Traveling with Cloth Diapers

[Wilhemina]

I just had baby #2 (the lovely and large Annabelle) on 11/28 and am using cloth diapers for the first time. LOVE THEM! Only problem so far: I'm not sure how to travel while cloth diapering.

The washing ritual (almost 3 full cycles) seems too involved to do on a weekend trip, but at home I have a diaper pail with borax solution to soak dirties in until wash day. Are they okay just dirty in a dry bag until we get home? What do y'all do?

[milkgoddess]

I travel with then all the time, and even took them camping for a week this past summer. I washed each one out as I changed it, and hung it to dry. It rained the whole time we were camping, so they never truely dried, but I had enough for the whole time, and no stinky diapers to enjoy on the drive home. :D

If you are traveling where there are wash facilities, then just wash each day. if not rinse out as you go and wait until you get home to wash. Also try using a disposable diaper liner, so you can dispose of the poopies:p


good luck , it is possible

[rocketmom]

This past summer we took a trip (drove across the USA and back) for a whole month. I cd the whole way, never once used a disposable. We have also taken many weekend trips.

For the summer vacation (or any other extended vacation) I simply got a rubermaid type storage container that had a lid that fastened down securely and some small plastic garbage bags for liners. I kept the container in the trunk and put diapers into the plastic bag inside of it when they became soiled/wet etc..(I would toss solid poop that would fall off into a toilet). Every few days when we would stop to do regular laundry I would put in a load of diapers in to. (throw away the plastic bag each washing, they get pretty stinky) For the covers I would just hand wash (and let air dry in the car) them at the bathroom sink of gas staions, rest stops, hotels, camp grounds when I would change a diaper and the cover needed washing. I took with my whole supply of diapers, covers, wipes etc..It was very easy and took little to no extra effort for the whole vacation. In fact it was some what of a comfort to have them with us the whole way.

For weekend trips. I simply take with extra plastic bags and a good supply of covers, diapers, and wipes. When diapers get soiled (or wet) I just toss them in the plastic bag and covers in another. When we get home the first thing I do is a load of diapers.

Oh yeah to answer your question- yes, it is ok to just put dirty diapers in a dry bag until you get home. I use a dry pail at home and have never had any problems with the cds.

Hope this helps. If you want more detailed info or have any more questions please email or pm me.

;)

[Bella's Mama]

Hi Ann Marie, Congratulations on your new Annabelle! I have an Annabelle too, born on 07.31.01 You have gotten some great advice from rocketmom and milkgoddess, can't think of anything else to add, just wanted to say Annabelle is a very cool name!
:D

[CarrieBeary77]

When we travel with cloth, it's usually only being out and about for a couple of hours. When we go to Louisiana at the end of the month, we'll be gone for 4 days, so I'll have to be bringing LOTS of dipes! We won't have washing facilities in our hotel.

Since we'll be visiting old friends, I may be able to wash the diapers in someone's washing machine. I'll have to bring our laundry soap, though, since dd is allergic to EVERYTHING except Bi-O-Kleen, from the health food store. I couldn't even use All Free/Clear for her! She gets a horrible, red, blistery, bleeding rash. :( So sad. So we stick with natural stuff as much as possible.

I tell ya, that's one way to cloth diaper! Do it because it's a necessity and not so much just a 'novelty'.

Has anyone ever sent their cloth dipes to housekeeping when staying at a hotel?

[Wilhemina]

Thanks everyone. I will try it next week when I go to Houston for my 6 weeks post-partum check up with my midwife.

Bella's Mama: It seems everyone just loves the name, I get lots of kind remarks about it.

[EmmaJean]

We travel a lot to visit out-of-state family, and I'm wondering how to work out cloth diapers. I haven't been brave enough (or thought it through enough) to bring cloth on the road. We stitch back to disposables. My brother and his wife used to bring the diaper pail with them on trips, but I don't want to lug it around! I guess I could just bring the pail liner... Anyway, any suggestions??? Thanks! Emily

PS Also, what about church?? I usually put a disposable on him before church and then they change him there. Do I dare ask them to put a cloth diaper on him? Should I buy AIOs for this purpose?

[HeatherSanders]

I think that traveling with cloth is as easy as traveling with disposables - especially if you are in a place where you can WASH without having to go to a laundry-mat.

This is what we do.
**We 'pack' our diapers in a rectangular laundry basket, stacking them in neat little rows.
**I fold them before stacking - so they all are ready to put on. That means if there are going to be doublers/stay dry liners, etc. . . in some . . . they are already folded and ready to go.
**Don't forget the covers.
**Pack a squirt bottle of baby wipe mixture and the cloth baby wipes are a 'stack' within the basket in and of themselves.
**Don't forget the pins (We use a little plastic tupperware with a piece of soap in the bottom for them to 'stick' into - makes it easier to 'slide' the pin in the diaper.)
**Oh, and two Large Bummis Nylon Totes (with the drawstring and toggle).
**Place a towel over it all . . . so it doesn't get 'dirty' from all the other stuff that goes in the minivan.

When on the road, we change in the back of the mini-van. Sometimes using the 'top' towel as a changing pad when needed. If you stop at a gas station, the only inconvenience is taking the diaper in to dump it if it is poopy. Otherwise, just throw it in one of the totes, pull the string and get back on the road.

When on the road we always try to take as many AIOs as possible for those 'friends/family' changes. People are fascinated by Fuzzi Bunz and Bumkins . . . no one 'knew' it could be so easy.

When it is time to wash . . . take the bag of dirties - and the clean one and wash away - putting them in the clean bag once clean until you can get them folded again (washing the other nylon tote with the diapers).

As far as churches. Treat it like you would a disposable, don't make it seem like a big deal - and take Fitteds/AIOs/FBs or something 'easy.' Many people truly don't know how to pin, but if they see how easy it is to put on a fitted/AIO or FB, I've noticed they don't seem to mind.

I always show them the nylon tote or Ziplock to put the soiled diaper in, always tell them NOT TO WORRY ABOUT RINSING DIAPERS - I even tell them I WILL RINSE any POOPIES! That usually relaxes them - just to know they can treat it like a disposable. It might be gross afterwards, but they are happy and so, baby will be happy!

We never bought another disposable after we switched to cloth and we have been EVERYWHERE with these. I think more people are sort of 'enchanted' by the idea than grossed-out by it.

[MarigoldB]

hisanders:

May I just say that you are a veritable FOUNT of fantastic experience and information. Have you considered writing a book about cloth diapering? The only one I've seen is "Diaper Changes" but it has nothing anywhere comparable to all the great advice I've seen you dispense on these boards! I'm absolutely serious--I'd buy it for shower gifts in a heartbeat!!

On to my question:

I'm about to go on a weeklong vacation and I'm not sure about laundry conditions. I'm hoping for a laundromat, but if there isn't one what can I do? I can't use disposables or even regular cloth diapers because ds develops a rash if urine sits on his skin for any length of time at all (I use FBs full-time and he's beautifully rash free!) I could probably attempt to figure this out myself, but I'm always up for gleaning from someone else's experience. Why reinvent the wheel?

[flminivanmama]

we just travelled with cloth two weekends in a row and it was so easy!! we packed a small suitcase with the diapers and we did wash every other night. we were lucky that the hotel had a machine on each floor but I would have left dh alone in the room with the kids and ran to the laundromat if it had not

[Glitterbeam]

toh...

no advice about traveling b/c i haven't done it myself yet.
but i just HAD to second the motion that heather should write a cd book!

[mama2simon]

On out last trip across state we went about half cloth/half disposable because we were traveling for my grandfather's funeral and I was just not sure how it was going to go or how I was going to feel (I have only been doing cloth since October). It was a seven hour drive (could have been done sooner but we made more frequent stops to change ds) and we had no problems.

While there I just used a garbage bag from home to store the dirties ~ we were only gone for two nights so I just took enough dipes to make it through without washing. I did end up using some disposables during the funeral and on the ride home so that I would not have to think about changing him as soon as he was wet (I know that it should be the same with disposables, but man can those things hold his pee ;) ). Next time we should be able to make it ALL cloth.

In regards to church, I change him right before we go (our church is only about 5 mins away) and he can usually make it through the hour mass and is ready to be changed before we come home or when we get home. He stays with us during mass :love.

[Bella Babe]

ditto to all the advice re: trips...
About church... my church is really great with the nursury. they give each child a number and flash it up on the screen behind the stage if your child needs you. I just tell the girls there that if she needs a changing to flash her #!! Alot of churches now have some type of convenient system for getting ahold of you so that should be pretty easy if you don't want to have them do it.
I had them do the diaper one time and she leaked really bad on the way home because it was sticking all over the place....
Well they tried at least...
Shelley

[tnrsmom]

Emma Jean, I say just go for it. Once I switched to cloth I decided that disposables would not be an option for us anymore. I have taken them up north to my parents cottage many times. Usually it was only for 2-3 days so I just brought the dirties home to wash but once we planned a 3 day trip and ended up staying for 8. I wasn't sure how my parents would feel about me washing dipes there, they are not that *earthy*. But they really didn't care. I think they know that I will not use disposables so it is not an issue.

As for church, our nursery has a sign on the door that says to leave a diaper bag with a diaper(no cloth). I never discussed it with them. Mass is only an hour long and I leave an AIO and a *dirty* bag. They have never had to change her so I don't know if they even know we use cloth but if they need to call me out of church to change her, I will. I don't think many people would though. Like Heather said, make it easy for them. No rinsing, AIO, and waterproof bag to put the whole thing in.

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by MarigoldB
I'm about to go on a weeklong vacation and I'm not sure about laundry conditions. I'm hoping for a laundromat, but if there isn't one what can I do? I can't use disposables or even regular cloth diapers because ds develops a rash if urine sits on his skin for any length of time at all (I use FBs full-time and he's beautifully rash free!) I could probably attempt to figure this out myself, but I'm always up for gleaning from someone else's experience. Why reinvent the wheel?

Okay, a weeklong vacation to 'where?' Will you stay with family or in a hotel? I know that some small towns do NOT have laundromats, but that really isn't a problem. How long is your trip going to be and what conditions will you be staying in?

I have yet to be placed in a condition where I cannot continue to cloth diaper. If you can wash in a river with Bronner's, you can do it in a tub . . . know what I mean?

Lay out your situation and let's see if we can't give you alternatives.

I love writing and my dh told me I should write a book or a pamphlet of some sort after viewing my two bottom drawers to the file cabinet. I can't throw away ANYTHING that I've researched and I have clippings from magazines, print-outs from medical journals and websites, random information on detergents and trying to collect some more experiences with cloth! (Fly Fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a newborn, anyone?)

[MarigoldB]

Here's the plan:

We'll visit with friends for two days, but we're not staying with them. They're actually old college friends that we haven't seen in 15 years, so I'm not comfortable asking to use their washer. There probably WILL be a laundromat in that town, so that will take care of the first wash day.

After that we're going to Mystic, CT for five days and staying in a Howard Johnson's. I know that most of the town is closed down for the season, but there's a chance that the hotel might have a laundry area. I suppose I could just call and find out! If they don't, the bathtub may be it.

If that's the case, sadly I need directions. The most I've ever handwashed is sweaters and "delicates" neither of which had a generous "deposit" of breastfed poop attached to fleece! That stuff could rival super glue!

Re: writing a book--listen to your husband! The man can see that you've got at least one in you! (P.S. Can you get it done by Christmas? It would take care of some folks on my Christmas list!!):thumb

[HeatherSanders]

WHAT? You don't want to bombard your friend's home that you haven't seen in 15 years with a diaper tote of poopie cd's???? :LOL

I don't blame you - glad to hear there is a laundromat in that town.

As far as Howard Johnson's - you may want to call ahead. I'm doubting they have a laundromat and they are usually pretty darn expensive. I'd ask if they knew of one nearby the hotel.

Otherwise, you can do the whole bath-tub thing, but you need to know from the outset that YOU WILL HAVE TO DUNK FIRST! You can still use a dry-pail system. In hotels, we'll keep the nylon tote to the left or right of the potty and we DO dunk and make sure to try to get as much off and wring the diaper out before throwing it in the tote. If you are using Fuzzi Bunz, pull the prefold or insert out of the cover before you dunk - you won't need to dunk the prefold or the insert with the Fuzzi Bunz. If it is only urine . . . you don't need to dunk.

Do you have a Whole Foods store near you? If so, JUST FOR THIS OCCASION, go pick up some Dr. Bronner's. I prefer the Aloe Vera Baby Mild for diapers or the Tea Tree. You can usually get small 4 oz. bottles for traveling (they are also great for washing up little bodies, hair, faces, hands, you name it - so it won't go to waste).

If you bath wash:

Fill bath with enough cold water to 'cover' dipes and add add baking soda. Let them soak in this 'mix' for about 20 minutes (your pre-soak) and I would 'agitate' them occasionally by swirling them around.

Drain tub, leave diapers be. Fill tub with HOT WATER and squirt in some of the Dr. Bronner's. I would also add about 6 to 8 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil into the running water. It is a natural anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Then, using the diaper, rub it together - or you can use another diaper. The point is to work at each diaper to scrub it clean. There are laundry brushes that you can by at places like Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond, but I haven't ever done this, because hey, my washing machine doesn't do it . . . why would it be necessary.

Drain tub and using cold water, rinse each diaper THOROUGHLY and lay on side of tub. I'm envisioning prefolds and Fuzzi Bunz because that is what we've primarily used on the road, but it will work with any system. Prefolds are the FASTEST TO DRY though - and that is something to take into consideration.

The rinsing is an integral part because Dr. Bronner's is a natural soap and you don't want to have to deal with build-up. If there are any suds, keep rinsing. Oh, and remember when I said a few squirts . . . I didn't mean 'make a bubble-bath!' :)

Wring out your diapers as best you can and then hang them wherever you can . . . covers too. In front of those massive air conditioner blowers is the best place, but wherever you can hang them . . . hang them. We've made make-shift clotheslines across rooms before, layed them over chairs, layed them flat out on towels (but not the carpet, uggh). The bathroom is fine if there is plenty of circulation, but if anyone is going to be showering and steaming it up - that will take more dry time.

I have even done this whole thing to save me a few bucks at the laundromat . . . and then taken the dipes in for a 'dry.'

Most likely you will be able to locate a laundromat, but it just is not impossible to stay away from disposables if you are willing to inconvenience yourself somewhat.

I've written a load here, but if any of it is confusing, pm me and I'll try to be more specific.

Also, you can read more here about Taking Cloth on the Road (http://www.punkinbutt.com/ontheroad.html#ontheroad)

[USAmma]

Okay I have the best travel CD story. I went to India for 2.5 mos and we did cloth (flats no less) for the whole time except plane travel. I even hand washed them in the hotel each night when we were on the road, and strung a line across the room for them to dry by morning (fan on high). Just had to slip this into the thread! :-)

I've also done cloth when on other vacations but sometimes it gets touchy using someone else's washer for dipes. I have used sposies before on trips but really prefer cloth. It's much easier than people think. If you want to save yourself some trouble allow yourself the luxury of flushable liners for the trip, if you don't have fleece lined dipes. It makes life easier.

Darshani

[HeatherSanders]

Darshani, that's right . . . I remember reading your India story! We've never had an overhead fan in a U.S. Hotel, but those stinking air conditioners can blow a mighty gust! I've even safety pinned (didn't have clothes pins with me) to the curtains (with a towel between the curtains and the diapers to keep my dipes clean and dust free).

[USAmma]

Heather, that is so creative, to use the curtains! I never would have thought of that! In India the fans are so powerful that I was afraid they would fly off with the ceiling. It's like being in a wind tunnel.

Darshani

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by USAmma
Heather, that is so creative, to use the curtains! I never would have thought of that! In India the fans are so powerful that I was afraid they would fly off with the ceiling. It's like being in a wind tunnel.

Darshani

Neither did the cleaning lady. Tee Hee!

[EmmaJean]

I just wanted to add that if it's a *decent* hotel (not a roach motel!) they probably have ONE washer and dryer, maybe a combo. The last hotel we stayed in wasn't anything fancy but newer, and it had one small washer and dryer on one floor near the vending machines! I'd just call ahead and ask--if they don't, maybe a nicer hotel down the road would have one! Who cares if you walk in and ask for the washer :)

And I wanted to add that I'm SOOO glad that my OLD thread has been brought back to life. I guess after reading Heather's thorough answer there wasn't much left to say! :) Glad to hear of everyone's experiences. Actually, the nursury ladies LOVE changing James' cloth dipes--they said that's what they raised their kids with and it's no big deal! Yippee!

Emily

[HeatherSanders]

Originally posted by EmmaJean
Actually, the nursury ladies LOVE changing James' cloth dipes--they said that's what they raised their kids with and it's no big deal! Yippee!

Emily

Emily, isn't it the truth that we always 'assume' ahead of time that people will have problems changing diapers in the nurseries at churches or in daycare. I used to NEVER give anyone the benefit of the doubt, figuring everyone around me was too mainstream to 'get it.' I have discovered that by just showing them what I do (cd-wise) with a bit of excitement and making the system easy for them - they usually don't have a problem at all.

Maybe there are more converts out there than we think! HA!