boleh juga masukkan sekali baju bayi anda yang hendak dibasuh.
9. Selepas habis cycle, set-kan semula pada cycle “Quick Rinse & Spin” untuk bilasan akhir. Ini untuk memastikan Cloth Diapers betul-betul bersih daripada kesan serbuk pencuci (Boleh mengakibatkan “detergent build-up” pada Cloth Diapers).
   
10. Selepas selesai, jemur Cloth Diapers di bawah cahaya matahari. Halakan apa-apa kesan yang masih tertinggal ke atas untuk menghilangkan kesan.
    
11. Itu sahaja, tak susah kan?
    

[sumber]

Saya berharap ini boleh menjadi suatu “guideline” untuk pengguna Cloth Diapers yang lain. Boleh rujuk juga posting ini: 12 Tips Membasuh & Menjaga Cloth Diapers.

SOALAN: Bagaimana pula rutin atau cara anda membasuh Cloth Diapers anda? Ada apa-apa perbezaan ataupun ada yang sama seperti cara saya ini?

I think we’ve experienced at least a leak or two when we Cloth Diaper our baby or toddler. It’s not so pleasant is it, to see that your baby wet the bedsheets, carpets, mattress, etc OR even worse if it leaks on your lap or yourself! It certainly is not fun either if you just began to Cloth Diaper, but then it leaks, and you feel like you have wasted your time and money on them!

Don’t worry, and don’t give up on Cloth Diapering just yet! Also, before you throw those leaky Cloth Diapers out the window, (or sell them off on Diapers Asia ), check this list below to find out WHY CLOTH DIAPERS LEAK!

WHY DO MY CLOTH DIAPERS LEAK??! Here are 10 Reasons Why:

1. Insufficient prewashing: Most Cloth Diapers and their inserts, depending on material, will require 3-4 washes (some even up to 8 washes) to reach their full absorbency. For newbies: Did you actually PREWASH them before using them the first time?
2. (For Pocket Diapers) Inserts not properly inserted: Make sure when you stuff your Pocket Diapers, the inserts lies nicely flat inside the pocket and along the entire length of the diaper – not folded on the sides or twisted.
3. Your baby pees too rapidly: The Cloth Diaper material might not absorb the pee fast enough (instead, the pee trickles on the sides or back). Consider changing to a different type of Cloth Diaper, or use another type of material.
4. Your baby’s gender and sleeping pattern: For boys, try to increase absorbency on the front, and for girls on the back. Also, if baby sleep on tummy increase the absorbency on the front side and vice versa.
5. Poor Fitting: Even though many Cloth Diapers are “One Sized”, however you adjust them, they might still be too large for a tiny newborn OR too small for a large toddler. Consider getting SIZED diapers instead of “One Size” for a much better fitting around the legs and back.

6. 

   Insufficient absorbency: If you are using Cloth Diapers for longer periods or during the night, consider adding extra inserts/doublers/soakers/boosters with them for additional absorbency. Consider changing the diapers more frequently too. This can prevent leaks when the diaper gets too “full”.

7. Are you wearing your Cloth Diapers correctly? If you use diaper covers, make sure it wraps the baby snugly and all diaper material is tucked inside. Also, ensure that you fasten the snaps/velcro on the waist at the right setting to get the right fit and also correctly.
8. Wrong use of detergent: Have you been using detergent or cleaning materials which has any enzymes, softener, bleach, additives in them? These substances can greatly reduce the absorbency by coating the material, or even spoil the waterproof qualities of your Cloth Diapers!
9. Detergent build up: After some time of usage, Cloth Diapers might have detergent trapped in them. This will cause your diapers to repel water (water just stays on the surface instead of being absorbed). You need to strip wash your diapers to remove detergent build up.
10. Faulty/Low Quality Cloth Diapers: If you have really exhausted all the reasons above, contact the seller for help and advice. You might be unfortunate enough to discover that your diapers are actually defective! On another note, keep in mind the principle of “You get what you pay for…” Very very cheap Cloth Diapers might not work so well, or might easily deteriorate over time.

Easily said, any Cloth Diaper WILL leak once it is full. And they will also leak if the fitting or sizing is not right. Now that you know these reasons, perhaps your Cloth Diapering journey will be a more pleasant and successful affair!

QUESTION: How do you ensure your Cloth Diapers do not leak? Share with us in the comments below!

Here was my experience:

The most basic way to use flat diapers is the traditional way.

• It is simply folded up normally, then secured with a safety pin/Snappi. Or what I do is tie a knot on the baby

(Image from My Precious Diary. Click link to learn how to fold flat diapers/lampins the tradional way.)

The problem with the traditional way was:

• Kain lampin will only contain 1 pee session from the baby because it is not really absorbent (thin fabric). Since newborn baby’s peeing is unpredictable, I had to change it VERY often (quite tiresome).
• And when the lampin is wet, the ENTIRE lampin is wet. Not only where the baby pees, but also around the sides, back, front, everywhere! So basically my baby was soaked all over, and I imagine it wasn’t very comfortable to swim in VERY wet diapers.
• Obviously, flat diapers are not waterproof, so if you leave him lying around with just the lampin on, you’d have to lay the baby on a waterproof mat to avoid leaks.
• When the baby poops, runny newborn poop sticks to the surface of the flat diapers. Makes washing a chore! Had to spend some time rinsing lampin to remove the poop before I dump them in the laundry basket.

HOW I DEALT WITH THESE PROBLEMS:

1) Increase absorbency of flat diapers with additional inserts:

• Using modern cloth diaper inserts and fold it inside the lampin. I had bamboo and microfiber pocket diaper inserts to use with mine.

(Image from A Note on Cloth Diapering Journey. Click link to learn how to fold the inserts inside the lampin.)

• Also, I had some disposable inserts from Mothercare Smart Nappy system. They were on Sale, 50% off per pack that’s why I bought them before. I used these when I simply want some “added convenience” because once its soiled, you just dispose the insert. The same method as above, I fold the inserts inside the lampin (so baby’s bum only touches lampin, no plastics on baby please, hehe!)

(The Mothercare Smart Nappy system I bought. The disposable inserts are those 2 big packets on the top. Along with it, I bought the Trial Pack which consisted of a Nappy Cover and a microfibre insert).

• Using these 2 methods, I found that the lampin will not be ENTIRELY wet after the baby pees. It will only be soaked around the area where baby pees (where the inserts are placed). The sides remains dry.
• This means, I don’t have to change the lampin so often, and the lampin can last a few pee sessions.

2) Using a Diaper Cover

• I love Thirsties diaper covers! They are perfect to use with lampin/flat diapers! I used size XS and S on my newborn. A few pairs of these is enough to rotate for daily use (since diaper covers do not need to be washed after each use).

• The fitting is very snug, and it will fit the lampin entirely inside (this is key to ensure lampin does not leak).
• I don’t even have to secure lampin with Snappy/pin/tie a knot because the diaper cover secures it well on baby.
• Obviously, using a diaper cover with lampin makes it a waterproof system, so no worries about leaks when baby wears lampin!
• One thing though, with lampin+inserts, it makes the cloth diapered-baby butt a bit bulky and heavy. But hey, it looks pretty cute because it’s like a heavily padded baby butt when you hold him up !

3) Using Nappy Liners

• To make cleaning the flat diapers easier, I line them with nappy liners. So if the baby poops, the poop will be trapped ON the liner instead of the lampin.
• After that, I lightly rinse soiled lampin with water (to remove pee and poop before machine washing). No need to spend time picking off poop from the diapers!
• There will be some yellowish poop stains left behind on lampin even after washing, but with exposure to sunlight, it magically disappears!

Ta-da! The final product! Hehe. Note that the flat diapers+diaper cover system is bulky at the crotch area. So my baby is like a bit “terkangkang” and can’t really put his legs together.

Why I think using kain lampin works best for me during the first weeks?

• It’s easy to use. What I do is fold the flat diapers beforehand with the inserts inside so if I need to use them, just grab and go!
• They’re so easy to handle. I don’t have to worry about “spoiling” any of my “precious, cute, expensive” cloth diapers with cleaning, drying, staining issues for now (I have yet to use them, hehe – I think I’ll wait a while until the runny poop period subsides a bit )
• Cleaning and drying is a breeze. The flat diapers can just be dumped in washing machine (normal detergent, normal cycle, no need to think so much), and they dry very fast too!
• They are cheap. Meaning you can buy dozens to use and it wouldn’t cost you a fortune. And even if they spoil from wear and tear (which I doubt will happen very very soon becauseflat diapers are very hardy material). By the way, the lampins that I use for my baby were MY LAMPINS from when I was a baby. THAT’S proof that they really are good quality!
• PEACE OF MIND! With all the other issues of being a new mother (tired! pain! back ache! lack of sleep! hungry! etc! etc!), I feel cloth diapering using lampin/flat diapers is hassle-free and less tedious compared to using modern cloth diapers. I will reserve the pocket diapers, etc when I get more efficient with being a mom

Read more about Cloth Diapering a Newborn & Flat Diapers/Lampin:

1. My 10 Problems in Cloth Diapering a Newborn
2. Cara Mudah & Murah untuk Cloth Diaper Bayi Baru Lahir
3. 5 Ways to Fold & Use Prefolds/Flat Diapers (Lampin)

]]> http://clothdiapermalaysia.com/2010/03/how-to-cloth-diaper-better-using-flat-diapers-kain-lampin/feed/ 8 http://clothdiapermalaysia.com/2010/02/my-10-problems-in-cloth-diapering-a-newborn/ http://clothdiapermalaysia.com/2010/02/my-10-problems-in-cloth-diapering-a-newborn/#comments Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:28:53 +0000 Farhana (ClothDiaperMalaysia) http://clothdiapermalaysia.com/?p=524

*This post is part of the Cloth Diaper Carnival VII:  Newborn Cloth Diapering at Dirty Diaper Laundry*

So sorry about the very long absence… But it was not for a better reason – I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Rafee 1 week ago! So imagine the hectic-ness I have to undergo for this while, I hope Cloth Diaper Malaysia readers would understand

Just so you know, one of the many reasons I started Cloth Diaper Malaysia, apart from wanting to promote and encourage Cloth Diapering to Malaysians, was to also prepare myself with the knowledge to Cloth Diaper my newborn baby. I researched, read and wrote articles related to Cloth Diapers for myself, and also to share with the others about Cloth Diapering.

UNFORTUNATELY, I learnt that theory and practical were two VERY different things. Despite the preparations I made, my Cloth Diapering journey with my newborn wasn’t so smooth sailing and easy.

Here were some of the problems about Cloth Diapering a newborn that I have encountered, which were oh-so frustrating!

1) None of my bought cloth diapers seem to fit my small newborn!

Apparently I was too cautious, not wanting to buy Extra Small sizes because I thought “they wouldn’t last too long.”

2) My prefolds and diaper cover plan to cloth diaper my newborn was a failure.

How silly of me, I have a stash of prefold diapers that were Regulars (again, I thought buying Infant size would be a waste) which did not fit my newborn at all, NOR did they even fit in ANY of the XS or S sized diaper covers that I had.

3) Leaking problems!

Again, this was a sizing issue, even with a small sized Fitted Diaper. I was breastfeeding one time, and my boy leaked all over my lap, grr!!
4) My little boy LOVES pooping on freshly changed diapers.

Happened so many times after I put on a clean diaper, to find out that minutes later he “felt” like the diapers were just too nice not to poop on immediately!

5) My social support system wasn’t really so “supportive”.

My husband was joking with me that I put so much effort in wanting to Cloth Diaper, but apparently so many things tend to go wrong! And I don’t think my mother in law was into the idea of Cloth Diapers too much either!

6) The cloth diapers were so bulky!

On a tiny newborn, almost everything I put on makes my baby an awkward sumo wrestler on his crotch (which didn’t look too comfortable). I was critcized again about this by my social support system, heh.

7) Could I even be bothered with laundry right now??

Cloth Diapering requires ULTIMATE care, but seriously, with a million other things to do with the baby the first month, should I really put so much effort in it?

8 ) I couldn’t figure out how to Snappi lampins (or prefold for that matter) properly.

In the end I gave up. Needs more practice. Sigh.

9) My “one sized” pocket diapers were not really “one sized fits all”.

It certainly did not fit on too well on my newborn. Even at the smallest setting, it was still huge and left gaps at the legs.

10) My apartment laundry area had no direct contact with the sun.

So the stains on the diapers couldn’t benefit from the sunlight. Also, they take ages to dry. Sigh….

So I guess my cloth diaper start was bumpy indeed. Will it stop me from trying? Of course not! After all is sorted, I’m ditching those darn disposable diapers! But now with breastfeeding, identifying baby’s needs and wants, trying to get enough rest, being a zombie during the day…. It’s going to be tough indeed!

But never mind, the good news is, my little baby is born healthy and happy!

(Thanks Adriana for making the birth announcement! )

*UPDATE! One month after I got used to the craziness of becoming a new parent, my Cloth Diapering journey was more successful… Read about how I did in this post: My Newborn Prefold Experience. Yay!!!

Tahukah anda dengan jenis-jenis material atau fabrik yang digunakan untuk cloth diaper? Bukan semua jenis cloth diapers itu sama. Jika anda tertanya-tanya mengapa ada jenis cloth diapers mahal harganya, dan ada pula yang murah, kita boleh menilai dengan mengetahui jenis material yang digunakan untuk menghasilkan cloth diaper tersebut.

Sebelum membeli sesuatu jenama atau jenis cloth diapers, tanyakan dan pastikan dahulu dengan penjual tentang material cloth diaper. Ini adalah penting kerana beraneka jenis material mungkin memerlukan cara penjagaan dan pembasuhan yang BERLAINAN. Sepatutnya juga, para penjual cloth diaper perlu memberi jawapan kepada soalan-soalan ini kepada pembeli:

• Apakah material yang digunakan untuk cloth diaper (lapisan dalam/luar/material asas?)
• Apakah material inserts yang digunakan?
• Bagaimanakah cara untuk basuh pertama kali sebelum digunakan (prewash)?
• Apakah teknik penjagaan/pembasuhan yang khusus untuk cloth diaper jenis ini?

Kita mungkin pernah dengar tentang microfiber, cotton, bamboo, fleece dan sebagainya semasa pencarian cloth diapers. Mari kita menjengah lebih mendalam mengenai jenis-jenis material dan fabrik yang lazim digunakan, bersama dengan kelebihan dan kekurangan masing-masing:

1) PUL (POLYURETHANE LAMINATE)

• Diperbuat dari kombinasi kapas, polyester atau kapas/ campuran poly. Bahan ini digunakan sebagai lapisan luar kalis air cloth diaper seperti untuk pocket diapers, AIO/AI2 dan juga diaper cover.
• Kelebihan: “Breathable” (bukan seperti lapisan plastik yang tiada pengudaraan).

2) FLEECE/MICROFLEECE

• Material sintetik ini (100% polyester) amat biasa digunakan sebagai lapisan dalam pocket diaper, AIO/AI2 dan diaper cover. Diaper liners juga ada diperbuat daripada fleece (untuk diletakkan di atas cloth diaper sebagai lapisan “stay dry” dan untuk menyenangkan pembuangan air besar bayi dari CD).
• Fleece ada pelbagai kualiti. Kualiti paling bagus adalah “Polar Fleece”.
• Kelebihan: Amat lembut untuk digunakan atas kulit bayi, berkebolehan untuk menarik air ke lapisan bawah secara efektif dan menjadikan kulit bayi kekal kering semasa memakai cloth diaper (wicking properties), “breathable”, senang dicuci, cepat kering, “stain-resistant”.

3) MICROFIBER

• Material ini lazim digunakan sebagai inserts, dan ianya adalah kombinasi polyester dan polyamide (bahan sintetik). Fabrik ini seperti fabrik yang digunakan untuk membuat tuala mandi.
• Kelebihan: Agak murah, senang didapati, mempunyai daya serapan yang bagus, berupaya menyerap cecair dari permukaan kulit dengan pantas berbanding material lain (wicking properties).
• Kekurangan: Tidak boleh digunakan terus ke atas kulit bayi kerana akan menyebabkan masalah kekeringan (kerana ianya menyerap cecair dengan pantas), material sintetik ini tidak terbiodegradasi (non-biodegradable).

4) BAMBOO

• Bahan diperbuat dari tanaman bamboo ini semakin popular untuk pembuatan cloth diapers. Ianya digunakan sebagai material asas cloth diaper seperti fitted diaper, lapisan dalam pocket diaper dan juga sebagai insert.
• Kelebihan: Fabrik yang “breathable” (sejuk untuk pemakaian di cuaca panas), lembut, berupaya menyerap lebih cecair berbanding microfiber (lebih sesuai untuk penggunaan waktu malam), mempunyai sifat anti-bakteria semulajadi, bahan yang semulajadi,  mesra alam sekitar dan “sustainable” (bamboo tidak menggunakan pestisid, senang & cepat ditanam).
• Kekurangan: Memerlukan “prewash” yang lebih kerap (lebih 6 kali) sebelum digunakan untuk memastikan daya serap yang tinggi, sewaktu prewash juga tidak boleh dibasuh dengan fabrik lain, harga yang lebih mahal.

5) HEMP

• Diperbuat daripada kayu tanaman hemp. Lazim digunakan sebagai bahan asas untuk fitted diaper, lapisan atas pocket diaper dan sebagai insert.
• Kelebihan: Tahan lasak, berkebolehan untuk menjadi lebih lembut selepas penggunaan berterusan, daya serap yang lebih tinggi berbanding microfiber (lebih sesuai untuk penggunaan waktu malam), bahan yang semulajadi (lebih environmental), mempunyai sifat anti-bakteria semulajadi, sesuai untuk pemakaian di cuaca sejuk ataupun panas.
• Kekurangan: Memerlukan “prewash” yang lebih kerap untuk membuang “natural oils” yang ada di dalamnya, agak lambat untuk dikeringkan, lebih sukar didapati di Malaysia, harga yang jauh lebih mahal.

6) WOOL

• Material semulajadi daripada kulit biri-biri ini amat sesuai sebagai bahan diaper covers atau soakers (shorties/longies). Bahan ini juga selalu digunakan untuk membuat baju sejuk (sweater).
• Kelebihan: Fabrik yang amat “breathable” (sesuai untuk bayi semasa cuaca panas dan juga sejuk), boleh digunakan berulang kali tanpa dibasuh, lanolin dalam wool mempunyai “repelling properties” (boleh memansuhkan air dari kulit bayi dengan cekap).
• Kekurangan: Memerlukan penjagaan yang khusus, perlu di-lanolize semula untuk mengembalikan daya serap dan “repelling properties”, agak sukar didapati di Malaysia (biasanya perlu dibeli dari luar negara), harga yang mahal.

Sekarang anda sudah lebih mahir tentang fabrik-fabrik cloth diaper bukan? Jangan lupa gunakan info-info ini semasa proses pembelian cloth diapers anda kelak!

(What Do I Need to Cloth Diaper? – A Tutorial Video)

Kalau belajar melalui menonton video, tentu lebih senang dari membaca entri blog yang panjang berjela-jela kan? Jika anda masih di permulaan “pembelajaran” Cloth Diapering, video ini amat mudah difahami dan merangkumi aspek-aspek penting dalam dunia Cloth Diapering.

Video hampir 7 minit ini dalam Bahasa Inggeris dan bertajuk “What Do I Need to Cloth Diaper”. Kualitinya bagus dan seronok pula untuk ditonton. Kita boleh mempelajari tentang:

• Apa yang diperlukan untuk Cloth Diapering? – Prefold, Diaper Cover & Snappi/pin!
• Jenis-jenis Prefold - Bleached & Unbleached
• Penggunaan Diaper Pail
• Penggunaan Cloth Wipes – Tidak perlu menggunakan disposable baby wipes!
• Jenama-jenama Diaper Covers – Seperti Bummis, Thirsties, Fleece Soakers & Imse Vimse
• Penggunaan Snappi – Tidak perlu menggunakan pin untuk menyematkan Cloth Diapers!
• Penggunaan Inserts untuk Cloth Diaper waktu malam
• Apa itu Fitted Diaper?

Saya amat suka video sebegini! Tak banyak songeh, informatif dan senang difahami! Kepada mereka yang pening mengenai Cloth Diapers, ini video untuk anda!

Jika anda meminati pembelajaran Cloth Diaper melalui video, anda juga boleh menjengah entri blog saya mengenai Cara-cara Menggunakan Prefolds/Lampin (tutorial video).

Jika anda masih baru dalam dunia Cloth Diapers, mungkin anda merasakan Cloth Diaper itu mahal. Banyak Cloth Diapers yang jenamanya “established” dan telah lama di pasaran adalah jenama luar negara (Rujuk posting “Top 15 Cloth Diaper Brands” untuk mengenali jenama-jenama CD yang popular sekarang). Mungkin dilabel “mahal” kerana harga sekeping sahaja sudah mencecah RM60 ke atas (selalunya jenis Pocket Diapers). Saya setuju kita boleh dapatkan Cloth Diapers yang lebih murah harganya jika ianya bukan jenama antarabangsa atau yang kurang “dikenali” (besar kemungkinan ia Made in China, dll), tetapi saya sendiri belum berkesempatan untuk mencuba untuk menilai kualiti dan keberkesanannya. Namun begitu, saya tahu akan ibu-ibu yang cukup serasi menggunakan jenama-jenama ini, dan berpuas hati dengan pilihan mereka.

Tidak dinafikan juga ramai pengguna lebih cenderung untuk memilih Cloth Diapers jenis POCKET DIAPERS kerana ianya cukup popular dan dikenali. Namun begitu para pengunjung sekalian, eloklah saya memperkenalkan Cloth Diaper jenis PREFOLDS – sebagai salah satu jenis Cloth Diaper yang MURAH dan MUDAH untuk digunakan!

Cloth Diaper untuk Bayi Baru Lahir (Newborns)

Menggunakan Cloth Diapers ke atas bayi baru lahir memerlukan Cloth Diaper dalam kuantiti yang banyak dan juga agak melecehkan. Cloth Diapering pada peringkat awal ini juga mungkin agak sukar dan memerlukan kesabaran. Mengapa pula? (Rujuk juga posting “Berapa CDs yang Saya Perlu untuk Bayi Saya?” untuk pemahaman lebih mendalam):

-          Bayi baru lahir (newborns) sangat kerap membuang air kecil dan besar. Lampin perlu ditukar lebih kurang setiap 2 jam sekali, 12 kali sehari!

-          Ini bermakna, kita memerlukan stok 24-36 keping Cloth Diapers untuk newborn! (jika kita membasuh Cloth Diaper 2-3 hari sekali)

-          Air besar newborn amat cair, sukar melekat pada lampin dan senang bocor di sisi dan belakang (masalah biasa jika menggunakan lampin pakai buang)

-          Newborn masih bersaiz kecil (terutama bahagian peha) dan mungkin tidak sesuai untuk dipakaikan “One Size” Cloth Diapers (kebocoran jika saiz CD tidak sesuai).

Mahu tahu cara paling murah dan senang untuk Cloth Diaper bayi baru lahir? Menggunakan PREFOLDS/FLATS (kain lampin)! Ianya adalah jenis CD yang paling versatil, menjimatkan dan sesuai untuk keperluan newborn:

-          Sekeping Prefold diapers harganya RM8-12 setiap satu. Di mana nak beli Prefolds? Klik link ini untuk senarai kedai: Prefolds di Malaysia.

-          Harga Flat diapers (kain lampin biasa) juga amat murah dan senang didapati di mana-mana pasaraya.

-          Prefolds/Flats sesuai untuk pencucian yang kerap kerana ianya kain yang tahan lasak, dan ianya cepat kering.

-          Kombinasi lengkap yang boleh digunakan adalah Prefolds + Snappi + Diaper Cover. Sistem ini sesuai untuk mengelakkan kebocoran dan penggunaan kerap bagi bayi baru lahir.

-          Diaper Cover menjadikan penggunaan Prefolds sebagai kalis air, dan juga tidak perlu dibasuh setiap kali digunakan kerana ianya lapisan luar. Memadai jika kita ada 4-5 keping Diaper Cover untuk digunakan. Di mana nak beli Diaper Covers? Rujuk di sini.

-          Terpulang kepada bajet, sistem Prefolds+Diaper Cover kosnya hanya RM30-40. Ianya lebih murah jika menggunakan Flats (kain lampin).

-          Jika tidak mahu menggunakan Diaper Covers pun tidak mengapa, prefolds/flats boleh dipakaikan dengan Snappi sahaja. Cuma bersedia dengan alas kalis air jika berlaku sebarang kebocoran!

Siapa kata Cloth Diaper tidak berpatutan harganya? Sesiapa pun boleh menggunakan CDs, dan tidak semestinya membiasakan diri dengan CD jenis Pocket Diapers sahaja. Saya setuju, ada juga Cloth Diapers jenis One Size Pocket Diapers yang berharga RM30-40 sekali dengan inserts, tetapi fikirkan semula: Tiada bezakah CD yang berharga RM30 ini dengan CD yang berharga lebih RM60? Kita juga perlu realistik, jangan hanya kerana “murah”, kita terlalu ghairah membeli. Fikirkan tentang kualiti juga!

*Untuk pengetahuan anda, kualiti Prefolds adalah sama dan standard. Harga Diaper Cover jenama Thirsties dan Bummis yang memang dikenali ramai dengan kualitinya pula berharga RM30-40 setiap satu. (Saya juga beli second hand sahaja, boleh dapat dengan harga RM20 )

Ingati semula mengapa kita mahu menggunakan Cloth Diapers untuk anak kita: Untuk menjimatkan wang? Untuk kebaikan alam sekitar? Untuk keselesaan bayi? Saya rasa penggunaan CD jenis Prefolds/Flats memang mencapai kesemua matlamat ini! Cubalah

If you have read about “10 Things to Consider Before You Start Cloth Diapering”, your next question as a potential or new Cloth Diaper user will be: “How many cloth diapers do I need in my collection”? How many is “too little”? Is there such thing as “too many”? What is “JUST NICE”??!! Argh… Cloth diapering is so confusing and difficult!! *starts pulling hair*

Calm down, it doesn’t have to be difficult

Like I’ve mentioned before, it all depends on how often your baby wets/poops himself in a day, AND how often you are doing your cloth diaper laundry. Even better, the Cloth Diaper Blog came up with a simple enough “mathematical calculation” to determine how many cloth diapers you need for your child:

No. of Diapers You Need =

No. of Times you Change your Cloth Diapers per day  X  No. of Days Between Washings

See, not really rocket science right?

So, what exactly does this mean? Some things to keep in mind:

1. If you wash your cloth diapers LESS OFTEN per week, you need MORE cloth diapers in your collection.
2. If you do MORE cloth diaper laundry per week, the LESS cloth diapers you need (the opposite of the above)
3. Consider the climate: Our weather has its ups and downs. If it’s sunny all day, CDs would dry in no time. If it’s rainy season, longer drying time is required!
4. Also consider the type of Cloth Diapers you use: All in Ones (AIOs) take longer drying time as compared to Pocket Diapers, for example.
5. How many Cloth Diapers you need depends on: Your child’s age and wetting/pooping pattern.

Let’s see how the above formula works with babies and children of different ages:

A) Cloth Diapering NEWBORN BABIES

-          Newborn babies pee and poop VERY often. We will assume newborns do so at least 12 times per day (12 diaper changes).

-          Option 1: 12 diaper changes per day X Washing every day = 12 Cloth Diapers (1 dozen) – include some extras

-          Option 2: 12 diaper changes per day X Washing every 2 days = 24 Cloth Diapers (2 dozen)

-          Option 3: 12 diaper changes per day X Washing every 3-4days (twice a week) = 36 – 48 Cloth Diapers (3-4 dozen) – this is more than enough

B) Cloth Diapering OLDER BABIES

-          Older babies (crawling age) do not pee and poop as often as newborns. We assume they go through 8 diaper changes per day.

-          Option 1: 8 diaper changes per day X Washing every day = 8 Cloth Diapers

-          Option 2: 8 diaper changes per day X Washing every 2 days = 16 Cloth Diapers – include some extras

-          Option 3: 8 diaper changes per day X Washing every 3-4 days (twice a week)  = 24 – 32 Cloth Diapers – more than enough

C) Cloth Diapering TODDLERS/CHILDREN

-          Toddlers (talking and walking babies) require less diaper changes as they approach potty training age. We assume they only change diapers 4 times per day. This also means you won’t have to wash you diapers too often as before.

-          Option 1: 4 diaper changes per day X Washing every 2 days = 8 Cloth Diapers

-          Option 2: 4 diaper changes per day X Washing every 3-4 days (twice a week)  = 12 – 16 Cloth Diapers

See, it is very simple! Let’s summarize:

1. Newborn babies require MORE cloth diapers compared to Older babies and toddlers.
2. The more often you do your cloth diaper laundry (e.g: every day), the less cloth diapers you need.
3. The number of Cloth Diapers that you need to start with (from newborn), can range between 12 – 48 cloth diapers. Amount needed will decrease as you baby grows older (time to sell off your used cloth diapers maybe?)

If anyone else ever asks you this question again “HOW MANY CLOTH DIAPERS DO I NEED??!!”, just refer them this article and hopefully they’ll get it too. Cheers!

QUESTION: How many Cloth Diapers did YOU start off with? How many do you have in your collection now?

You already feel that your decision to Cloth Diaper will save you money in the long-term. Yes, this is true. They are reusable and definitely cheaper than buying disposable diapers for 3 years until you child is potty trained. If you want to save even more when you Cloth Diaper, you have to know how to be a smart and savvy Cloth Diaper shopper. If you are on a tight budget, every Ringgit counts! For that matter, anyone can make use of these pointers so they can avoid spending unnecessarily.

Here are some tips to how you can save money when shopping for Cloth Diapers:

1) Research Before Buying

• Whatever it is, don’t rush into buying a certain brand or type without getting to know their basics first. Ask around, read up and survey before buying!
• Evaluate your budget, and decide how much you are willing to spend and stick to it.
• The whole point is to make the best of your money, if you want your money’s worth, make sure you know well what you’re buying.

2) Don’t buy many  Cloth Diapers at once

• Buy a few brands or types of CDs at a time. Try them out first to see whether they are suitable for your baby’s needs and yours.
• If you are satisfied with the ones you’ve bought, you can always buy more later, there is no rush!
• This is to avoid wasting money buying unsuitable type/brand of Cloth Diapers. You never know, you baby might not fit them well or might be allergic to the material.

3) Be Realistic!

• Don’t overindulge. Yes, I know sometimes all those Cloth Diaper clolours and designs are too cute to resist. However, stick to what your budget can afford.
• Buy function over all else. The main purpose is to look for Cloth Diapers which have a good fit, will not leak and is well-suited to your needs. Colours and patterns should come later.

4) Buy Local

• Obviously, Cloth Diapers from the Malaysian vendors, shops and makers are cheaper compared to imported or overseas ones. However, be cautious. If it is too cheap, it might be of low quality and might not be worth buying in the first place.
• Many local brands have good reviews and their own fans. Sometimes, the quality can be as good as the imported ones. Talk to other users to find out more.

5) Buy Preloved/Second Hand

• Diapers Asia forum is a good place to look for second hand Cloth Diapers and accessories which are available at cheaper prices than buying new ones.
• Visit the many Malaysian CD Moms often to check out if they put up any of their preloved CDs up for sale on their blogs.
• Make sure you enquire about the condition of the Cloth Diapers before buying. Ask for pictures, usage, any faults, etc before deciding to buy.
• Make sure you establish a good relationship with the seller. You want to buy from a reliable source. Sometimes, bargaining is also ok

6) Swap/Exchange

• You can also swap or exchange Cloth Diapers with other users whose babies have outgrown their CDs or find that they’re not so suitable for them.
• Refer also to the above links and pointers to find out where and how you can do so.

7) Enter Giveaways & Contests

• Keep yourself updated to Cloth Diaper blogshops, e-shops or vendors to catch up on any giveaways or contests that they might organize.
• Most of these are easy to participate and you might stand a high chance of winning free Cloth Diapers or accessories if you’re lucky!
• Cloth Diaper Malaysia also updates you about current contests and giveaways, so make sure you visit often!

8 ) Look for Deals

• Once you have decided which brand/type of Cloth Diaper is suitable, look around for the best promotions, sales or bargains.
• Sometimes e-shops/vendors provide Cloth Diaper packages where you can buy an amount of CDs at a cheaper unit price.
• Always look out for discounts, free shipping, clearance sales, promotions, etc. Even a 5% discount or RM6 off shipping is money saved!

QUESTION: Do you currently follow any of these pointers when you shop for your Cloth Diapers? Or do you fall prey to buying all the cute and colourful Cloth Diapers each time instead? I know, it is SO tempting