1. Why the decision to use cloth diapers?

There are many reasons why more and more families today are choosing cloth diapers. Some of the more common answers to this question have to do with the fact that they are better for the environment, healthier for a baby and of course, there are just as many families that choose to use cloth diapers for economical reasons.

2. Isn't using cloth messy and smelly?

This is the number one reason parents do not try cloth. Many parents have misconceptions about the cleanliness of using cloth diapers, for both themselves and their babies. Messy clean-ups, smelly diapers and wet diaper pails are a constant image that is conjured up when cloth diapers are mentioned. What is important to know is that these are not the cloth diapers of your parents and grandparents generation.

Changing cloth diapers is almost the same as changing a disposable. The main difference between using cloth and using disposables is that you have to WASH cloth diapers after a day or so of diaper changes.

Now, changing cloth diapers is really not very different from using disposable diapers. A diaper change is a diaper change, whether it is paper, plastic or cotton that is going on your baby's bum. Messy is messy and smelly is smelly with cloth or disposables. When your baby is wet you have to remove a diaper, dispose of a diaper (it's just as easy to toss in a diaper pail!) and clean up your baby's behind. Then, you have to put on a clean diaper. This process is the same for both cloth and disposables.

3. A wet change is easy, what about messy diaper changes?

What do you do about a SOILED diaper?

The only extra steps involved in changing cloth diapers vs. disposable diapers are in the washing of the cloth itself. If your baby only has a WET diaper, just toss the cloth diaper in a dry diaper pail or diaper bag. For a soiled diaper you need to shake the solids from the diaper into the toilet (a 2-10 second process - no need to dunk, swirl or scrub!) and toss the diaper in the diaper pail. This is the same step all messy diapers should receive both cloth and disposables, (but how many read the fine print on the disposable packaging).

We realize that not all solids can be dumped! Infants and/or breastfed babies are notorious for having runny solids, similar in consistency to peanut butter. You still have to clean your baby, just the same, whether dressed in paper or in cloth. The extra step with cloth diapers is that you will either remove your disposable diaper liner and toss in the toilet (just turn the diaper upside down and it will fall in), or, take that messy diaper to the toilet and SPRAY! A diaper sprayer is easy to use.

Never dunk a diaper in the toilet or touch any mess. Once you've sprayed your diaper clean (yes, it really works!) just drop it into the diaper pail that you've placed conveniently beside the toilet. No mess, no fuss, NO WASTE!

4. So what about the laundry?

Many parents think that using cloth diapers is more work than using disposables because of the added laundry involved. It really is not that much extra work. Yes, you will have to dump your diapers into the washing machine, add soap and turn it on. Then you will have to move your diapers from the washer to the dryer in about 30 minutes. When dry, all of your cloth diapers can be tossed into a basket and set next to your changing area. This didn’t take much of your time because the washer and dryer took care of the rest.

The number of extra loads of laundry depends on the number of diapers you buy. Generally, you will be doing about two extra loads per week of diapers.

5. Don't cloth diapers smell bad?

Both cloth and disposable diapers smell. If your diapers smell after washing, there may be something wrong with your washing routine. A typical reason for odors with cloth diapers is due to a build-up of detergent within the fabric and fibers. Proper and complete cleansing is essential to avoid detergent build-up and odor retention. A few things that can affect how clean your diapers are getting include water type, water temperature, type of detergent and even the type of washing machine. If you are experiencing problems, usually a small change to your washing routine will solve the issues.

6. Do I have to touch dirty diapers?

You will not have to touch the diaper any more than you would a disposable. If you are exclusively breastfeeding, solids are water-soluble and will wash out in your washing machine just like yogurt. It does not sound pretty, but at least you do not have to touch anything different than you would if you were using disposables. If you are not breastfeeding, you will want a diapers shower. The Mini Shower Diaper Sprayer is one incredible piece of equipment. It attaches easily to your toilet and is virtually unnoticeable. You simply spray your soiled diapers right into the toilet. With a Mini Shower, you will never need to stick your hand in the toilet water.

7. Where do I start?

This is where LooRoos can help. We will answer all of your questions and concerns. You may contact us by phone or via email at customerservice@looroos.com. We will discuss the benefits of snap or Velcro closures and whether organic with a diaper cover or the all in one, is right for you. The bottom line when choosing which kind of cloth diapers your family uses is that it is a personal choice, and cloth diapers are a good choice for any family.

Then all you will need is a diaper pail (or garbage can) washing supplies and for older non breast-fed only babies a mini shower.

Remember, cloth diapering does not have to be an all or nothing endeavor. Some parents use cloth full-time and some use cloth part-time. It takes very little money and resources to try cloth; you would spend about the same amount as you would on two weeks worth of disposable diapers.

8. What is the concern about Vinyl (PVC) products?

Vinyl, polyvinyl chloride, or, as it is commonly abbreviated to, PVC, is a widely used plastic. Concerns have been raised in recent years over the costs of PVC to the natural environment and human health. Many Vinyl products contain additional compounds to change the chemical consistency of the finished product. Some of these chemical additives and plasticizers can leach out of these products. Studies on rodents involving large amounts of phthalates have shown damage to the liver, the kidneys, the lungs and the developing testes. A link has also been drawn between the rise in childhood allergies and the off gassing of these phthalates. This is a real concern where babies are involved as their faces, hands and mouths are continuously exposed to these chemicals and harmful compounds. In January, 2006, the European Union placed a ban on six types of phthalates, an endocrine disrupter, that had been used in children's toys over the years, however, no such ban has taken effect here in North America, as of yet. There are many resources online to learn more about PVC and its hazards. All of the products we sell are PVC-free, and we encourage you to shop for Vinyl-free products for your baby.

9. I'm so confused! Where do I start?

First, you need to decide what type of cloth diapering system is right for your family. There is no right or wrong answer here. Just as every family is different, each cloth diapering system, wash routine and accessory used will vary from one family to the next. The bottom line when choosing which kind of cloth diapers your family uses is that it’s a personal choice, and cloth diapers are a good choice for any family. At some point you need to just jump in and get started, and this can easily be done with a small package of about 6-10 different types of diapers and covers to help you learn what will work for you.

Once you’ve decided on which cloth diapers to use, the hardest part is over. Really! Now all you need is a pail (a kitchen garbage pail will do!), basic washing supplies (just detergent to get you started), and, for an older or non-breast-fed baby, your Mini Shower hooked up!

Remember, cloth diapering does not have to be an all or nothing endeavor. Some parents use cloth full-time and some use cloth part-time. It takes very little money and resources to try cloth; you'd spend about the same amount as you would on two weeks worth of disposable diapers. We truly want to help get you started, and help make cloth diapering a success. We are here to answer any of your questions. Cloth diapering really is much easier than most parents realize.

10. Getting Started ~ What do I need?

If you are new to cloth diapering, we recommend trying out a few different things before investing in any one system. We can easily put together a wonderful Starter Package that will give you one of each of the most popular diapers for you to “test the waters” and discover what will work best for your family.

Here is a quick checklist of what you will need to get you started cloth diapering full-time, and washing every other day. You may need to upsize after a few months, depending on the style of cloth diapers you choose, but this is what is required to put your baby in cloth diapers today. The following is the bare minimum you will require for an enjoyable cloth diapering experience!

• 24-36 Cloth Diapers, 24 for a baby that is over 8 months
• 3-6 Diaper Covers (not required if you are using pocket or AIO diapers)
• 24-36 Cloth Wipes
• 2-3 Doublers for naps and use at night
• 1 Diaper Pail

Optional purchases (recommended but not required!):

• 1 Large Wet Bag to use as a diaper pail liner
• 1 Small Wet Bag for outings
• 1 Mini Shower (highly recommended for a non-breastfeeding baby!)
• 1 bottle of wipe spray or solution (we like Druides Protective Oil)
• 1 bottle of Tea Tree Oil

11. A few things to consider when planning what to purchase:

• You will go through more diapers with a newborn than with an older baby or child.
• The average newborn will need to be changed every two hours. You should expect to change at least 10-12 diapers a day.
• If you plan to run laundry daily, you can get away with fewer diapers, although it never hurts to have a few extra on hand. For washing every other day, you should have at least 24 diapers.
• If you exclusively breast-feed, solids are water-soluble and no rinsing or soaking of your diapers is necessary.
• When your baby starts solids, we highly recommend getting a Mini Shower. This is an amazing invention and will be the best $50 you spend while cloth diapering!
• A cloth diaper “stash” is not complete without at least 4-6 prefolds. These are so multi-functional you will find many, many uses for them outside of diapering. They are always handy to have on hand.
• If you want convenience, and ease of use and you don’t mind spending a little more (or at least what you would have spent of disposables!) go for 2-3 dozen Pocket Diapers with Inserts or All-In-One diapers and be done with it!

12. Can you recommend a recipe for cloth wipes?

There are several recipes you can use for cloth wipes. Here is our favourite:

• 2 or 3 drops of tea tree oil.
• 1 tablespoon of Druides Protective Oil
• water

To hold your wipes you can use an empty disposable wipes container or other plastic reusable container.