Cloth Diapers itu suatu pelaburan. Jadi bagaimana cara untuk membuatnya tahan lama? [sumber]

Katanya menggunakan Cloth Diapers itu menjimatkan. Katanya juga Cloth Diapers (terutama jenis “One-Size”) boleh digunakan dari bayi baru lahir sehinggalah 3 tahun. Kemudian, boleh pula digunakan untuk anak-anak kita yang seterusnya.

Adakah ini benar?

Sebenarnya kita perlu ikutkan logik juga. Contohnya, jika kita hanya mempunyai beberapa helai Cloth Diapers, tidak menjaganya dengan betul, dan juga jenama yang dibeli tidak begitu berkualiti, jangan terlalu berharap agar ianya tahan sebegitu lama.

Di sini saya akan mengutarakan tips untuk mengekalkan kualiti dan jangka hayat Cloth Diapers anda.

Bagaimanakah cara untuk membolehkan Cloth Diapers tahan lebih lama?

LAKUKAN LAH YANG BERIKUT:

1. Paling utama, beli lah Cloth Diapers yang berkualiti atau yang diketahui umum sebagai jenama yang tahan lama (tanyakan lah pendapat ibu-ibu lain yang ber-Cloth Diaper untuk mendapatkan tips).
2. Pastikan stok Cloth Diaper mencukupi, dan lebih bagus jika mempunyai Cloth Diapers dalam jumlah yang banyak. Ini kerana apabila Cloth Diapers yang sama dipakai dan dibasuh berulang kali, ia akan menyebabkan ianya cepat lusuh dari “wear and tear”. Diibaratkan seperti pakaian kita lah, kalau ada 5 helai sahaja dan kita pakai dan cuci hari-hari, mesti tak sampai berapa bulan sudah lusuh atau mungkin koyak, bukan?
3. Pilih Cloth Diapers jenis “Snaps” atau butang berbanding Velcro untuk mengelakkan Velcro nya cepat “haus”. Secara umum, Cloth Diapers snaps akan kelihatan “baru” lebih lama berbanding Velcro.
4. Jaga lah Cloth Diapers dengan teliti. Pastikan cara pembasuhan dan penggunaan harian mengikut kaedah yang disarankan jenama Cloth Diapers tersebut. Kaedah penjagaan meungkin berbeza bergantung kepada material yang digunakan.
5. Gunakan cecair/serbuk pencuci yang sesuai untuk Cloth Diapers! Jangan gunakan pencuci yang ada peluntur, enzim, fosfat, pengawet atau pelembut/pewangi di dalamnya. Bahan-bahan ini boleh menyebabkan Cloth Diapers bocor dan mudah rosak.

6. 

7. Jika anda ingin menggunakan Cloth Diapers untuk anak-anak yang seterusnya, belilah Cloth Diapers yang bersaiz (sized diapers) berbanding “One-Size”. Ini kerana Cloth Diapers bersaiz kurang kerap digunakan dan kualitinya akan tahan lebih lama jika disimpan. Bayangkan, Cloth Diapers “One-size” dipakaikan semenjak bayi baru lahir sehingga 2 tahun, betul kah ia boleh digunakan dengan sempurna untuk adiknya pula?
8. Sesekali, lakukan “strip washing” untuk menghilangkan bau-bauan dan juga kulat (mold/fungi) yang mungkin tumbuh di Cloth Diapers. Keadaan ini boleh menyebabkan Cloth Diapers rosak.
9. Keringkan Cloth Diapers dengan menyidai di bawah cahaya matahari (gantung/sidai kan dengan cermat) berbanding menggunakan opsyen “Spin Drying” dalam mesin basuh atau menggunakan mesin Dryer.
10. Untuk All-In-Two (AI2) diapers dan juga diaper covers, bahagian luarnya (diaper cover) tidak perlu dibasuh dengan kerap, dan elok dibasuh tangan kerana ianya tidak begitu kotor. Ini boleh mengekalkan kualiti lapisan PUL pada diaper cover tersebut.
11. Beli Cloth Diapers yang diperbuat dari material sintetik seperti microfiber kerana ianya lebih tahan lasak berbanding material semula jadi/organik seperti bamboo dan kapas (cotton).
12. Gunakan “laundry bag/net” jika membasuh menggunakan mesin basuh dan menggunakan opsyen “Spin Dry”.
13. Jika menggunakan Cloth Diapers jenis Velcro, sematkan Velcro pada “laundry tab” sebelum membasuh untuk mengelakkannya tertarik/terlekat pada Cloth Diapers yang lain.

Jemurlah Cloth Diapers di bawah matahari – jimat masa, elektrik dan juga sesuai untuk mengekalkan kualiti nya! [sumber]

JANGAN PULA LAKUKAN YANG BERIKUT!

1. Jangan perah Cloth Diapers terlalu kuat untuk mengelakkan getah (elastic) cepat lusuh.
2. Jangan gunakan sebarang berus yang kasar untuk menggosok/menyental Cloth Diapers.
3. Jangan gunakan pencuci yang ada peluntur, enzim, fosfat, pengawet atau pelembut/pewangi di dalamnya. Bahan-bahan ini boleh menyebabkan Cloth Diapers bocor dan mudah rosak.
4. Jangan basuh Cloth Diapers dengan air yang terlalu panas kerana ini boleh merosakkan PUL (waterproof layer). Jika perlu, gunakan air suam sahaja.
5. Jangan gunakan krim lampin (diaper/nappy cream) bersama Cloth Diapers kerana ia mungkin menyababkan kebocoran (gunakan lah krim yang sesuai untuk Cloth Diapers atau pun lapik Cloth Diapers dengan nappy liner jika menggunakan krim tersebut).

Cloth Diapers itu suatu pelaburan (investment), bukan? Setelah menelaah, melakukan kaji selidik, dan melakukan proses pembelian, sudah tentu kita mahukan yang terbaik dari wang yang kita laburkan pada Cloth Diapers, betul tak?

Namun begitu, kita juga perlu realistik dan tidak boleh beranggapan bahawa Cloth Diapers yang kita beli itu boleh tahan sampai beberapa tahun… Saya berharap tips yang saya utarakan ini boleh dijadikan rujukan untuk anda untuk ber-Cloth Diaper dengan bijak dan pintar!

PERSOALAN: Berapa lama sudah anda menggunakan Cloth Diapers anda, dan adakah kualitinya tetap sama seperti baru? Bagaimana cara anda menjaga kualiti Cloth Diapers anda?

You also use Cloth Pads.

Anything else to complete the “CLOTH” package?

What about trying CLOTH WIPES?

I bet we have used these disposable baby wet wipes at least once during our baby caring days:

They’re indispensable and very useful during diaper changes. It is a must have for any baby changing table. (Unless you’re one of the moms who wash their baby’s bum “au naturel” – which is at the sink itself! ) It’s convenient and spares you the time to go to the bathroom and back if your baby needs cleaning after he “dirties” himself. Also, if your baby needs some quick clean ups after a meal, breastfeeding, spills, messes, etc – they’re handy to use too.

But the thing is, the disadvantages of disposable wet wipes are:

• Disposable – More waste in our landfills!
• Chemical laden – The fragrances, drying agents, alcohol might not be the best for your baby’s delicate skin!
• Costs money! – Like other disposable products, you are unnecessarily paying for the added convenience.

So how about converting to a more natural, economical and greener option?

Yes, ditch those disposable baby wet wipes and convert to Cloth Wipes!!

Why should you use Cloth Wipes?

• As versatile as baby wipes: Use them for anything! Diaper changes, wiping face and body, cleaning spills & messes, etc.
• Much funner and cuter: Compared to the boring, white and rough disposable wet wipes. (Ok, this might be a “mengada” reason, but still) It will make diaper changes more enjoyable!
• More natural and softer on baby’s delicate skin: You don’t expose baby to chemicals.
• Saves money: Save up RM10-20 per each time you don’t buy baby wet wipes in the supermarket.
• Easy to wash: Simply toss your used Cloth Wipes in the washing machine (along with Cloth Diapers, etc).
• Many fabrics to choose from: Many different types of cloth wipes are on sale  – flannel, terry, bamboo or cotton. Or simply purchase baby washcloths/face towels to use as cloth wipes.
• You can make your own! Recycle old baby blankets or towels, cut them up and use them as Cloth Wipes!

Cloth Wipes can simply be used with water, or you can use homemade recipes for Cloth Wipes solutions. (I’ll post up my favourites soon).

What you need to use the Cloth Wipe system:

• Container to store your Cloth Wipes
• Spray bottles for Cloth Wipe solution/water
• Thermos and bowl if you prefer to simply use warm water

I’ll write up about Cloth Wipe solution recipes and how to use Cloth Wipes in my later blog posts. What are you waiting for, cloth wipes is the next thing to do! Or, if you have yet Cloth Diaper or use Cloth Pads, using Cloth Wipes can be a simple first step towards your journey to using CLOTH!

Question: Is anyone presently using Cloth Wipes? Leave a comment here and share with others how great it is!

There are even cloth diaper giveaways and preloved diapers for sale!

(Click on the main titles below to go directly to the respective blog posts):

The Honeybunch 2010 Giveaway by Charm Chameleon Chatterbox

- This Malaysian Cloth Diaper Mom organized such a great giveaway with lots of fabulous prizes! Apart from winning Cloth Diapers and accessories, you may also get a chance to win supplements, nursing accessories, restaurant vouchers, photography session vouchers and more. Why not you guys participate?

Is It Really Worth to Cloth Diaper? by Charm Chameleon Chatterbox

- This question might be on the minds of many first time Cloth Diaper users. On my side even, especially from people around me, like husband and other family members. Some might think that Cloth Diapering is not really so affordable and actually expensive to begin with. Is this true? Read up this Mummy’s comments about this issue.

Preloved Coolababy AIO for Sale at Sentuhan Bayu
- I just discovered this blog (Thanks Lily for dropping by here, and also for your e-mail before. I might have missed it!) It has many articles about Cloth Diapering, really worth a visit. In this post, blog owner offers some preloved goodness. Hop on over!

Bagaimana Memilih Jenis Cloth Diaper yang Sesuai by Danial & Eva’s Diary

- This Mummy shares her experience with Pocket Diapers, All In Ones, All In Twos and Fitted Diapers. Her insights can provide us about how to choose the right type of Cloth Diapers to use for our child.

Jatuh Cinta Pandang Pertama by aku, dia & kamu

- It’s a swoon post! This Mom drools over this brand of Cloth Diapers: ENVIBUM. They are so fluffy!! I personally haven’t heard about this brand before, so thank you for sharing the information about these with us!

“Kedai Bundle” Anyone? at Good Things in Life

- I previously suggested that if you are on a budget, look around for second hand/preloved Cloth Diapers, scout around bargains at Diapersasia forums and also from other Mom blogs. This blog owner discovers a new source for bargains: Bundle Shops! She managed to grab a handful of Diaper Covers for really cheap from there, what a find!

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

Looking around for Cloth Diapers? Want to save some money in the process? Or even get the chance to get CDs for FREE? Check these link out:

Here are some recent (some not so new) Cloth Diaper promotions & preloved CDs from around Malaysia you can get your hands on. Hurry, some have datelines, and might get snapped up pretty fast! Click on the links to go to the respective pages. Enjoy

1) Alshoppe’s Free Cloth Diaper Giveaway

One MyEcoFamily brand Cloth Diaper up for grabs for each state in Malaysia! (Dateline: 15 January 2010)

2) Preloved Cloth Diapers by Danial & Eva’s Diary

Rocky Mountain OS, Cushies Tushies OS AIO, Baby Beehind cover & Little Lamb cover. (Listed on 1st January 2010)

3) Preloved/Second Hand Cloth Diapers on DiapersAsia

Snazzy cover. (Listed on 29th December 2009).

Freshbots covers. (Listed 20th December 2009).

New Moo Moo Kow pocket diapers. (Listed on 30th December 2009).

Kasihku  Sayangku pocket diapers. (Listed on 26th December 2009).

4) Coolababy & Babyland Stock Clearance by Bebiri_comel diaper shop

1 Coolababy CD + 1 insert = RM30 RM23; and  10 CDs + 10 inserts = RM300 RM230.

1 Babyland CD + 1 insert = RM27 RM20; and 10 CDs + 10 inserts = RM270 RM200.

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