Got my cloth diapers... now what?

[writteninkursive]

So I just got cloth diapers and inserts that I ordered. I have never used cloth before and this is kid #3. I don't really know what to do now. Like what to do with them when he poops in them... do they soak before I wash them, and for how long?... can he wear them the same length of time as a disposable diaper or do I need to change them sooner?... everything really.

Please, some experienced cloth diapering mama, tell me the basics of this! Thanks!

[jeminijad]

What kinds of diapers/inserts did you get?

You probably don't need to soak poop diapers. If the poop is liquidy/breastmilk poop, you can literally toss it directly into a dry pail (pail, garbage can, whatever.) If it is more solid, shake chunks into toilet, then toss diaper along with poop remnants into pail.

Just do a cold prewash before you run your main hot wash and that will take care of most pee and poop stains.

If you changed your sposies often, he may be able to wear these the same length of time. Some people are fanatical and change every hour... I do about every 2 hours, except at night. Depending on the kind of insert, your baby may not like the feeling of wetness and may want you to change more.

[writteninkursive]

The diapers are Ebay Chinese brand, lol... I wanted to start off cheap. Here's what it looks like:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWNX:IT

I used to change diapers every hour or two, but this is baby #3 and we're not so OCD about it anymore. His get changed when they feel full or he poops. (He never has had diaper rash, so we don't worry about that).

So I need about 5-6 diapers to get through a day for him then, right? (He's 9 months old). They have inserts that go into a pocket in the crotch.

Do I just wash them in regular laundry detergent or do I need something special?

[CallMeMommy]

Cute! So what you have is what's called a pocket diaper. Wash them a few times before you use them to break them in. I saw on the listing it said wash in water less than 89 degrees but you really need to wash them on HOT if possible. Cold rinse to start, wash on hot, and another warm rinse to make sure all the soap is out. Here is a good chart with different kinds of detergents you can use. The most popular kind is Country Save, which I can't find at the store in my area, but I can get it on Alice.com with free shipping. I change diapers every couple-three hours (sooner if they poop, obviously). Throw them in a bucket or a wetbag until wash day, no soaking required.